GOOGLE MAPS DIRECTIONS FOR YOUR DUMB PHONE
Get turn-by-turn Google Maps directions by text message on your dumb phone. No smartphone or data plan required.
No credit card required · 25 free credits on signup
2. Turn right onto Park Dr (0.5 mi)
3. Turn left onto Smith St (0.2 mi)
5. Turn right onto Commerce Blvd (0.3 mi)
7. Keep right at the fork (0.1 mi)
Total: 2.0 mi, 7 mins
Credits used: 2 | Remaining: 48
Text your destination. Get directions back.
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Just tried this on my Sonim XP3plus — works very well. I like the summary showing credits used and remaining balance. Will be keeping this.
r/dumbphones member
unprompted comment
The #1 Reason People Go Back to Smartphones?
Navigation.
DumbMaps fixes that. Get Google Maps-quality directions on any phone that can send a text.
Send your start and destination to our number. Use addresses, place names, or saved favorites.
Google Maps calculates turn-by-turn directions in seconds.
Directions arrive as text messages. Optionally with map images for each turn.
Text us your start address and destination. Get turn-by-turn directions back.
Text the DumbMaps phone number with this format: FROM [your starting address] TO [your destination]. DumbMaps sends back turn-by-turn directions via SMS.
Don't know the exact address? Just use the name of your destination.
Restaurants, stadiums, airports, parks — just type the name and we'll figure out the rest. No need to know the exact address for popular public places.
Type Less. Navigate Faster.
Let's be honest: T9 typing sucks, but DumbMaps lets you skip most of it. Save your frequent spots under a short name (e.g. HOME, WORK, GYM), then use that favorite name as either your start and/or ending destination and you'll be on your way.
Your route, your way
Customize any route on the fly. Just add any of these letter flags to the end of your text:
-T / +T avoid or allow roads with tolls-H / +H avoid or use highways-M / +M skip or add MMS mapsVisual directions, step by step
Perfect for downtowns, unfamiliar areas, or last-mile navigation. Just like printed directions... but sent directly to your phone.
Simple Pricing
Buy credits. Use them anytime. No subscriptions.
Start free with 25 credits on signup. No credit card required.
FAQ
How does it actually work?+
What phones does it work with?+
How much does it cost?+
Dumb Maps runs on a simple credit system - no subscriptions, no monthly charges, no surprise renewals. Buy a credit pack once, use it whenever you need it. Your credits never expire.
The math is straightforward: 1 credit = 1 penny. Each text you send costs a small number of credits depending on the type of request (SMS or MMS). Pick a pack based on how much you think you'll use:
| Pack | Price | Credits | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $5 | 500 credits | - |
| Explorer | $10 | 1,100 credits | +10% free |
| Navigator | $20 | 2,400 credits | +20% free |
The larger the pack, the more free credits we throw in - our way of rewarding folks who are all in on the dumb phone life.
How many credits are used for each text message?+
Here is the base credit cost for each message type in the US & Canada:
| Message type | Credits |
|---|---|
| SMS | 2 credits |
| MMS | 5 credits |
This credit system currently applies to the US & Canada only.
How does SMS navigation work?+
We try to send each route in as few SMS messages as possible to save you credits. That usually means combining about 2 steps into a single SMS message.
Since carriers limit SMS to 160 characters, our system tries to keep messages from being split in the middle and fit as many full steps as possible into each message.
For example, a 12-step route would more than likely arrive in 6 different SMS messages, with roughly 2 steps per message.
At the end of every route, you'll also receive one final message with the total credits used and your new balance (this final system message does not cost you any additional credits).
If you do not have enough credits left to cover the full route, we will prompt you to refill first so you do not end up with a route that gets cut off halfway through delivery.
How does MMS maps work?+
An MMS route breaks every turn into an individual MMS message that contains only one turn, instead of combining multiple steps into one text message like SMS. That gives each turn a visual reference, which makes the route easier to follow.
MMS is more expensive than SMS because carriers charge more per MMS. That's why MMS messages cost 5 credits instead of 2 credits.
For example, a 12-step route would be split into 12 separate MMS messages. At 5 credits each, that route would cost 60 credits total.
MMS is currently supported in the US & Canada.
How many credits does a route use?+
Actual usage varies by distance and route complexity. For US & Canada, the rough average is about 6 SMS messages per route, which works out to 12 credits total since each SMS message costs 2 credits.
Here is an approximate breakdown of how many total routes you can expect to get with each plan:
| Plan | SMS trips | MMS trips |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~41 trips | ~16 trips |
| Explorer | ~91 trips | ~36 trips |
| Navigator | ~200 trips | ~80 trips |
Credits are only deducted when a successful route is sent to your phone. If you make a mistake, mistype something, and we can't find directions, none of those messages are charged to your balance.
Can I try it for free?+
Yes! Every new account starts with 25 free credits - no credit card required. That's enough to kick the tires and make sure Dumb Maps works the way you need it to before spending a dime.
Just note that free credits cover standard SMS directions only. The MMS feature - which sends a visual map image straight to your phone - is available with any paid credit pack, since those messages cost quite a bit more to deliver.
Do credits expire?+
What countries are supported?+
What if I need help?+
Do you offer refunds?+
Never Get Lost Again
You're smart enough to ditch your smartphone. Don't let navigation be the one thing that pulls you back.
Sign Up Free →25 free credits. No credit card required.