Google Maps is a feature-rich program that can be used on both iOS and Android devices. It offers everything from real-time location sharing to tips on what to see in your neighborhood. With Google constantly introducing new features, it’s one of the most feature-rich apps available.
Due to Google Maps’ complete compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the mapping app will launch when your iPhone or Android phone is connected if you have either or both of those services set up on the dashboard of your car. You may get into a number of helpful tools in Google Maps on the second screen.
Modify the appearance of your car
The typical blue arrow on the map that indicates your car is not sufficient: Use your phone to look up directions for your trip, then press the symbol with three sliders on the right of the preview card that displays the anticipated travel time. Next, select Driving avatar to change the map’s symbol and color.
Locate a rest area along the route
You’re in luck since you may pause your trip to get groceries, gas, or anything else without losing the detailed navigation that is currently displayed on the screen. Search for the type of place you’re looking for by tapping the magnifying glass icon on the Android Auto journey card that displays the anticipated travel time.
Examples that you can choose with a tap are coffee shops and gas stations. You can tap on any of the possibilities to add the detour to your trip. Google Maps displays the best matches along your current path along with the estimated time it will take. The additional stop you just placed is then incorporated into the step-by-step instructions.
When using Google Maps with Apple CarPlay, things are a little different. You press on the travel card, and then you tap Add stop at the top, which displays a list of recommendations. You can speak out or type in the kind of place you wish to stop at with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As usual, exercise caution when performing any of these tasks while moving.
Change the map’s perspective
There is a compass icon on the right side of Android Auto. To move between three map views—a travel overview, an overhead north-up view, and a 3D perspective view—tap this button. Only 3D and north-up views are available on Apple CarPlay; to access them, hit the travel card that displays the duration of your trip and then the gear icon.
Assist other drivers
A built-in feature of Google Maps is the ability to notify other users of events occurring while driving. To locate Google Maps on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, tap the yellow triangle that represents a danger on the left or right side of the display. You can report a variety of incidents at your area using the new box that appears.
Depending on where you are in the world, the alternatives here will vary significantly, but they usually include Lane Closure, Congestion, and Crash. Google will update its traffic databases to reflect the additional information you’ve supplied if a sufficient number of Google Maps users create the same report in the same location.
Select what is displayed on the screen
Regarding what is depicted on the map, you have choices. You can choose to see the current traffic conditions and a satellite view by tapping the gear icon on your car’s display (Android Auto) or the travel card and then the gear icon (Apple CarPlay). You can also use Android Auto’s 3D buildings view in place of the satellite map.
Tell others about your journey
The folks you’re meeting, whether it’s a family gathering or a business conference, will value knowing when you’ll be there.
However, as of this writing, this is limited to Google Maps on Android Auto. Select Share journey after tapping the three dots on the travel card that displays your expected travel time. A contact list appears, but you can also type or speak to search through the list. Then, as your travel continues, your selected contact may see where you are.
Alter the sound cues you hear
If you are on a route you are quite familiar with or are attempting to listen to a podcast, you may not want Google Maps to tell you every step of the way. You can mute or unmute audio instructions by tapping the speaker icon on the dashboard; you can also select Alerts only on Android Auto.
