40+ hidden Google Maps settings that every user should be taking advantage of

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Google Maps has dozens of settings that unlock hidden options.
• They enhance navigation, battery life, accessibility, privateness, and extra.
• Listed here are the highest suggestions and tips I consider make Maps way more helpful.

I open Google Maps nearly on daily basis to get from level A to level B, discover a restaurant, or examine site visitors earlier than even leaving the home.

However that method barely scratches the floor of what the service can do. After writing about Google Maps for nearly 15 years, I’ve realized firsthand that it is full of hidden settings, menus, and toggles. Many enable you to fine-tune the app to your liking, whereas others unlock new options you most likely did not know existed.

Additionally: How to blur your home on Google Street View – and why you should do it ASAP

Beneath is my grasp record of Google Maps settings, suggestions, and tips each energy consumer ought to know. I’ve targeted on Google Maps for iOS and Android, particularly, however lots of the options do work on the net model as properly.

1. Maintain the map dealing with north

Let’s begin with a typical annoyance: the map not auto-rotating as you progress, making it exhausting to orient your self. If you happen to want to maintain the map dealing with north, go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and activate Maintain map north up.

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2. Keep away from tolls, highways, or ferries

If you happen to want to keep away from tolls, highways, or ferries, whether or not to save lots of money and time or take the scenic route, you may inform Google Maps to keep away from them by default. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and toggle on Keep away from tolls, Keep away from highways, or Keep away from ferries.

3. Use fuel-efficient routes

Who would not wish to save fuel on a visit? If you wish to journey as effectively as doable, inform Google Maps to recommend fuel-efficient routes by default, particularly if arrival occasions are comparable. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and activate Choose fuel-efficient routes.

Additionally: 10 Google Maps settings I immediately change on every new phone – and why

4. Inform Google Maps your automobile kind

Instantly beneath the Choose fuel-efficient routes possibility (Profile icon > Settings > Navigation), you will note a setting so as to add your automobile. Faucet it to set an engine kind (fuel, diesel, hybrid, or electrical) for extra personalised outcomes and route suggestions. For instance, when you drive an electrical automobile, Google Maps can consider your battery wants when suggesting routes and stops.

5. Specify your EV mannequin and charging plug

I am not achieved with electrical automobile options simply but. As talked about earlier, Google Maps can prioritize EV charging stations, however it could additionally tailor outcomes to your actual automobile and charging setup. In Profile icon > Settings > Your automobiles, you probably have chosen Electrical as your engine kind, you may enter your automobile’s make, mannequin, 12 months, trim, and plug or adapter particulars. Google Maps will then filter charging stations particularly to your automobile.

6. Add a number of stops to a route

I usually make stops or run errands throughout a visit, so I attempt to add them to my Maps route not just for navigation assist however to get a extra correct estimated time of arrival. When making a route, faucet the three-dot menu subsequent to your start line, choose Edit stops, and add as many stops as you want. Press and maintain the three-line deal with on stops to reorder, or faucet X to take away one.

7. Set a departure time

This one is essential in order for you an correct estimated time of arrival.

Visitors varies by time of day, so checking a route throughout rush hour can skew your journey time when you plan to go away earlier or later. For instance, when you lookup a drive to Montreal at 4 p.m. however plan to go away in the course of the evening, your estimate shall be off. As a substitute, set a departure time. From the route display screen, faucet the three-dot menu subsequent to your start line and choose Set a departure time.

8. Set a reminder to go away

Must get someplace by a sure time? As a substitute of setting an alarm, you may ask Maps to remind you. From the route display screen, faucet the three-dot menu subsequent to your start line and choose Set a reminder to go away. You’ll be able to select a leave-by and arrive-by time, and Google Maps will consider dwell site visitors to inform you when it is time to go. No different alarm or app required.

9. Activate Glanceable Instructions

You’ll be able to preserve turn-by-turn instructions seen in your lock display screen with out unlocking your cellphone. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and allow Glanceable instructions whereas navigating. This characteristic is beneficial when your cellphone occasions out throughout navigation to save lots of battery, or while you lock the display screen to forestall distractions or unintended faucets, however you continue to wish to look at upcoming turns.

10. Use voice instructions

Typically it’s simpler to say the place it is advisable to go somewhat than kind it out, akin to when your palms are full whereas strolling, or you’re driving in heavy site visitors and may’t safely take a look at your display screen. In these instances, faucet the microphone icon within the Google Maps search bar and say your vacation spot. You’ll be able to ask to seek out fuel, reroute, or seek for locations, together with your property, with out touching the keyboard.

Observe: You’ll be able to change your language at any time by going to Profile icon > Settings > Apps and show > Voice search.

Additionally: 6 Google Maps tricks to try for the navigation app’s 20th birthday

If you happen to’re not in a position to faucet the microphone icon for no matter motive, you may at all times say “OK Google” after which converse your vacation spot. To make use of this fully hands-free characteristic, first allow Entry your Assistant with OK Google in Profile icon > Settings > Navigation.

11. Allow power-saving mode

Google Maps is usually a lifesaver, but it surely can be a battery vampire.

Additionally: I found a free Google Maps alternative that doesn’t track my location (or kill my phone battery)

If you happen to want the app to settle down and go away you some juice to get via the remainder of your day, go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation > Driving choices and activate Energy saving mode. That is solely obtainable when driving, but it surely provides you a easy, low-power map in your lock display screen with key info in-display, like subsequent turns. In accordance with Google, this variation can considerably lengthen your battery.

Sadly, Power saving mode is at the moment restricted to Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Professional, Pixel 10 Professional XL, and Pixel 10 Professional Fold units. Like many Pixel-exclusive options, it might finally roll out to different Android and iOS customers.

12. Present the speedometer and pace limits

I actually love these two options. How usually are you driving someplace new and notice you haven’t seen a pace restrict signal shortly? It occurs to me on a regular basis. Google Maps solves this by displaying the present pace restrict and a built-in speedometer to assist keep away from unintended dashing. Simply go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation, and allow Velocity restrict and Speedometer.

13. Flip off voice over Bluetooth

Hate when Google Maps interrupts the music enjoying via your automobile’s audio system? Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation, and switch off Play voice over Bluetooth. This step forces voice steerage via your cellphone speaker as an alternative of your automobile’s audio system.

14. Make voice steerage louder

If you happen to turned off Bluetooth voice playback however now discover you are having hassle listening to instructions via your cellphone’s speaker, you may enhance the quantity in Google Maps itself. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation > Steering quantity and choose Louder.

15. Get detailed audio cues whereas strolling

Google Maps can present extra frequent and detailed audio steerage whereas strolling, together with landmark-based cues that will help you keep oriented. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and allow Detailed voice steerage.

16. Use Dwell View for AR instructions

That is one other helpful strolling characteristic. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation, and allow Dwell View.

Now, if you are on foot and following instructions in strolling mode, faucet the “Dwell View” button. It makes use of your cellphone’s digital camera and GPS to overlay arrows and instructions onto the true world, which is particularly useful in cities when it’s exhausting to inform which road or route to take. Dwell View even works indoors in some supported malls, airports, and transit hubs.

Additionally: Google’s Gemini 3.1 Pro is here, and it just doubled its reasoning score

Observe: You may as well tilt your cellphone to enter Dwell View mechanically, if enabled beneath Profile icon > Settings > Navigation.

17. Discover accessible locations

Want wheelchair-friendly entrances, restrooms, or parking? Maps can present accessible locations and options straight on the map. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Apps and show and allow Emphasize accessibility data.

18. Use wheelchair accessible transit routes

Google Maps can prioritize elevators over stairs and keep away from inaccessible transfers when doable. When making a route, choose the strolling possibility, faucet Choices (the filter icon), and select Wheelchair accessible routes. You may as well allow this out of your beginning location by tapping the three-dot menu, choosing Choices, and selecting Wheelchair accessible routes.

19. Select a most popular public transit mode

When making a route with public transit, you will have a number of journey modes obtainable, relying in your location. Use the Modes dropdown or faucet Choices (the filter icon) to select from Subway, Prepare, Tram, or Bus. Maps will then prioritize your chosen modes when calculating the route.

20. Change your automobile avatar

Do you know you may change the blue arrow that represents you whereas navigating? Simply change it to a unique icon or shade. For instance, I drive a black Mini and was in a position to choose a automobile avatar that appears very shut to 1.

Go to Profile icon > Settings > Your automobiles > Driving avatar. From there, you may choose considered one of a number of automobile choices, every with a number of colours, or change the arrow shade to make your place simpler to identify at a look.

21. Change to darkish mode (evening mode)

Google Maps allows you to select a Day or Evening shade scheme, or change mechanically primarily based on the time of day. You’ll find this setting beneath Profile icon > Settings > Navigation. Faucet Coloration scheme and choose your desire. This controls whether or not Maps makes use of a darker view throughout navigation, which could be simpler on the eyes if you’re delicate to a vivid display screen at evening.

22. Verify site visitors

Irrespective of the place you’re, you may examine site visitors to your route or present space. On the map, faucet the Layers icon (the stacked squares) within the high proper and choose Visitors. Roads are color-coded: inexperienced for fast-moving site visitors, orange for reasonable site visitors, and purple or darkish purple for heavy congestion. You may as well view typical future site visitors through the use of Instructions and setting a future departure time.

23. Verify parking

One of many issues that stresses me out about touring or going to an occasion is parking. The place do I park? Is there parking close by? How a lot will it value? It’s so anxiety-inducing. However Google Maps may also help. To make use of it to seek out parking, seek for your vacation spot. As soon as the map facilities on it, choose the Parking possibility, normally proven within the options or beneath the Extra filter. 

Additionally: Gemini vs. Copilot: I compared the AI tools on 7 everyday tasks, and there’s a clear winner

If you happen to see the “Ask” button seem, you can even ask Gemini about parking. Both method, the characteristic will present close by garages and plenty, together with their web sites, cellphone numbers, and primary itemizing info, which could be helpful for worrywarts like myself.

24. Save your parking location manually

The subsequent factor I hate about parking is remembering the place I parked my automobile.

I attempt to take a look at indicators and poles and make a psychological notice of the extent and quantity, however when you rush right into a venue to get to your seat, then navigate 20 flooring, 5 hallways, and a number of linked buildings, it’s straightforward to overlook. However once more, good outdated Google Maps may also help.

Faucet the blue dot on the map and choose Save parking. Google Maps will drop a pin so you may navigate again to your automobile later. You may as well faucet the Extra possibility within the place card and choose Set as parking location.

25. Make collections or lists of locations

Discover the small You tab on the backside of your Google Maps display screen? That is the place you may group locations into collections, akin to your favourite eating places, by creating lists. Faucet New record, add a title and outline, then seek for locations and even routes to incorporate.

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You may as well share total lists with others. Faucet the three-dot menu subsequent to an inventory to seek out sharing choices, together with the flexibility to ask collaborators. It is a nice characteristic for coordinating journeys or exchanging suggestions.

26. Save your journeys

The You tab can be the place your saved journeys dwell.

For instance, after I used to journey to Montreal usually for work, I saved journeys round that metropolis so that they’d be straightforward to drag up later. To avoid wasting a visit if you are navigating, enter your vacation spot, begin the route, then faucet Save on the backside of the display screen.

27. Set house and work addresses

Talking of labor, you must set your property and work addresses.

This provides you one-tap navigation and simpler commute planning with out repeatedly typing addresses. This step additionally unlocks extra personalised site visitors updates, group alerts, and search outcomes for close by locations, akin to fuel stations or eating places.

Additionally: Sick of AI in Search? These 7 Google alternatives still put links first

You’ll be able to set these beneath Profile icon > Settings > Location and Privateness > Residence and work addresses.

28. Toggle 3D buildings

Exploring dense metropolis areas could be disorienting. For some folks, having extra visible depth makes the map simpler to grasp. In these instances, turning on 3D buildings may also help. 

Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation settings and ensure Present raised buildings is turned on. After that, change it on from the map itself. Faucet the Layers icon (the stacked squares) within the top-right nook, then choose Raised buildings.

29. Know your layers, like air high quality and satellite tv for pc

The Layers icon (the stacked squares) on the map hides a number of map sorts and particulars. The default Google Maps view is ok and dandy, however I like switching to Satellite tv for pc once in a while. There’s additionally a Terrain possibility for geography or topography nerds.

Additionally: How you can use Google Maps to track wildfires and air quality

Map particulars is the place issues get actually fascinating. I’ve already talked about Visitors and Raised buildings, however you can even change on a Avenue View layer and see air high quality and wildfires in your space by toggling these layers.

30. Customise your models and map scale

Does it drive you bonkers that Google Maps exhibits miles as an alternative of kilometers? You’ll be able to change it. Go to Profile icon > Settings > App and show > Distance models. You may as well set this setting to Automated, which I’ve discovered helpful when crossing the Canadian border. If you happen to return to the App and show display screen, you will note choices to vary temperature models and toggle whether or not the map scale is seen.

31. Obtain maps for offline use

It is 2026, and my hometown nonetheless would not have a single bar of cell service.

It isn’t simply my city both; a lot of upstate New York is a patchwork of useless zones. In different phrases, downloading maps is crucial for me. That method, I can get the place I have to go with out worrying about instructions stalling.

Additionally: Gemini can look through your emails and photos to ‘help’ you now – but should you let it?

To obtain a map, enter your vacation spot, open the Extra choices within the place card that seems, and faucet Obtain offline map. Later, faucet your profile icon, go to Offline maps, and choose any map you want.

Simply bear in mind, offline maps usually expire after a 12 months.

32. Label locations for straightforward entry

Ever discover the little Label icon on the place card that seems after you seek for a vacation spot? I take advantage of it usually. One instance: most summers, I journey a few hours to my sister-in-law’s household camp. I by no means bear in mind the tackle or precisely easy methods to get there, so I created a label for it referred to as ‘Kenzie camp.’ This label provides me an simply searchable title, making it fast to seek out.

Labels even work with voice instructions in Google Maps. To create a label, seek for a vacation spot, then within the place card, choose Add label and enter a reputation. Labels are personal and solely seen to you.

33. Go incognito

You already know Chrome’s Incognito mode? Google Maps has one, too. This mode prevents exercise akin to searches, navigation routes, and site historical past from being saved to your Google Account. To show it on, faucet your profile icon and choose Activate Incognito mode.

34. View, flip off, and delete your timeline

Google Maps has a Timeline characteristic that mechanically saves your location historical past, routes, and visited locations to your Google Account. Do not like that? You’ll be able to flip it off. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Location and Privateness, then flip off Timeline. Beneath that possibility, you can even export your Timeline information, delete all information or a selected date vary, or set it to auto-delete on a rolling foundation when you select to maintain it on.

Interested by what’s in your timeline? You’ll be able to entry it beneath Profile. It’s going to present you journeys and locations from immediately or the previous. You’ll be able to faucet the three-dot menu on the high to entry your Location and Privateness settings for Timeline rapidly or to delete a day.

35. Handle your historical past

There are a few different historical past toggles within the Location and Privateness display screen you must find out about.

The primary is known as Your historical past. It saves your exercise throughout Google websites and apps to present you a extra personalised expertise in Maps. Slightly below it’s a Maps historical past possibility, which saves your searches, instructions, and place views.

Additionally: I let Chrome’s AI agent shop, research, and email for me – here’s how it went

If you choose Your historical past and faucet Flip off beneath Internet and App Exercise, it disables the characteristic but in addition stops your Maps historical past from being saved. If you happen to open the Maps historical past possibility straight, you may delete or auto-delete your previous exercise.

You’ll be able to delete particular person searches or clear every thing.

36. Delete current searches

Are not looking for your companion to see that you just just lately visited their favourite retailer to purchase them a gift? Regardless of the motive, it may be annoying while you faucet the search bar in Maps and your current searches seem. If you happen to swipe from proper to left on any entry, nevertheless, you may rapidly delete it, clearing your current record and maintaining your journey exercise out of sight.

37. Contribute to Google Maps

Ever surprise how Google Maps will get its information? A variety of it comes from folks such as you and me who take the time to contribute. You’ll be able to join the Local Guides program to earn factors and perks, and get early entry to new Maps options by including critiques and images. When you join, open the Contribute tab subsequent to You in Google Maps so as to add images, replace locations, write critiques, and extra.

Earlier than you begin, there are a few switches value figuring out.

Underneath Profile icon > Settings > Location and Privateness, you can find a Restricted Mode toggle that protects your privateness by stopping strangers from following you or viewing your full historical past of critiques, images, and edits. There’s additionally a Seen to companies toggle. When turned off, it stops companies from seeing that you just comply with them, together with your title, photograph, and public profile.

38. Cut back your notifications

Google Maps might be one of many greatest offenders relating to notifications. You get alerts for nearly every thing.

The excellent news is you may fine-tune precisely what Maps notifies you about, whether or not it’s suggestions, instructions, or one thing else. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Notifications and begin toggling choices off or on. I see greater than 20 switches on my display screen, a few of which seem as a result of I’m a Native Information. For instance, I can obtain contribution alerts. I believe I will flip that off.

39. Share your real-time location

Maps allows you to share your dwell location with associates or household in just some faucets. Anybody you share with can see your real-time location on a map, alongside together with your motion and battery degree, till the sharing ends. Go to Profile icon > Location sharing, then select Share location or New share. Then, set how lengthy you wish to share, akin to one hour or till you flip it off.

Additionally: How to share your location on Android quickly – via text or Google Maps

40. Use Avenue View to time journey

You’ll be able to view outdated Google Avenue View pictures of a spot straight in Maps to see the way it has modified over time.

I have a separate guide that walks through how, however the TL;DR is: open Google Maps, seek for an tackle, then faucet the Avenue View preview to enter street-level view. As soon as in Avenue View, search for the See extra dates possibility on the backside of the display screen and faucet it to open a timeline of previous imagery. Choose a month and 12 months to see how the situation appeared when Google’s Avenue View vehicles captured it.

41. Attempt Lens with Gemini

Final however not least, Google Maps now integrates Gemini.

Additionally: You can chat with Google Maps now, thanks to this big AI upgrade – how it works

Accessible via the digital camera icon within the search bar, also called Lens with Gemini, this characteristic allows you to get details about your environment. Faucet the digital camera icon, level your cellphone at a constructing, landmark, or space, and ask a query about what you’re seeing. Gemini analyzes the dwell digital camera view and returns AI-powered summaries concerning the scene in entrance of you.