Does Apple Maps work in China? Features, language and offline

Can Apple Maps be used in China? Yes. Apple lists China mainland for turn-by-turn navigation, traffic and transit in its feature availability page. Apple says the Apple Maps product in China uses the mapping services of Amap Software Co., Ltd., and you need no Apple Account sign-in. Some features, such as Look Around, are not listed for China mainland, so test the app once after you arrive.

Does Apple Maps work in China?

Yes. Apple's iOS Feature Availability page lists China mainland for navigation, traffic and transit. Anyone searching for Apple Maps in China can start with the built-in app. The page refers to iOS and iPadOS 27, so an older iPhone may show a different set of features.

Whose map data does Apple Maps use in China?

Apple says the Apple Maps product in China uses the mapping services of Amap Software Co., Ltd.

The Amap app itself is a separate download. The Amap guide on this site covers how to use it.

Which Apple Maps features are listed for mainland China?

The table below summarises Apple's iOS Feature Availability page. "Not listed" means Apple does not list China mainland for that feature.

Apple lists indoor maps at Beijing Capital, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shanghai Hongqiao (T1 and 2), Shanghai Pudong and Shenzhen Bao'an airports. Hong Kong differs, because Apple lists Hong Kong for Look Around and AR walking directions.

How do you use Apple Maps in China?

Using Apple Maps in China works like anywhere else. Apple says you do not have to sign in with your Apple Account to use Maps in China, and that activity uses random, rotating identifiers not tied to your account.

1. 1Open MapsUse the app that comes with your iPhone or iPad. No extra sign-up is needed.
2. 2Search for the placeType an English name or Chinese characters, for example 地铁站 (metro station), 厕所 (toilet) or 机场 (airport). Keep your hotel name in Chinese characters on your phone.
3. 3Pick a travel modeTap Directions, then choose driving, walking, transit or cycling. Apple lists China mainland for all of them.
4. 4Test one short routeAfter you arrive, try one short route before you rely on the app.

Does Apple Maps show English, Thai or Chinese place names?

Apple's system language list includes Thai, Simplified Chinese and English, but Apple does not say how map labels in China appear in each language. Do not expect every label to be in Thai.

Trip.com says the interface is fully English, most place names are in English and Pinyin search works. MyChinaGuide says labels depend on location, app version and listing. Both are those sites' own views, not Apple statements. Treat English as partial and keep the Chinese names to hand.

Why does Apple Maps say "directions not available"?

Apple's pages do not explain this message. Trip.com says routing, transit and traffic work once you are in mainland China and that directions show as unavailable outside it, tying the Amap switch to your physical location. That is Trip.com's explanation only. Test the app again once you are in China.

Can you use Apple Maps offline in China?

Apple offers offline maps, but says they are not available in all countries or regions, and its guides do not say whether China is included. Look for the Download option and test it with data off.

1. Touch and hold the map until a pin appears, then tap Download.
2. Or tap your picture or initials, then Offline Maps, then Add Offline Map.
3. Apple says offline maps support driving, walking, cycling and transit directions, and that you can turn on Only Use Offline Maps.
4. Turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi, then try one route.

Apple Maps or Amap: which should you use?

The table compares facts only. It makes no claim about which app is more accurate, because no official source compares the two for tourists.

Amap announced Thai in July 2025, while the App Store page does not list it, so check the language list in the app. The Amap guide on this site has the detail. Android users cannot use Apple Maps, because it is an iPhone and iPad app, so they should go to Amap. For Google Maps, see the Google Maps guide on this site.

Why does mobile data matter for Apple Maps in China?

Live navigation, traffic and transit information need an internet connection, while offline maps are a backup you should test before relying on them. No app is guaranteed to load on every eSIM or network, so test on arrival and keep a second app that works in China ready. Choosing a SIM is covered in the China eSIM guide on this site.

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