Free up Google Maps storage

Google Maps gets large from offline maps you downloaded, plus map tile cache. Timeline is a separate Google feature. It is not the same as offline maps, and clearing Timeline does not replace deleting offline map packs on this phone.

See how much space Google Maps is using

iPhone

Open the iPhone Settings app.
Tap General > iPhone Storage.
Tap Maps or Google Maps.

Android

Open your phone Settings > Apps.
Tap Maps or Google Maps.
Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

Apple Maps is a different app. This guide is Google Maps.

Delete offline maps

Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture.
Tap Offline maps.
You can also open Maps Settings > Offline maps.
Open a downloaded area and tap Delete.

Offline maps are the usual multi-gigabyte item. Delete regions you no longer travel. You can download a smaller area later when you need it.

Stop Maps from downloading more than you want

Open Offline maps.
Open settings on that screen (or Maps Settings > Offline maps).
Turn off automatic downloads / auto-update if you do not want Maps to refresh large packs on its own.
Prefer download over Wi-Fi only if that switch is shown.

Timeline is separate

Timeline (location history) lives with your Google account, and on some phones in a Timeline section or app. It is not your offline map storage. Editing or deleting Timeline trips does not reliably shrink the Google Maps listing in iPhone Storage or Android Apps.

Photos attached to Timeline usually come from Google Photos. Delete those in Photos if they are using space, not inside offline maps.

Clear Google Maps cache on Android

Open your phone Settings > Apps > Maps.
Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
Tap Clear cache.

This removes temporary tiles. It may not delete named offline map packs. Use Offline maps for those. Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to sign out and reset Maps, including downloaded offline areas.

iPhone does not offer a separate Google Maps cache button. Delete offline maps first, then offload or reinstall if the total stays high.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and Google Maps still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

Lists, saved places, and Timeline stay in your Google account. Offline maps on this phone will need to be downloaded again. Timeline is separate from those offline packs.
Delete the app from your phone.
Restart your phone.
Install Google Maps again from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After Google Maps is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.