Ranking updated
Offline apps: what works without internet
No signal in the mountains, a basement stockroom, a flight or a blackout: that is when you find out which apps need the internet. The apps below keep working without it, and most also keep your data on the device. Offline GPS Tracker & Compass navigates on downloaded maps, iRead reads your books aloud offline, and Sklad runs inventory in airplane mode.
How we picked: apps from the Censuus catalogue whose own store description says they work offline or store everything on the device. Features come from each developer’s description.
On the road and outdoors
Offline GPS Tracker & Compass lets you download maps in advance, record routes with live stats and elevation, and save locations, with no account. Download the area before you lose signal. For games that work on a plane, see offline games for iPhone.
Reading, notes and a diary
iRead reads books you already own aloud, with the screen locked. Must Read tracks your reading and keeps the library on the device. PrivNotesPro and Local Journal keep notes and diary entries locally. When everything lives on one phone, make your own backups. See also book tracker apps and note-taking apps.
Health, security and work
Lunavi processes and stores cycle data only on the phone. 2FA: TOTP Authenticator generates login codes without a connection. Sklad keeps products, barcodes and stock levels in a local database and exports to Excel. For apps that are also free of ads, see apps without ads.
| App | What works offline | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Offline GPS Tracker & CompassCensuusApp StoreGoogle Play | downloaded maps, route recording, elevation, compass | hiking, cycling and travel beyond coverage |
| iReadCensuusApp StoreGoogle Play | reads your EPUB, TXT and MOBI books aloud with natural voices | listening to books you own |
| Must ReadCensuusApp Store | book tracker that works without internet, library on the device | readers |
| PrivNotesProCensuusGoogle Play | locally encrypted notes and vector sketches, no servers | private notes on Android |
| Local JournalCensuusApp StoreGoogle Play | local journal with on-device voice recording and transcription | a diary that stays on the phone |
| LunaviCensuusGoogle Play | period and ovulation tracking with no account, ads or cloud | private cycle tracking |
| 2FA: TOTP AuthenticatorCensuusApp Store | two-factor codes generated on the device | logging in without signal |
| SkladCensuusApp Store | stock manager with barcode scanning, Excel export, no server | stockrooms and home inventory |
Frequently asked questions
Which apps work without internet?
Offline GPS Tracker & Compass for maps and routes, iRead for audiobooks from your own files, Must Read for books, PrivNotesPro and Local Journal for notes, Lunavi for the cycle, 2FA: TOTP Authenticator for login codes and Sklad for inventory.
Is there an offline map app with route recording?
Offline GPS Tracker & Compass downloads maps for offline use and records routes with elevation, with no account.
Are offline apps more private?
Often, because the data stays on the device. Check each app’s description, and remember to back up, since a lost phone takes local data with it.