The application 2GIS has become an indispensable assistant for millions of users, offering detailed city maps, driving directions and up-to-date information about organizations. However, few people know that all this data - from downloaded regions to route caches - is physically stored on your Androiddevice. Where exactly? How to find them, copy or clear them? These questions become especially relevant when it comes to transferring maps to another smartphone without re-downloading or freeing up memory.

Unlike online services like Google Mapswhere most of the data is downloaded from servers 2GIS actively uses offline storage. This means that city maps, directories of organizations and even search histories take up space in the internal memory or on SD card. But the paths to these files are not always obvious - they are hidden in system folders, and their structure depends on the application version and smartphone model. Next, we’ll figure out how to get there, what can be done with this data, and what you should pay attention to so as not to disrupt the operation of the app.

2GIS data storage structure on Android

The application 2GIS uses a standard data storage scheme: some of the files are in open folders, and some are in protected directories, accessible only through Android data storage scheme: some files are in open folders, and some are in protected directories, accessible only through Root or special tools. The main types of data that take up space:

  • 🗺️ Offline city maps —vector and raster data for display without the Internet.
  • 📚 Organization directories —databases with addresses, phone numbers and work schedules.
  • 🔄 Routes cache —temporary files to speed up path building.
  • 📱 Settings and history —personal data (favorites, recent searches).

Important understand that 2GIS does not store all maps in one place. For example, downloaded regions may be in one folder, and the cache in another. Moreover, with the release of new versions of the application (for example, transition from 2GIS 3.x to 4.x), the directory structure could change. If you are using an older version, the paths may differ!

📊 How often do you update offline maps in 2GIS?
Every week
Once a month
Only when changing cities
Never update

Main paths to 2GIS files on internal memory

Default 2GIS saves data in the internal memory of the device by to the following path:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ru.dublgis.dgismobile/

In this folder you will find several key subdirectories:

Folder Contents Can it be deleted?
files/maps Offline city maps (vector data) Yes, but you will have to download it again
files/cache Temporary files (route cache, preview) Yes, it will be cleared automatically
databases Databases of directories and settings No, it will disrupt the application
shared_prefs User settings (theme, language, favorites) No, personal data will be reset

To see these folders, you will need any file manager (for example, Total Commander, FX File Explorer or built in MIUI/ColorOS). Important: without root access you will not be able to view the contents of folders databases and shared_prefs —they are protected by the system.

⚠️ Attention: If you manually delete the entire folder ru.dublgis.dgismobile application 2GIS will be reset to factory settings you will have to download the maps again and set up your profile. It is recommended to delete only unnecessary regions through the app interface.

How to transfer 2GIS maps to another smartphone

Transferring offline maps from one Androiddevice to another allows you to save traffic and time, especially if you are talking we are talking about large cities (for example, Moscow or St. Petersburg occupy one 300–500 MB each). Here are step-by-step guide:

☑️ Transferring 2GIS maps to a new smartphone

Done: 0 / 4

More details about each step:

  1. Find the folder with maps on the old device: 
    /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ru.dublgis.dgismobile/files/maps/

    Copy it entirely (for example, to a computer or USB drive).

  2. Connect the new smartphone and create a similar path. If there are no folders ru.dublgis.dgismobile install 2GIS and run it at least once so that it appeared.
  3. Paste the copied folder maps to the appropriate directory. If necessary, confirm the replacement of files.
  4. Restart the application. “My cards” without re-downloading.

If the cards do not appear, check:

  • 📌 Are the versions the same 2GIS on both devices (if the gap is large, the storage format may differ).
  • 📌 Does Android block access to the folder (starting from Android 11 there are restrictions on reading sections of other applications).
  • 📌 Are the files damaged when copied (try archiving the folder before transfer).

Storing cards on an SD card: capabilities and limitations

Many users prefer to save heavy data (for example, cards) on SD cardso as not to fill up the internal memory. 2GIS supports this functionality, but with reservations:

  • 🔄 Automatic transfer possible only in manual mode - there is no "Save to SD by default" option in the application settings.
  • 📁 The files will be located by paths: 
    /storage/[SD_CARD_ID]/Android/data/ru.dublgis.dgismobile/files/maps/

    where [SD_CARD_ID] is the unique identifier of your card (for example, 1234-5678).

  • ⚠️ Android limitation: starting from version Android 11, applications cannot freely write data to external drives without explicit permission user.

To manually transfer cards to SD card:

  1. Copy the folder maps from the internal memory to SD to the path specified above.
  2. Delete the original folder maps from the internal memory.
  3. Create symbolic link (required Root or Termux): 
    ln -s /storage/[SD_CARD_ID]/Android/data/ru.dublgis.dgismobile/files/maps /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ru.dublgis.dgismobile/files/maps
⚠️ Attention: If you remove SD card without first deleting the symbolic link, 2GIS may stop working or reset the settings, always disconnect the card through the menu Settings → Storage.

How to clear cache and unnecessary maps

Over time 2GIS accumulates gigabytes of data: outdated versions of maps, route cache, temporary files Cleaning helps to free up. place, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose up-to-date information.

Methods of cleaning:

  • 🧹 Through the 2GIS settings:
    1. Open the application and go to Profile → Settings → Device memory.
    2. Click “Clear cache” - this will delete temporary files without losing downloaded maps.
    3. To delete unnecessary regions, go to My maps and swipe the city to the left.
  • 🗑️ Manually through the file manager:
    1. Delete the contents of the folder /Android/data/ru.dublgis.dgismobile/files/cache/.
    2. Delete unnecessary files from maps (for example, cities that you no longer visit).
  • 🔧 Through Android settings:
    1. Go to Settings → Applications → 2GIS → Storage.
    2. Click “Clear cache” or “Delete data” (the second option will reset all settings!).

    If you delete cards manually, remember:

    • 📌 Files have the extension .dgm (vector maps) or .db (databases).
    • 📌 Deleting a file settings.db in a folder databases will lead to resetting all personal settings.
    • 📌 After clearing the cache, first launch 2GIS may be slower than usual - the application will need time to re-index the data.
      • 💡

      Clearing the cache through the 2GIS settings is the safest way, since the application itself determines which files can be deleted without risking stability.

      Problems with accessing files 2GIS and their solutions

      Sometimes users are faced with the problem of cannot find the 2GIS folder or accessing it. Considerable reasons and ways to eliminate them:

      Problem Possible cause Solution
      Folder ru.dublgis.dgismobile missing The application did not start after installation Open 2GIS at least once
      No access to the folder even with a file manager Restrictions Android 11+ or MIUI/ColorOS Use Root or ADB (see below)
      Card files are damaged Incorrect copying or download failure Delete the folder maps and download the maps again
      Maps are not displayed after transfer Different versions of the application on devices Update 2GIS up to the latest version on both devices

      If the file manager does not show the folder, try the following methods:

      How to access the 2GIS folder via ADB

      Connect your smartphone to a PC with USB debugging enabled (Settings → For Developers → USB Debugging). Open the command line and enter: 

      adb shell

      run-as ru.dublgis.dgismobile
      

      ls /data/data/ru.dublgis.dgismobile/files/maps

      This will allow you to view files without Root, but without the ability to copy them. For full access, you will need superuser rights.

      On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi MIUI or Oppo ColorOS) access to application folders is blocked by default. In this case:

      1. Use the built-in file manager (for example, Mi File Manager), as it has advanced rights.
      2. Activate developer mode and enable the option Do not restrict background activity for 2GIS.
      3. Try alternative managers, for example Solid Explorer (requires setting up access to root folders).

    Security and privacy: what 2GIS knows about you

    In addition to maps, 2GIS stores personal data: search history, favorite places, routes. This information can be sensitive, especially if you share the same device for work and personal purposes. Where and how are they stored?

    • 📍 Search history — in a file search_history.db (folder databases).
    • ⭐ Favorites — in favorites.db (ibid.).
    • 🚗 Routes — cached in files/cache/route_*.
    • 👤 2GIS Account —if you are authorized, the data is synchronized with the company’s servers.

    To delete personal information:

    1. through the app:
      • Go to Profile → Search History and clear it.
      • Delete unnecessary routes in My routes.
    2. Manually:
      • Delete files search_history.db and favorites.db (required Root).
      • Clear folder cache —this will delete temporary route data.
  • Through a 2GIS account:
    • Go to the website 2GIS to your personal account and delete the history in the “My activity” section.
      • ⚠️ Attention: If you sell or give a smartphone to another person, it is not enough to simply delete 2GIS. Be sure to clear the folder ru.dublgis.dgismobile manually —your personal data may remain in it, even after uninstalling the application!

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about storing 2GIS maps

      Can I download 2GIS maps to a PC and then transfer them to my phone?

      No, 2GIS does not provide an official way to download maps to a PC.. All offline data is downloaded only through the mobile application. However, you can copy already downloaded maps from one Androiddevice to another (see instructions above).

      Why do 2GIS maps take up so much space?

      The application stores not only raster images, but also vector data (for scaling without loss of quality), as well as databases of organizations with detailed information (phone numbers, work schedules, reviews). For example, a map Moscow weighs ~500 MB, and taking into account the directory - up to 1 GB.

      How to disable automatic map updates?

      Go to Profile → Settings → Map update and select Only via Wi-Fi or Never. Please note that without updates, the data may become outdated (changes in the road network, new organizations, etc.).

      Can 2GIS maps be used in other navigation applications?

      No, 2GIS file format (.dgm,.db) proprietary and is not compatible with Google Maps, Osmand or Yandex.Maps. However, you can export routes in the format GPX via the "Share" menu.

      What to do if after transferring 2GIS maps crashes?

      Most likely application versions on devices do not matchor the files were damaged during copying. Try:

      1. Update 2GIS on both smartphones to the latest version.
      2. Delete folder maps and download the maps again.
      3. Clear the application cache through the settings Android.