Over the weekend, I discovered myself saying, “I’ve had it with you, Google Maps!” It was a straw-that-broke-the-camel’s-back scenario: The app wasn’t working as anticipated, failing to start out navigation, and the ever-growing klunkiness of the interface was actually attending to me.
Additionally: Got an old car? Android Auto is easy to add: 2 ways, starting at $20
There have been different points that concerned a lake’s identify, however we gained’t get into that. After that proverbial closing straw fell, I instantly put in Waze on my Pixel 9 Professional. I’d used Waze earlier than on earlier Pixel telephones, however for no matter motive, I finished. Now, I used to be decided to make it my default mapping app.
Little did I understand how irritating that might be.
In its infinite knowledge, Google determined it wasn’t going to permit customers to simply set a special app because the default mapping software on the Pixel. It was very straightforward: set up the brand new app, navigate to default apps, and set it as such. That’s not the case after the August Android update. Go to Default apps, and also you gained’t even discover a technique to set a special mapping app as your default.
Additionally: I was a big wireless Android Auto fan, until I tried wired – now I won’t go back
Positive, you can find Waze on the default web page after which select tips on how to open internet hyperlinks for the app, however that doesn’t actually do something to make it your default as a result of it nonetheless doesn’t permit apps like Calendar to open it by default.
Setting Waze because the default mapping app
The trick is straightforward. The very first thing to do is set up Waze by way of the Google Play Retailer. When you’ve executed that, in the event you open Waze, you gained’t be prompted to set it as your default, and also you gained’t discover a means to take action within the Waze settings.
As an alternative, it’s important to first disable Google Maps.
1. Open Apps
Open the Settings app after which faucet the Apps entry.
2. Increase the app listings
You in all probability gained’t see Google Maps listed on the high, until you’ve not too long ago opened it. If not, faucet See all apps to increase the itemizing.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET3. Open the Maps entry
Scroll down till you discover the Maps entry and faucet it.
Additionally: I tested Google Maps vs. Waze to find the best updated navigation app – and this one wins
4. Disable Maps
On the ensuing web page, you’ll see a button labeled Disable. Faucet that entry so it then modifications to Allow.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET5. Set Waze as your default
At this level, the one mapping app Android will pay attention to is Waze. You possibly can check that by opening an tackle from, say, a calendar appointment. Waze ought to robotically open. You may also be prompted to set Waze because the default; in that case, achieve this.
6. Add Waze to Android Auto
To make use of Waze with Android Auto, it’s important to add its icon to the launcher. To do this, go to Settings > Related Gadgets > Connection Preferences > Android Auto > “Customise launcher” and make it possible for Waze is checked. As soon as added, you may then transfer it up within the listing so it’s simpler to entry.
Jack Wallen/ZDNETAnd that’s all there may be to organising a special mapping app because the default.
