What to install on your iPhone before going off-grid
Last updated 2 June 2026
Before you head somewhere with no signal, set your iPhone up while you still have it: download offline maps, save an offline reference, and keep your essentials available without a connection. On iPhone, Ferdinands Outdoor Companion (FOC) covers the survival-reference part, free and fully on the device.
A short off-grid checklist
- Offline maps for your area, downloaded in advance.
- An offline survival and outdoor reference stored on the device.
- Offline notes with your plan, contacts, and any key info.
- A full charge and a power bank, and Airplane Mode to save battery.
Test each one in Airplane Mode before you leave, so you know it works with no signal.
Where FOC fits
FOC is the reference you keep on the phone: more than 40 articles across nine categories, plus a packing-list generator, a knot guide, and calculators, all on the device. It is free, with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking. Bring a map and compass too; preparation matters more than any single app.
How it compares
| Off-grid essential | Covered by FOC | Needs another app |
|---|---|---|
| Survival and outdoor reference | Yes | n/a |
| Packing and knots | Yes | n/a |
| Offline maps | No | Maps app |
| Offline notes | No | Notes app |
| Price | Free | Varies |
Frequently asked questions
What should I install before going off-grid?
Offline maps for your area, an offline survival reference, and offline notes with your plan. Charge fully and bring a power bank. FOC covers the survival reference, free and offline.
Does FOC work with no signal?
Yes. Everything is stored on the device, so the reference and tools work with no connection.
Is FOC enough on its own?
It is the reference part. Add offline maps and notes, and bring a physical map and compass. Preparation matters more than any single app.
Is FOC free?
Yes. FOC is free with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking.
Related
Sources
This is general reference, not medical, safety, or professional advice. Skills like first aid and foraging carry real risk. In a real emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in the EU, 911 in the US).