Hidden Google Maps Features Everyone Should Use
Google Maps is so popular that it is practically synonymous with navigation. And this is not in vain. But while the app is pretty good with its default settings, if you go deeper you’ll discover a treasure trove of useful features. From easier walking routes to incognito mode, there’s plenty of Google Maps just below the surface.
Always keep the map facing north.
Google Maps tends to point the map in the direction you’re looking. For example, if you’re facing south, you’ll see south at the top of the screen in Google Maps. This works for some people, but can be confusing for others. If you prefer to always keep North at the top of the screen, you can go to Google Maps Settings > Navigation and turn on the Put North at Top option. If your mind is better attuned to paper maps, this tweak may make Google Maps more useful to you.
Check your navigation settings
Too many people find themselves stranded or delayed because they didn’t double-check any changes they might have made to their navigation settings. For example, you may have previously asked Google Maps to avoid toll roads during your trip and forgotten about it. On your next trip, Google Maps will remember your settings and can give you longer or less safe routes (depending on where you are). In some parts of the world, taking an unusual route can be a fatal mistake. That’s why it’s best to review your navigation settings before every long trip, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar place.
Before you go on a trip, tap your profile icon on Google Maps and select Settings > Navigation . In the Route Options section, make sure the options you want are selected. In most cases, you definitely won’t want to avoid highways or toll roads, so it’s best to check these settings periodically.
Get the best walking routes
When you’re a pedestrian, Google Maps sends several audio alerts by default. You can manually force it to send more so you don’t have to constantly look at your phone to navigate. Go to Google Maps Settings > Navigation , scroll down, and turn on Detailed voice directions .
Make accessibility options more visible
Many people need accessibility information to stay top of mind on Google Maps. After all, inadequate accessibility features may make the place inaccessible to some people. While Google Maps generally does a good job of displaying accessibility information, you can make a small change to make it prominently featured in every listing. Go to Settings > Accessibility and turn on Accessible Places .
It’s worth remembering that Google Maps may not always provide accurate accessibility information, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm whether your destination actually has the amenities you need.
Check your content on Google Maps.
Modern Google Maps does not live in isolation. It has access to a lot of information from your Google account, such as your photos, location history, and other Google services. There’s a page in the app’s settings where you can view how this data appears on Google Maps. Go to Google Maps Settings > Personal Content to control what the app can display on your profile. This can be useful if you leave a lot of reviews.
Pause location history
If you don’t want Google Maps to save your location history, tap your profile icon and tap Personal Content . Tap Location History to access Activity Controls . Click the Turn Off button next to Location History to stop Google from recording your locations on Google Maps. You can also click Manage Activity to view all previously saved locations and delete them. Alternatively, you can turn on location history and tap Auto Delete to have Google delete the data after three months.
Incognito mode
By default, Google Maps will continue to record your searches and location data unless you ask not to. Using incognito mode is a quick way to stop some of this tracking. Tap the profile icon and select Enable incognito mode .
Prevent Google Maps from recording your searches
Every time you use Google Maps to search, you can see a list of your recent searches below the search box. If this bothers you, turn off your search history by going to your account settings and turning off the “Save recent searches on this device” option.
Get rid of unwanted notifications
Nobody likes to constantly receive unnecessary alerts on their phone. Google Maps allows you to customize the types of alerts you receive, which is great for saving the notifications you need and eliminating spam. Make this setting by going to Settings > Notifications in Google Maps.
Download maps for offline use
While most of us live in places with fairly decent internet connections, our travels can take us to remote places with less developed infrastructure. If you’re planning a trip to the countryside, it’s a good idea to download maps for offline use. They won’t have the accurate and up-to-date traffic data you’re used to, but it’s still better than getting lost in a place with no cell service.
To download maps, tap your profile icon in Google Maps and select Offline Maps . Then click “Select your map” and you will see a smaller map of the place you are in. Simply hover the blue rectangle over the area you are going to visit and then click Load . Before downloading, Google Maps tells you how much space the downloaded maps will take up on your smartphone. You can use offline maps for 30 days from the date of download.
Plan routes with multiple stops
For longer trips, Google Maps can add stops to your route. Google Maps usually shows the fastest route between two places, but if you plan to visit a few more places along the way, adding it to your route will help you get a more realistic ETA.
First, open Google Maps and get directions. Then tap the three dots icon in the top right corner and select Add Stop . This will allow you to add another location. You can also drag the three horizontal lines icon next to each stop to change the order of the stops.
Set a reminder to leave
Google Maps can also send you notifications around the time you need to leave to help you get to your destination on time. Enter the place you’re leaving and the place you’re going to in Google Maps, then tap the three dots icon in the top right corner and select Set a reminder to leave . You can select when you want to exit from the Send to tab and click Done . Cards will send you a notification at the time you select.
Alternatively, you can go to the “Where to Arrive” tab and select your arrival time at your destination. Google Maps will determine the appropriate departure time to ensure you reach your destination on time and send a reminder accordingly.
Change car icon
When you go on one of these amazing trips, you can quickly add a small but fun element to Google Maps. The default vehicle icon is a blue arrow, but if you tap that arrow you will see other vehicle icons. Choose the one you like and you’re done.
Tell Google Maps which EV outlets you use
Electric vehicle owners have to deal with multiple charging plug standards, and it can sometimes be difficult to find the right types of chargers for your vehicle. You can solve this problem by telling Google Maps what types of charging connectors your EV uses. When you search for chargers, the app will highlight those that use plugs that are compatible with your car. To enable this in Google Maps, go to Settings > EV Settings > Add Plugs .
Set up public transport options
When you enter a destination on Google Maps, you’ll also see a tiny train icon underneath it. By clicking on it, you can check public transport schedules and available routes for your trip. In many places this is quite accurate, but the secret here is the ability to customize this option. To view them, click the “Options” button that appears when you select public transport.
Here you can sort the results by extremely useful filters such as Wheelchair Accessible and Lowest Cost , as well as by preferred modes of public transport.
Disable video autoplay
Google Maps sometimes shows video previews for certain locations. They start playing automatically, but if you want to turn them off, go to Settings > Video Settings and turn off Allow Autoplay .
Share your location in real time
Google Maps also allows you to share your location with others in real time. This may seem a little creepy, but it can be a useful security feature. For example, if you feel unsafe, you can allow close friends or family members to track your location over a period of time. This feature is also useful when you are heading to a friend’s house and he wants to know how far away you are.
To use this feature, tap your profile icon on Google Maps and tap Share Location . If you want to start sharing your location, tap Share Location , and then tap For 1 Hour to choose how long you want to share your location. Finally, you can select one of your contacts from the list or tap More Options to share a link containing your real-time location using other apps.
Find out more about local businesses
If you’re not sure if a local business has the amenities you’re looking for, search for it on Google Maps, swipe right under the business name, and then tap the About tab.
There is a lot of useful information here, such as whether the site is wheelchair accessible, whether the bathrooms are gender neutral, or whether the business is minority-owned.