---
title: "Offline support"
url: "https://audioguidekit.org/docs/features/offline"
description: "How AudioGuideKit works without internet"
lang: "en"
updated: "2026-09-19T16:42:38.209Z"
---

# Offline support

[Docs](https://audioguidekit.org/docs) / Features / Offline support

# Offline support

How AudioGuideKit works without internet

AudioGuideKit is a Progressive Web App (PWA) with offline capabilities. Visitors can download tours for areas with poor connectivity—underground metro stations, remote trails, or historic buildings with thick walls.

## Offline modes

Configure offline behavior in `metadata.json`:

```
{
  "id": "barcelona",
  "offlineMode": "optional"
}
```

| Mode | Behavior | Use Case |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `optional` | Download button shown, streaming also works | Most tours |
| `online-only` | No download button, streams only | Frequently updated content |
| `offline-only` | Must download before starting | Remote locations with no connectivity |

### Optional (default)

-   "Download for Offline" button appears below "Start Tour"
-   Visitors choose to download or stream
-   Best for most use cases

### Online only

-   No download button
-   Tour streams directly from network
-   Use when you don't want stale cached versions

### Offline only

-   "Download Tour" is the primary action
-   Tour won't start until download completes
-   Use for locations with no internet

## What gets downloaded

| Content | Typical Size |
| --- | --- |
| Tour data | ~10 KB |
| Images | ~1-2 MB |
| Audio files | ~50-200 MB |

Audio is the biggest download. A 45-minute tour can be 100MB+. Set expectations in your tour description.

## iOS notes

For the best offline experience on iOS, recommend visitors add the app to their home screen:

1.  Tap Share button in Safari
2.  Select "Add to Home Screen"
3.  Open from the home screen icon

Safari may clear PWA storage when the device is low on space. Home screen apps have better persistence.

## Updating content

When you update tour content and deploy:

-   Tour data (JSON) updates automatically when visitors are online
-   Audio files stay cached until visitors re-download

For audio updates, either change filenames (e.g., `01-welcome-v2.mp3`) or ask visitors to re-download the tour.