Does Waze Work Offline?
Waze relies heavily on a live internet connection for:
- Real-time traffic data
- Road closures and accidents
- Speed camera alerts
- Dynamic rerouting
However, once you’ve set your route while online, Waze temporarily caches map data.
This means if you lose connection mid-trip, Waze can:
- Continue basic turn-by-turn navigation
- Display your route and upcoming turns
- Keep showing your location via GPS
But if you deviate from the route or restart the app, it won’t reload new data until you reconnect.
How to Use Waze Offline (Workaround Method)
While Waze doesn’t offer downloadable maps like Google or Apple, you can prepare for limited offline use with this simple method.
Step 1: Plan Your Route While Online
Before your trip, open Waze while connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Step 2: Start Navigation
Begin navigation to your destination. Waze will cache the route, turn data, and nearby streets.
Step 3: Keep the App Running
Don’t close Waze or switch destinations. As long as the route remains active, you’ll have partial offline functionality.
Step 4: Reconnect When Possible
Once your device connects again, Waze automatically refreshes traffic data and rerouting options.
Limitations of Waze Offline Mode
Waze is designed for live connectivity, so when you go offline, several key features stop working. Here’s what to expect:
- Turn-by-turn navigation: Works only for your cached route if you started navigation while connected.
- Real-time traffic updates: Not available offline.
- Alternate routes: Can’t be generated without internet access.
- Accident or hazard alerts: Not available because Waze depends on live user reports.
- Gas prices and reports: These features require an active connection.
- Route changes mid-trip: Waze can’t recalculate if you take a wrong turn.
If you often travel through low-signal areas, using an Eskimo eSIM ensures that Waze remains fully functional with real-time updates wherever you drive.
Why Waze Needs Internet Access
Waze is community-driven. It depends on real-time updates from millions of users to deliver accurate traffic alerts and road information. Without a connection:
- The app can’t receive live reports.
- Your navigation becomes static (no rerouting).
- Many of Waze’s best features are disabled.
Using Waze with Eskimo eSIM
If you travel internationally or drive across regions, an Eskimo eSIM gives you reliable connectivity without expensive roaming fees.
With Eskimo, you can:
- Keep Waze fully functional with live updates
- Switch between networks automatically
- Seamless global coverage, Eskimo connects automatically in 100+ countries
- Unused data never goes to waste with data rollover flexibility.
- Activate once and travel confidently, extended 2-year validity.
FAQs
Can I use Waze without mobile data?
Only partially. Waze can keep your current route active if it’s already loaded, but can’t fetch new directions or traffic updates offline.
How long does Waze keep maps cached?
Cached data lasts for the duration of your navigation session. Once you close the app, the cache clears.
Can I pre-download maps in Waze like Google Maps?
No. Waze doesn’t allow permanent offline downloads.
Does Waze use GPS without data?
Yes. Your phone’s GPS works without internet, but Waze needs data to interpret and display traffic conditions.
How can I use Waze offline effectively?
Start your route while connected to Wi-Fi or an Eskimo eSIM network and keep the app running during your trip.
