Do I need to carry a paper map if I have What3Words on my phone?

Yes, you should. Phone batteries die quickly in cold weather, and you might lose signal in remote areas. A paper map with grid references works regardless of technology failures, which makes it essential for anyone going beyond mobile signal range.

Does What3Words work without phone signal?

Yes. If the app is installed and location services are available, it can use GPS to display a What3Words address without mobile signal. You still need a working phone and a way to communicate the address, and you should cross-check it against an OS grid reference or mapped feature.

Which is better for emergencies - What3Words or grid references?

Use the location format requested by the emergency call handler and provide both if possible. What3Words can be quick to communicate but should be cross-checked; an OS grid reference is widely understood by mountain rescue and can be obtained from a paper map without relying on a phone.

If Things Go Wrong

What3Words vs Grid References

What3Words can display a three-word address using GPS without mobile data, but it still depends on a working phone and should be cross-checked before rescuers rely on it. Grid references work from a paper OS map without signal or battery, but require map-reading skills.

9 August 202610 min read