When auditing the internal storage or memory card on a device running Android, many users are faced with incomprehensible directories that take up gigabytes of valuable space. One of these frequently encountered folders is mapswithme, the name of which can be confusing for those who do not remember installing the relevant software. This directory is not a system error or a virus, but is a service directory of a popular navigation application.
Inside this container, waypoints, tracks and route caches that you have downloaded are stored, which allow the navigator to work without an Internet connection. Understanding the structure of this folder is critical before deciding to clean it out, as careless deletion can result in lost saved locations and the need to re-download heavy map files. Let's look in detail at what is hidden behind this name and how to properly manage the content. offline maps, waypoints, tracks and route cache, which allow the navigator to work without an Internet connection. Understanding the structure of this folder is critical before deciding to clean it out, as careless deletion can result in lost saved locations and the need to re-download heavy map files. Let's take a closer look at what is hidden behind this name and how to properly manage content.
The origin and purpose of the directory
The folder mapswithme is created automatically when you first install and launch the mobile application Maps.me (formerly known as MapsWithMe). The developers chose this name for the root directory to clearly identify the data that belongs to this particular product and to separate it from the operating system system files. In modern versions, the application can also create a directory with the name com.mapswithme.maps.pro, but the old name is often retained for compatibility or when updating from older software versions.
The main function of this storage is local storage of geographic data. Unlike online maps, which load tile images as you move, this navigator downloads entire regions or entire countries. Offline mode is a key feature of the service that allows you to save mobile traffic and provide navigation in areas of poor network coverage. Without this folder, the application turns into an empty shell, unable to display even the simplest route.
It is worth noting that the data storage structure inside may change depending on the version of the operating system Android. On older versions (before Android 11), the folder was often located at the root of the internal drive. However, the tightening of Google's security policies and the implementation of the concept Scoped Storage forced developers to move data to standard system directories such as Android/data or Android/obb, although a user folder in the root may still be present to store user bookmarks.
⚠️ Attention: If you see the folder
mapswithme, but do not remember installing such an application, check the list of installed apps. Perhaps the navigator was preinstalled by the smartphone manufacturer or installed by one of your family members.
Analysis of the internal contents of a folder
Looking inside the directory, the user will find several subfolders and files with extensions that cannot be opened by standard viewing tools. The largest files are usually with the extension .mwm. These are binary map files containing vector graphics of streets, buildings, terrain and infrastructure. The size of one such file for a large country, for example, Russia or the USA, can reach several gigabytes.
In addition to maps, configuration files and user data are stored here. The folder user_data or files with the extension .kml contain your personal bookmarks, hotels, restaurants and interesting places that you have marked manually. There is also a cache of search queries and thumbnails, which speeds up the interface, but over time it can grow to significant sizes if you do not regularly clean it.
It is important to distinguish between cache files and the files of the maps themselves. The cache can be cleared through the app settings without loss of functionality, while deleting files .mwm will lead to the fact that when you try to open a map of the corresponding region, the application will offer to download it again. Vector data are compressed with a special algorithm, so their size on disk is always less than the total volume of raster images that they replace.
Technical details of the .mwm format
.mwm files are compressed databases containing the geometry of objects and their attributes. They are optimized for fast reading from flash memory and minimizing RAM consumption when rendering.
Is it possible to delete the mapswithme folder
The answer to this question depends solely on your plans for using the navigator in the future. If you use the application regularly, delete this folder strongly not recommended through the file manager. Forcibly erasing the directory will result in the loss of all downloaded maps and personal bookmarks, and the next time you launch the application, it will be forced to create the structure again and require re-downloading the data, which will require time and Internet traffic.
If you decide to completely remove the application from the device, the operating system Android usually offers the option to delete all associated data. If you simply delete the application icon, the folder may remain on the disk as “garbage”. In such a situation, manually deleting a directory mapswithme is a safe and even useful action to free up space. However, make sure that you save important bookmarks by exporting them to the cloud or another format, if such a function is available.
There is an intermediate option: partial clearing. You can go inside the folder and delete only the map files of those regions that you no longer need. For example, if you return from a trip to Europe, you can erase your France or Germany map files, freeing up space but leaving the map of your home region. This allows you to flexibly manage free space without completely losing settings.
Instructions for safely clearing space
The most correct way to free up space occupied by an application is to use the built-in tools of the app itself, rather than third-party file managers. This ensures database integrity and prevents indexing errors. First, open the application and go to the settings menu, where the maps management section is located.
In the “Maps” section you will see a list of all downloaded regions with their size indicated. Here you can selectively remove unnecessary countries or areas. To clear the cache more deeply, use standard Android tools. Go to your phone settings, find the “Applications” section, select Maps.me and click “Storage”. There is a “Clear cache” button available, which will delete temporary files without affecting the maps and bookmarks themselves.
If you decide to act through the file manager, follow a strict algorithm so as not to delete unnecessary things. First, back up your important files if you have them. Then delete only those files whose size you know and are willing to re-download. Do not touch configuration files with extensions .ini or .conf, if you are not sure of their purpose.
☑️ Safe storage clearing
Transferring data to a memory card
For owners of smartphones with a small amount of internal memory, the issue of transferring a heavy folder is relevant mapswithme to an external card microSD. In older versions of Android and the application, this function was supported natively: in the navigator settings, you could specify the path to save maps. However, in modern versions of the system, access to external drives for applications is severely limited by security policies.
If your version of the software allows you to change the save path, you will find this option in the “Maps and Files” section. After selecting an external card, all new downloads will be saved there, and old files will have to be transferred manually through the file manager. When transferring, it is important to preserve the folder structure, otherwise the application will not see the files and will consider them missing.
It is worth considering the speed of the memory card. Navigation requires frequent reading of data from disk. If you are using a slow class map Class 4 or Class 6, map rendering may be delayed and scaling will be slow. For comfortable work, it is recommended to use memory cards of standard UHS-I or higher from trusted manufacturers.
| Data type | File extension | Can be deleted | Impact on operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional map files | .mwm | Yes (if not needed) | Loss of a region map, download required |
| Search and image cache | .cache / temp | Yes | Temporary slowdown search |
| Custom bookmarks | .kml / user_data | No (without backup) | Complete loss of saved places |
| Application configuration | .ini / .conf | No | Reset settings to factory |
⚠️ Attention: The interface and capabilities for transferring data to an SD card may vary depending on the smartphone model and firmware version. In some cases, the system blocks applications from writing to external media.
Solving access problems and errors
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the application does not see the cards, although the files are physically located in the folder. This is often due to changes in access rights in new versions Android. The system could limit application access to the shared folder by moving the data to a protected directory Android/data. In this case, it is recommended to check the permission settings for the application in the phone menu and grant permission to access files and media.
Another common problem is damage to map files after the phone is turned off incorrectly or fails to boot. If the navigator crashes when opening a certain region, try deleting the corresponding file .mwm and download it again. The integrity of the database is critical for the stable operation of the vector engine.
It is also worth mentioning version conflicts. If you updated the application through different sources (for example, first through Google Play, and then installed an APK file from another site), the data paths may change, and the old folder mapswithme will remain unowned, and a new one will be created in a different location. In such cases, you need to manually check both locations and merge the data or remove duplicates.
If the application no longer sees maps after a system update, try finding the “Applications” section in your phone’s settings, selecting Maps.me and clicking “Stop,” and then starting it again. This will forcefully restart the file indexing process.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the mapswithme folder take up so much space even after deleting maps?
Even after deleting the main map files, cache files, logs and thumbnails may remain in the folder and are not deleted automatically. In addition, check if there are files left in hidden system folders Android/obbwhere additional resources of heavy applications are often installed.
Is it possible to rename the mapswithme folder to hide it?
Technically, you can rename the folder through the file manager, but this will lead to the application no longer being found your data and will not work correctly or will constantly prompt you to download the maps again. The application is strictly tied to the directory name in its code.
Where are maps now stored in Android 11 and newer?
In modern versions of Android, application data is often isolated. Maps can be stored along the way Android/data/com.mapswithme.maps.pro/files. Access to this folder through a standard file manager may be limited, requiring special permissions or the use of a PC.
Deleting a folder will delete my saved hotels and routes?
Yes, if you have not synchronized your bookmarks with a cloud account (My Maps or a similar service within the application). User data files are stored locally in this folder. Before deleting, be sure to check the synchronization settings in the profile menu.
I did not install Maps.me, where did this folder come from?
The folder could have been created by a pre-installed system application that you did not use, or by another aggregator application that uses the Maps.me map engine. It is also possible that the application was installed accidentally along with other free software.
The mapswithme folder is a legitimate navigator data storage. Deleting it is safe only if you no longer plan to use this application or have previously saved important bookmarks.