Google Maps is constantly evolving, so it remains one of the best tools for directions and navigation. Millions of people use it on a daily basis, but most are not familiar with all the options and controls available. With that in mind, we’ll share some useful Google Maps features below that you probably don’t use.
Over the last few years, Google has turned Maps into an extremely capable app. It’s packed with features like offline browsing, transit times, finding nearby restaurants, and more. It has a lot to offer. These are just a few of the many great tips or features that many don’t know but need to know.
I use Google Maps at least a few times a week, but I often use my voice to prompt for navigation directions. Then turn it off when I’m done. Did you know that there are a number of great features that can make the app even better? Hiding in settings are some of the most useful tools, but many don’t know they exist.
In fact, in March 2017, Google added one of the most requested features to Maps. Which is real-time location sharing. Whether you’re taking a trip or going to a meeting, you can share the journey with people. That way, your family won’t have to ask for an estimated arrival time or check-in to make sure you arrive safely in another state.
Considering that this feature is brand new and just added, not many people know about it. Not to mention there are controls to control the map so it always faces up and north, which I didn’t know until recently. It can be frustrating when the map is spinning and not facing the right direction, so we’ll explain that and a few other features below.
Without further delay, these are some of the best Google Maps features you may not be using but should be.
Save Maps for Offline Use
One of my favorite features for traveling is the savings maps for offline use. Essentially, users can select a large part of an entire city or highway and temporarily save the map to their device. This is extremely useful when traveling out of state or in a place where you know you won’t have cell service.
As you probably know, Google Maps won’t work very well on your phone without 4G LTE or a solid internet and data connection. If that could be an issue, save the map offline. You will have the same zoom options as before and make sure you never get lost.
You can check out this full How-To Guide for more details or watch the video below. It was done a few years ago, but the same steps apply.
Essentially, just see the part you want to record on the screen and press the volume button. Then, when you say “Ok Maps” it will open with the option to download the entire area. Or type in the navigation search bar. Easy enough, right.
Google has increased this to allow huge areas of a map, around 250MB, and they temporarily save on your device for 30 days.
Let the Map Look North and Up
One of the most annoying things when looking at a map or using navigation is the side flip of the map. It throws you off, turns people around, and can be very confusing.
Did you know there is an option hidden deep in the settings to force Google Maps to always look North up, as it should? Well, now you do.
Open Google Maps and swipe from left to right to open the side menu. Then scroll down and choose settings. Internal settings, near the bottom, scroll down again. Now just turn on the labeled option (turn the knob). Now whenever you use Maps, it will look up and in the right direction, making it even easier to navigate or get directions. This should be enabled by default.
Mute Navigation Sound During Phone Calls
Most people these days connect their smartphones to their cars or stereos via Bluetooth. Allowing hands-free calls, music and navigation. Keeping your eyes and hands where they need to be, not on the phone.
If you’ve ever used Maps Navigation and needed to answer a phone call or call a friend for further instructions, you’ve had this problem. During a phone call, the voice instructions for Navigation will continue to play loudly through the car speakers in the background. It makes it hard to stay on a phone call. Or even without bluetooth, it still happens.
Don’t toggle the mute button every time you need it, instead let Maps do it automatically.
Just like our instructions above, go to the Google Maps settings and then the option labeled Navigation Settings. The third option here is voice turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
Simply toggle the switch to the off position and we’re done. You will now have voice instructions for navigation as always, but it will automatically turn off during a phone call and turn back on when you turn it off. Making it easy to navigate and keeping users safe.
Offline Navigation Instructions
Similar to saving maps for offline use, there is another option for full turn-by-turn navigation instructions when we have no internet connection or mobile service. This is much more useful than just saving a map because the app will continue to give you full instructions even without service. Perfect for long distance road trips and the like.
Complete instructions on how to use navigation offline can be found here.
Just search for a place, city or destination. When Maps finds it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. You can save the destination, share it with your friends or start the navigation, but there’s also a big button. Clicking this will save turn-by-turn navigation instructions from your location to your destination. It is very similar to saving the map offline and is extremely useful.
Share Location and ETA
Finally, it is one of the newest and most useful features in Google Maps. The ability to share your location and even your navigation progress in real time with your friends and family. Think about all these questions you encounter while traveling. When will you be here? How far are you? What is your ETA? In fact, did you make it safe?
All these questions can be answered instantly and automatically share your location with a friend or family member. Use this feature instead of replying to messages and taking your eyes off the road. For your sake and for others on the way.
This is the newest feature added to Google Maps. The location may be shared via email, text message, or other means. And it can be shared once, for 15 minutes, or up to three days. Then a family member can see where you are, track your driving in real time, and see the same estimated time of arrival as you. Knowing exactly when to arrive in the city.
When using navigation, you have to swipe from left to right or tap the blue dot (yours and your location) and press . Then choose how long and who it is and send it using the messaging service of your choice. You’re done. Maps will always have an on-screen visual reminder when sharing location, for privacy reasons of course.
Should You Use Them?
And that’s it. These are five extremely useful features that many didn’t know existed in Google Maps. Always turn the map north and up. Save maps or navigation offline so it works without cell service. Don’t let the step-by-step sound drown out your phone calls and share your location with your friends or loved ones.
Whether you want to use these features is up to you. Some may like the map to rotate, but I want it to face north. It’s all about personal preference, but all of these five relatively unknown settings or features can really help users get the most out of Google Maps. Enjoy.
