The short answer: open the Google Maps app, search for where you’re going, tap Directions, choose driving, transit or walking, and tap Start. Maps then speaks each turn out loud (Google, Google). To stop, tap Close on Android, or drag up from the bottom and tap Exit on iPhone.
Before your first trip
- Install Google Maps from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Most Android phones already have it.
- Turn on GPS (Location) and let Google Maps use your location and speakers when it asks (Google).
- Set up the route while parked. Use a phone mount so you never hold the phone while driving.
Start navigation
- Open Google Maps.
- Search for a place or tap it on the map.
- Tap Directions at the bottom left.
- Choose how you’re traveling: car, transit, walking and more.
- Alternate routes show in gray. Tap one to switch to it.
- Tap Start (Google, Google).
Voice navigation tells you where to turn, which lane to use, and about traffic or a better route (Google).
Stop navigation
- Android: tap Close at the bottom left (Google).
- iPhone: drag up from the bottom of the screen and tap Exit (Google).
Make the voice louder
- During navigation, check the Sound button at the top right. If it’s muted, tap it and choose Sound (Google).
- Tap your profile picture > Settings > Navigation > Guidance volume and choose Louder (Google).
- Turn up your phone’s own volume. See how to make your phone louder.
- In a car with Bluetooth, set the car’s audio to Bluetooth and turn on Play voice over Bluetooth (Google). On Android, Play test sound in the same menu lets you check it (Google).
Save a map for places with poor signal
- While on Wi-Fi, tap your profile picture > Offline maps.
- Tap Select your own map, move the box over the area you need, and tap Download (Google).
Offline maps give driving directions if your whole route is inside the downloaded area (Google).
Share your trip with family
Tap your profile picture > Location sharing > New share, choose how long (for example, “Until you turn this off”), tap the person, then tap Share (Google). The person needs to be in your Google Contacts. Stop sharing when you no longer need it.
Safety tips
- Enter your destination before you start driving, and pull over to change it.
- If the voice says to turn somewhere that looks unsafe or closed, trust the road signs.
- Share your location only with people you trust (Google).
- Need a ride instead? See how to use Uber and Lyft.
Questions people ask about Google Maps navigation
Why can’t I hear the directions?
Check the Sound button at the top right of the navigation screen isn’t on Mute. Then go to your profile picture > Settings > Navigation > Guidance volume and choose Louder (Google). In a car, turn Play voice over Bluetooth on to hear it through the car speakers, or off to hear it from the phone (Google).
What does “Searching for GPS” mean?
Your phone is trying to get a GPS signal. It can happen in or near a tunnel, parking garage or other place with no signal (Google). Move into the open and wait a moment.
Can I use Google Maps without data?
Yes, for driving, if you download the area first. Tap your profile picture > Offline maps > Select your own map and tap Download (Google). Transit, bicycling and walking directions aren’t available offline (Google).
How do I let family see where I am on a trip?
Tap your profile picture > Location sharing > New share, choose how long, pick the person and tap Share. They’ll also see your phone’s battery level (Google).
Should I pick the gray route?
Gray lines are alternate routes. The blue one is the route Maps suggests based on traffic. Tap a gray line if you’d rather take it (Google).
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