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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Google Maps has dozens of settings that unlock hidden features.
- They improve navigation, battery life, accessibility, privacy, and more.
- Here are the top tips and tricks I believe make Maps far more useful.
I open Google Maps almost every day to get from point A to point B, find a restaurant, or check traffic before even leaving the house.
But that approach barely scratches the surface of what the service can do. After writing about Google Maps for nearly 15 years, I've learned firsthand that it's packed with hidden settings, menus, and toggles. Many help you fine-tune the app to your liking, while others unlock new features you probably didn't know existed.
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Below is my master list of Google Maps settings, tips, and tricks every power user should know. I've focused on Google Maps for iOS and Android, specifically, but many of the suggestions do work on the web version as well.
1. Keep the map facing north
Let's start with a common annoyance: the map not auto-rotating as you move, making it hard to orient yourself. If you prefer to keep the map facing north, go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and turn on Keep map north up.
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2. Avoid tolls, highways, or ferries
If you prefer to steer clear of tolls, highways, or ferries, whether to save time and money or take the scenic route, you can tell Google Maps to avoid them by default. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and toggle on Avoid tolls, Avoid highways, or Avoid ferries.
3. Use fuel-efficient routes
Who doesn't want to save gas on a trip? If you want to travel as efficiently as possible, tell Google Maps to suggest fuel-efficient routes by default, especially if arrival times are similar. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and turn on Prefer fuel-efficient routes.
4. Tell Google Maps your vehicle type
Directly below the Prefer fuel-efficient routes option (Profile icon > Settings > Navigation), you will see a setting to add your vehicle. Tap it to set an engine type (gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric) for more personalized results and route recommendations. For example, if you drive an electric vehicle, Google Maps can factor in your battery needs when suggesting routes and stops.
5. Specify your EV model and charging plug
I'm not done with electric vehicle features just yet. As mentioned earlier, Google Maps can prioritize EV charging stations, but it can also tailor results to your exact car and charging setup. In Profile icon > Settings > Your vehicles, if you have selected Electric as your engine type, you can enter your vehicle's make, model, year, trim, and plug or adapter details. Google Maps will then filter charging stations specifically for your vehicle.
6. Add multiple stops to a route
I often make stops or run errands during a trip, so I try to add them to my Maps route not only for navigation help but to get a more accurate estimated time of arrival. When creating a route, tap the three-dot menu next to your starting point, select Edit stops, and add as many stops as you need. Press and hold the three-line handle on stops to reorder, or tap X to remove one.
7. Set a departure time
This one is crucial if you want an accurate estimated time of arrival.
Traffic varies by time of day, so checking a route during rush hour can skew your travel time if you plan to leave earlier or later. For example, if you look up a drive to Montreal at 4 p.m. but plan to leave in the middle of the night, your estimate will be off. Instead, set a departure time. From the route screen, tap the three-dot menu next to your starting point and select Set a departure time.
8. Set a reminder to leave
Need to get somewhere by a certain time? Instead of setting an alarm, you can ask Maps to remind you. From the route screen, tap the three-dot menu next to your starting point and select Set a reminder to leave. You can choose a leave-by and arrive-by time, and Google Maps will factor in live traffic to notify you when it's time to go. No other alarm or app required.
9. Turn on Glanceable Directions
You can keep turn-by-turn directions visible on your lock screen without unlocking your phone. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and enable Glanceable directions while navigating. This feature is useful when your phone times out during navigation to save battery, or when you lock the screen to prevent distractions or accidental taps, but you still want to glance at upcoming turns.
10. Use voice directions
Sometimes it is easier to say where you need to go rather than type it out, such as when your hands are full while walking, or you are driving in heavy traffic and can't safely look at your screen. In those cases, tap the microphone icon in the Google Maps search bar and say your destination. You can ask to find gas, reroute, or search for places, including your home, without touching the keyboard.
Note: You can change your language at any time by going to Profile icon > Settings > Apps and display > Voice search.
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If you're not able to tap the microphone icon for whatever reason, you can always say "OK Google" and then speak your destination. To use this completely hands-free feature, first enable Access your Assistant with OK Google in Profile icon > Settings > Navigation.
11. Enable power-saving mode
Google Maps can be a lifesaver, but it can also be a battery vampire.
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If you need the app to calm down and leave you some juice to get through the rest of your day, go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation > Driving options and turn on Power saving mode. This is only available when driving, but it gives you a simple, low-power map on your lock screen with key information in-display, like next turns. According to Google, this change can significantly extend your battery.
Unfortunately, Power saving mode is currently limited to Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold devices. Like many Pixel-exclusive features, it may eventually roll out to other Android and iOS users.
12. Show the speedometer and speed limits
I really love these two features. How often are you driving somewhere new and realize you have not seen a speed limit sign in a while? It happens to me all the time. Google Maps solves this by showing the current speed limit and a built-in speedometer to help avoid accidental speeding. Just go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation, and enable Speed limit and Speedometer.
13. Turn off voice over Bluetooth
Hate when Google Maps interrupts the music playing through your car's audio system? Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation, and turn off Play voice over Bluetooth. This step forces voice guidance through your phone speaker instead of your car's audio system.
14. Make voice guidance louder
If you turned off Bluetooth voice playback but now find you're having trouble hearing directions through your phone's speaker, you can increase the volume in Google Maps itself. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation > Guidance volume and select Louder.
15. Get detailed audio cues while walking
Google Maps can provide more frequent and detailed audio guidance while walking, including landmark-based cues to help you stay oriented. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and enable Detailed voice guidance.
16. Use Live View for AR directions
This is another useful walking feature. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation, and enable Live View.
Now, while you are on foot and following directions in walking mode, tap the "Live View" button. It uses your phone's camera and GPS to overlay arrows and directions onto the real world, which is especially helpful in cities when it is hard to tell which street or direction to take. Live View even works indoors in some supported malls, airports, and transit hubs.
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Note: You can also tilt your phone to enter Live View automatically, if enabled under Profile icon > Settings > Navigation.
17. Find accessible places
Need wheelchair-friendly entrances, restrooms, or parking? Maps can show accessible places and features directly on the map. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Apps and display and enable Emphasize accessibility info.
18. Use wheelchair accessible transit routes
Google Maps can prioritize elevators over stairs and avoid inaccessible transfers when possible. When creating a route, select the walking option, tap Options (the filter icon), and choose Wheelchair accessible routes. You can also enable this from your starting location by tapping the three-dot menu, selecting Options, and choosing Wheelchair accessible routes.
19. Choose a preferred public transit mode
When creating a route with public transit, you may have several travel modes available, depending on your location. Use the Modes dropdown or tap Options (the filter icon) to choose from Subway, Train, Tram, or Bus. Maps will then prioritize your selected modes when calculating the route.
20. Change your vehicle avatar
Did you know you can change the blue arrow that represents you while navigating? Just switch it to a different icon or color. For example, I drive a black Mini and was able to select a vehicle avatar that looks very close to one.
Go to Profile icon > Settings > Your vehicles > Driving avatar. From there, you can pick one of several vehicle options, each with multiple colors, or change the arrow color to make your position easier to spot at a glance.
21. Change to dark mode (night mode)
Google Maps lets you choose a Day or Night color scheme, or switch automatically based on the time of day. You can find this setting under Profile icon > Settings > Navigation. Tap Color scheme and select your preference. This controls whether Maps uses a darker view during navigation, which can be easier on the eyes if you are sensitive to a bright screen at night.
22. Check traffic
No matter where you are, you can check traffic for your route or current area. On the map, tap the Layers icon (the stacked squares) in the top right and select Traffic. Roads are color-coded: green for fast-moving traffic, orange for moderate traffic, and red or dark red for heavy congestion. You can also view typical future traffic by using Directions and setting a future departure time.
23. Check parking
One of the things that stresses me out about traveling or going to an event is parking. Where do I park? Is there parking nearby? How much will it cost? It is so anxiety-inducing. But Google Maps can help. To use it to find parking, search for your destination. Once the map centers on it, select the Parking option, usually shown in the suggestions or under the More filter.
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If you see the "Ask" button appear, you can also ask Gemini about parking. Either way, the feature will show nearby garages and lots, along with their websites, phone numbers, and basic listing information, which can be useful for worrywarts like myself.
24. Save your parking location manually
The next thing I hate about parking is remembering where I parked my car.
I try to look at signs and poles and make a mental note of the level and number, but if you rush into a venue to get to your seat, then navigate 20 floors, five hallways, and multiple connected buildings, it is easy to forget. But again, good old Google Maps can help.
Tap the blue dot on the map and select Save parking. Google Maps will drop a pin so you can navigate back to your car later. You can also tap the More option in the place card and select Set as parking location.
25. Make collections or lists of places
Notice the small You tab at the bottom of your Google Maps screen? This is where you can group places into collections, such as your favorite restaurants, by creating lists. Tap New list, add a title and description, then search for places or even routes to include.
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You can also share entire lists with others. Tap the three-dot menu next to a list to find sharing options, including the ability to invite collaborators. This is a great feature for coordinating trips or exchanging recommendations.
26. Save your trips
The You tab is also where your saved trips live.
For example, when I used to travel to Montreal often for work, I saved trips around that city so they'd be easy to pull up later. To save a trip while you are navigating, enter your destination, start the route, then tap Save at the bottom of the screen.
27. Set home and work addresses
Speaking of work, you should set your home and work addresses.
This gives you one-tap navigation and easier commute planning without repeatedly typing addresses. This step also unlocks more personalized traffic updates, community alerts, and search results for nearby places, such as gas stations or restaurants.
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You can set these under Profile icon > Settings > Location and Privacy > Home and work addresses.
28. Toggle 3D buildings
Exploring dense city areas can be disorienting. For some people, having more visual depth makes the map easier to understand. In those cases, turning on 3D buildings can help.
Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation settings and make sure Show raised buildings is turned on. After that, switch it on from the map itself. Tap the Layers icon (the stacked squares) in the top-right corner, then select Raised buildings.
29. Know your layers, like air quality and satellite
The Layers icon (the stacked squares) on the map hides several map types and details. The default Google Maps view is fine and dandy, but I like switching to Satellite from time to time. There is also a Terrain option for geography or topography nerds.
Also: How you can use Google Maps to track wildfires and air quality
Map details is where things get really interesting. I have already mentioned Traffic and Raised buildings, but you can also switch on a Street View layer and see air quality and wildfires in your area by toggling those layers.
30. Customize your units and map scale
Does it drive you bonkers that Google Maps shows miles instead of kilometers? You can change it. Go to Profile icon > Settings > App and display > Distance units. You can also set this setting to Automatic, which I have found handy when crossing the Canadian border. If you return to the App and display screen, you will see options to change temperature units and toggle whether the map scale is visible.
31. Download maps for offline use
It's 2026, and my hometown still doesn't have a single bar of cell service.
It is not just my town either; much of upstate New York is a patchwork of dead zones. In other words, downloading maps is essential for me. That way, I can get where I need to go without worrying about directions stalling.
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To download a map, enter your destination, open the More options in the place card that appears, and tap Download offline map. Later, tap your profile icon, go to Offline maps, and select any map you need.
Just remember, offline maps typically expire after a year.
32. Label places for easy access
Ever notice the little Label icon on the place card that appears after you search for a destination? I use it often. One example: most summers, I travel a couple of hours to my sister-in-law's family camp. I never remember the address or exactly how to get there, so I created a label for it called 'Kenzie camp.' This label gives me an easily searchable name, making it quick to find.
Labels even work with voice commands in Google Maps. To create a label, search for a destination, then in the place card, select Add label and enter a name. Labels are private and only visible to you.
33. Go incognito
You know Chrome's Incognito mode? Google Maps has one, too. This mode prevents activity such as searches, navigation routes, and location history from being saved to your Google Account. To turn it on, tap your profile icon and select Turn on Incognito mode.
34. View, turn off, and delete your timeline
Google Maps has a Timeline feature that automatically saves your location history, routes, and visited places to your Google Account. Don't like that? You can turn it off. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Location and Privacy, then turn off Timeline. Below that option, you can also export your Timeline data, delete all data or a specific date range, or set it to auto-delete on a rolling basis if you choose to keep it on.
Curious about what's in your timeline? You can access it under Profile. It'll show you trips and places from today or the past. You can tap the three-dot menu at the top to access your Location and Privacy settings for Timeline quickly or to delete a day.
35. Manage your history
There are a couple of other history toggles in the Location and Privacy screen you should know about.
The first is called Your history. It saves your activity across Google sites and apps to give you a more personalized experience in Maps. Just below it is a Maps history option, which saves your searches, directions, and place views.
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If you select Your history and tap Turn off under Web and App Activity, it disables the feature but also stops your Maps history from being saved. If you open the Maps history option directly, you can delete or auto-delete your past activity.
You can delete individual searches or clear everything.
36. Delete recent searches
Do not want your partner to see that you recently visited their favorite store to buy them a present? Whatever the reason, it can be annoying when you tap the search bar in Maps and your recent searches appear. If you swipe from right to left on any entry, however, you can quickly delete it, clearing your recent list and keeping your travel activity out of sight.
37. Contribute to Google Maps
Ever wonder how Google Maps gets its data? A lot of it comes from people like you and me who take the time to contribute. You can join the Local Guides program to earn points and perks, and get early access to new Maps features by adding reviews and photos. Once you sign up, open the Contribute tab next to You in Google Maps to add photos, update places, write reviews, and more.
Before you start, there are a couple of switches worth knowing.
Under Profile icon > Settings > Location and Privacy, you will find a Restricted Mode toggle that protects your privacy by preventing strangers from following you or viewing your full history of reviews, photos, and edits. There is also a Visible to businesses toggle. When turned off, it stops businesses from seeing that you follow them, including your name, photo, and public profile.
38. Reduce your notifications
Google Maps is probably one of the biggest offenders when it comes to notifications. You get alerts for almost everything.
The good news is you can fine-tune exactly what Maps notifies you about, whether it is recommendations, directions, or something else. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Notifications and start toggling options off or on. I see more than 20 switches on my screen, some of which appear because I am a Local Guide. For example, I can receive contribution alerts. I think I'll turn that off.
39. Share your real-time location
Maps lets you share your live location with friends or family in just a few taps. Anyone you share with can see your real-time location on a map, along with your movement and battery level, until the sharing ends. Go to Profile icon > Location sharing, then choose Share location or New share. Then, set how long you want to share, such as one hour or until you turn it off.
Also: How to share your location on Android quickly - via text or Google Maps
40. Use Street View to time travel
You can view old Google Street View images of a place directly in Maps to see how it has changed over time.
I have a separate guide that walks through how, but the TL;DR is: open Google Maps, search for an address, then tap the Street View preview to enter street-level view. Once in Street View, look for the See more dates option at the bottom of the screen and tap it to open a timeline of past imagery. Select a month and year to see how the location looked when Google's Street View cars captured it.
41. Try Lens with Gemini
Last but not least, Google Maps now integrates Gemini.
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Available through the camera icon in the search bar, also known as Lens with Gemini, this feature lets you get information about your surroundings. Tap the camera icon, point your phone at a building, landmark, or area, and ask a question about what you are seeing. Gemini analyzes the live camera view and returns AI-powered summaries about the scene in front of you.
Do these settings work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes, most of them do. Menu names and placement can vary slightly between iOS and Android, and at least one feature mentioned in this guide is Pixel-only. Google Maps on the web also includes many of these features, often with similar access points.
Check out Google Maps support if you need help finding a specific setting.
Can I use Google Maps without a Google account?
Yes, but features are limited. Signing in unlocks features like reviews, photos, menus, saved places, and personalized recommendations, while staying signed out keeps Maps focused mainly on directions and prevents location history, saved places, and personalized suggestions. To sign in or out, tap your profile icon in the top right and select or remove your Google account.
You can also switch to another Google account from the Profile screen.
How do I stop Google Maps from saving my location?
Turn on Incognito mode for temporary privacy, or go to Profile icon > Settings > Location and Privacy to manage your timeline and history.
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