Can I buy an Android phone with no cell service and still use

Answered

hayden_5

April 23, 2020 12:22

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  hayden_5

  April 23, 2020 12:25

  Sorry...using a small keypad and this posted before I finished.

  I am giving a presentation and was asked in advance if one could buy an android phone and never sign up for a cell service but instead just use it in WiFi mode (to install Gaia and to download maps) and then in offline mode while in the field.

  I think the answer is yes but wanted to get a second opinion.

   

  Thanks!

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  Melanie

  April 27, 2020 21:23

  
  Hey @hayden_5,
  
  Absolutely. You can use an Android phone without a cellular data plan for Gaia GPS. The only limitation is that all map downloads need to occur while connected to a WiFi network.  Most importantly any device that you use with Gaia GPS needs to have a GPS chip.
  
  A few other notes about our device recommendations:
  
  

  • Double-check that the device has a built-in GPS and compass. Most phones have them these days.

  • Ensure it runs either: iOS 11 or higher, or Android 5 or higher

  • I would suggest looking for a device with at least 1 GB of RAM, as recording tracks can use up a bit of memory. 2 or even 4 GB is even better.
  • Other users have recommended getting a device with at least 32GB of internal storage to download maps for offline use.

  
  Click the "Help" button at the bottom of the screen, if you have any other questions.

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  hayden_5

  April 27, 2020 23:57

  Thanks Melanie!  

  An additional element I will cover in the presentation is using a bluetooth enabled device (such as a Garmin InReach) to provide GPS signal to a tablet without a GPS chip (eg, an iPad mini).

  Thanks again for confirming!

  Jeff

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