How to Use Offline Maps with No Signal on iPhone

TL;DR

MGRS GPS works off-grid: import your own offline MBTiles raster maps, and core navigation keeps running with no cell signal — an offline indicator always shows your status.

Steps

  1. Prepare an MBTiles raster map of your area.
  2. Import it into MGRS GPS before you head out.
  3. In the field, navigate using device GPS — no cell signal needed.
  4. Watch the offline indicator to know your status.

Why it works this way

The moment you actually need a grid app is usually the moment you have no signal — backcountry, a valley, a dead zone. MGRS GPS is built for that: your own MBTiles maps give you imagery offline, core navigation runs on device GPS alone, and an explicit offline indicator means you’re never guessing whether the map you see is current.

Tips & edge cases

FAQ

Can I bring my own maps? Yes. Import offline MBTiles raster maps so you have imagery where there’s no data.

Does navigation work with no signal? Yes. Core navigation runs offline using device GPS; an offline indicator shows your status.

How do I know if I’m offline? An offline indicator makes your connection status clear at all times.