Mobile navigation has long ceased to be just a convenience and has turned into a vital tool for every smartphone owner. Among the many mapping services, it 2GIS stands out for its detail, especially in large cities of the CIS countries. Understanding how to use the 2GIS navigator on Android will allow you not only to quickly find your way, but also to save traffic and avoid traffic jams thanks to up-to-date data.
The main advantage of this application is its ability to work without an Internet connection, which is critical when traveling to underground parking lots or out of town where there is network coverage. However, for the functionality to be fully realized, you need to properly configure the application to suit your needs. In this article we will look at all the intricacies of working with the interface, voice assistant and route planner.
Installing the application and initial setup
The first step is to download the software from the official Google Play store. The process is standard: find the application by request "2GIS", click the "Install" button and wait until the download is complete. After the first launch, the system will ask you to allow access to geolocation - this is a mandatory requirement for the navigator to work correctly, since it is impossible to build a route without a GPS module.
It is important to immediately select your city so that the current map of the area is loaded. The application will automatically offer to download a map of the city you are in, but you can select any other location manually through the search menu. The size of maps can vary from several hundred megabytes to several gigabytes, depending on the detail of the region.
It is recommended to download city maps only via Wi-Fi so as not to waste mobile traffic, since the files can weigh more than 1 GB.
After downloading the basic data, you should go to your profile settings. Here you can log in using your Google or Apple account, which will allow you to synchronize your favorites between devices. Also in the section Settings → General it is recommended to enable the "Start when the device is turned on" function if you plan to use the phone as the main navigator in the car.
Interface and basic controls
The application interface is designed taking into account the ergonomics of one-handed use while driving. The central place is occupied by the map, on top of which there are floating control buttons. At the bottom of the screen there is a search bar, which is the main tool for interacting with the service. On the right are vertical buttons for scaling and switching display types (diagram, satellite, hybrid).
Clicking on any point on the map opens an object card. It contains comprehensive information: opening hours, photographs, reviews and, most importantly, building entrances. Detailing of entrances is a unique feature of the service, which allows you not to blindly search for the right entrance in a huge shopping center or business park.
- 📍 Geolocation button — instantly returns the map to the user’s position if you accidentally shifted your view.
- 🚌 Transport layers — allow you to display public transport stops, parking lots and road events in real time.
- 🔍 Search - supports not only street names, but also search by organizations, product categories and even house numbers.
At the top of the screen there is a status bar, which displays the current travel time to your favorite location and the battery charge level. The interface fully adapts to the dark theme of the Android system, which reduces eye strain at night.
Building routes for a car
The main use case is building a car route. To do this, enter the destination address in the search bar or select a point on the map. After the object card appears, click the "Routes" button. The system will offer several detour options, taking into account the current traffic situation. Algorithms 2GIS analyze data from thousands of users to offer the fastest route.
Important settings are available in the route building menu. You can add waypoints to plan a complex trip with multiple stops. The function of avoiding toll roads or ferry crossings is also available, which is relevant for certain regions. Pressing the "Start" button activates the navigation mode with voice prompts.
☑️ Check before the trip
While driving, the navigator warns about speed cameras, traffic lights and complex junctions. Voice prompts can be configured in the Settings → Voicesection by selecting your preferred language and voice. If you deviate from the route, the system will instantly rebuild the path, offering a new movement option.
⚠️ Attention: Voice prompts may not work if the system sound is turned off in the smartphone's sound settings or the "Silent" mode is selected. Make sure the media channel is active before starting your trip.
Navigation for pedestrians and public transport
The service is not limited only to drivers. For pedestrians, a mode is available that takes into account sidewalks, road crossings and even stairs. This is especially useful in large cities with complex architecture. When you select the “Walk” mode, the application will pave the way through parks and underground passages, ignoring one-way traffic, which is only relevant for cars.
Public transport mode is a separate powerful tool. 2GIS knows the schedules of buses, trams, trolleybuses and metro. When building a route, the application will show you what time the nearest transport leaves, how many stops to go and where you need to change trains. Data is updated regularly, but may have errors on holidays.
| Parameter | Car | Public transport | Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic accounting | Yes, in real time | Partially (delays) | No |
| Voice prompts | Full | Only the beginning of the journey | No |
| Input details | Yes | Yes (stops) | Yes |
| Offline mode | Full | There are schemes, no schedule | Full |
For users of electric transport (scooters, bicycles) there is a separate profile that avoids steep climbs and areas prohibited for cyclists. This makes the application a universal solution for urban mobility of any type.
Secret taxi mode
In some cities, there is a taxi call button in the transport selection menu. It aggregates offers from different services, allowing you to compare prices without installing a dozen separate applications.
Work offline and save traffic
The key feature for which many choose this navigator is the ability to fully work without the Internet. To do this, you need to download a map of the desired region in advance. Go to the menu, select "Download maps" and find the required city or region. After downloading, all functions, except traffic jams and online search for new organizations, will be available without a network.
Routing, database search and voice navigation are available in offline mode. This is an ideal solution for traveling in regions with unstable cellular coverage or for saving roaming traffic abroad. However, it is worth remembering that information about traffic jams and accidents will not be updated until the connection appears.
To manage memory, use the "Map Manager" function. Here you can delete old, no longer relevant maps of other cities, freeing up space on your device. The application also allows you to update maps in parts, downloading only changes, which significantly speeds up the process and saves traffic.
Offline mode saves battery power better than a constant 4G/5G search connection, since the communication module goes into sleep mode.
Voice control and additional functions
The modern version of the application supports voice control, which allows you to control the navigator without being distracted from the road. Activation occurs by command or by pressing the microphone. You can say “Let’s go home”, “Find a gas station” or “Avoid traffic jam”, and the system will execute the command.
Among the additional functions, it is worth highlighting “Arabian Nights” - a mode that hides the map when the screen is off, but leaves voice guidance working. This is useful when the phone is only used as an audio guide. A location sharing function is also available, allowing you to send a link to your location or destination to your interlocutor in instant messengers.
- 🚗 HUD mode — flips the navigation image to display it on the car windshield (reflection).
- 📅 Calendar of events — displays city events that may block traffic directly on map.
- 🅿️ Parking —shows not only parking spaces, but also their tariffs and operating hours.
Regular updates add new integrations with smart Android Auto and CarPlay devices, making using the navigator even safer and more convenient.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and feature availability may vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and your smartphone model. Some widgets may not be available on older devices.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why doesn’t 2GIS see my GPS and shows the wrong location?
Most often the problem lies in the Android privacy settings. Check whether the application is allowed to access the location in the "Always" or "When using the application" mode. Also make sure that the GPS module is turned on in the quick settings of the phone and, preferably, the high accuracy mode. Sometimes calibrating the compass by moving the phone in a figure eight helps.
How to update maps in 2GIS without reinstalling the application?
If there is an Internet connection, the application usually updates the maps automatically when launched. To force an update, go to the menu, select "Download maps", find the desired city. If a new version is available, an update arrow will appear next to the city name. Click on it to download the latest data.
Is it possible to use the navigator abroad for free?
Yes, maps of most countries in the world are available for free download and offline use. However, the detail (houses, entrances, operating modes) outside the CIS countries may be lower than in Russia or Kazakhstan. The traffic jams feature abroad only works if there is an active Internet connection.
Where are downloaded maps stored and how to transfer them to an SD card?
By default, maps are stored in the internal memory in a hidden folder /Android/data/ru.dublgis.dgls.live/files/dgls3/. In new versions of Android, direct access to this folder is limited. Transferring to an SD card is possible through the settings of the application itself in the "Memory" section, if such an option is supported by your OS version, or during initial installation.