Google Maps has evolved beyond its basic navigation capabilities, transforming into a versatile tool for locating prime dining spots, fuel stations, tourist attractions, and more. 

However, Google Maps harbors numerous valuable functionalities that remain inactive by default. In this compilation, we present our preferred features that can amplify your Google Maps adventure. Upon launching the app next time, fine-tune these settings to elevate your exploration with Google Maps.

Sustain a Consistent North-Facing Map Orientation

• Google Maps possesses the inclination to align the map according to your orientation.
• For instance, if you’re facing south, the top of the map in Google Maps will align with the southern direction on your screen.
• Although this suits certain individuals, it can easily bewilder many others. If you belong to the group that prefers maintaining a north-facing orientation on the screen, navigate to the Google Maps settings > Navigation, and activate the “Keep map north up” option.

Evaluate Your Navigation Configurations

• Numerous individuals have encountered being stranded or delayed due to an altered navigation setting.
• For instance, you might have instructed Google Maps to steer clear of toll roads during a journey and then forgotten about it.
• On your subsequent voyage, Google Maps will remember this setting, possibly leading you through extended routes or less secure paths, contingent on your location.
• Before embarking on your journey, click the profile icon within Google Maps and proceed to Settings > Navigation.
• Under “Route options,” ensure the correct preferences are selected.
• Typically, avoiding highways or tolls is not advisable under most scenarios.
• Thus, it’s prudent to periodically review these settings.

Elevate the Visibility of Accessibility Features

Many individuals necessitate clear prominence of accessibility information in Google Maps. After all, insufficient accessibility features could render a location inaccessible for specific individuals. While Google Maps generally does a commendable job of displaying accessibility information, you can make a minor adjustment to accentuate it prominently for each listing you inspect on the app. To access this feature, navigate to Settings > Accessibility and activate “Accessible places.”

 

Activate Incognito Mode

By default, Google Maps retains a log of your searches and location data, unless you explicitly opt out. Engaging the incognito mode expeditiously curtails certain tracking aspects within Google Maps. Access this mode by selecting the profile icon and opting for “Turn on incognito mode.”

Pause Location History

Should you prefer not to grant Google Maps the liberty to monitor your location history, initiate this safeguard by tapping the profile icon and proceeding to “Your data in Maps.” Beneath “Location History,” tap “On.” This action will lead you to the Activity Controls page within your Google account.

Toggle the switch adjacent to “Location History” to deactivate it and select “Pause” to prevent Google from recording your Google Maps locations. Alternatively, you can enable location history but implement an “Auto-delete” feature to prompt Google to eliminate this data after three months.

Minimize Unwanted Notifications

The incessant receipt of superfluous notifications on your device can be irksome. Google Maps extends the option to personalize the types of notifications you receive, empowering you to retain necessary alerts while filtering out irrelevant ones. This adjustment can be executed via Settings > Notifications within Google Maps.

Procure Maps for Offline Usage

Although most of us inhabit regions with reasonably stable internet connectivity, our journeys might lead us to remote areas with less robust digital infrastructure. If you’re prepping for such an expedition, it’s judicious to download maps for offline utilization. Although these maps might lack the most current traffic data you’re accustomed to, they prove advantageous in comparison to wandering aimlessly in an area devoid of cellular reception.

To download maps, access the profile icon within Google Maps and then select “Offline maps.” Subsequently, opt for “Set your own map,” presenting a zoomed-out depiction of your current locale. Adjust the blue rectangle over the intended area to visit and tap “Download.” Before commencing the download, Google Maps discloses the storage space the downloaded maps will consume on your smartphone. You can rely on these offline maps for up to 30 days from the download date.

Craft Routes with Multiple Halts

Since your travel arrangements hinge on Google Maps, consider emulating your journey by incorporating planned stopovers into the route. Although Google Maps typically displays the swiftest route between two points, the inclusion of intermediary stops can facilitate a more realistic estimated time of arrival.

Launch Google Maps and chart your initial route. Subsequently, tap the three-dots icon situated in the upper-right corner and select “Add Stop.” This action enables you to append another location to the route. You can manipulate the three horizontal lines icon adjacent to each stop to reposition it before or after the destination.

Configure Departure Reminders

Google Maps extends the functionality of notifying you when it’s time to set off for your destination to ensure a punctual arrival. Input your departure point and destination into Google Maps, then access the three-dots icon in the upper-right corner and choose “Set a reminder to leave.” Within the “Depart at” tab, specify your desired departure time and confirm. Maps will subsequently issue a notification at the designated time.

Alternatively, you can opt for the “Arrive by” tab and designate your desired arrival time. Google Maps will deduce the optimal departure time to guarantee an on-schedule arrival, dispatching a reminder accordingly.

Personalize Your Vehicle Icon

While indulging in one of your splendid road journeys, you can inject a touch of amusement into Google Maps. The default vehicle icon appears as a blue arrow, but upon tapping it, you will encounter an array of alternative vehicle icons. Choose your preferred one to add a playful element.

Specify Your EV Plug Preferences

Electric vehicle owners encounter the challenge of navigating through various charging plug types. At times, it becomes vexing to locate the appropriate charging points for your particular vehicle. This conundrum can be resolved by communicating your EV’s plug requirements to Google Maps. Upon searching for charging stations, the app will highlight those compatible with your vehicle’s plug. To activate this feature, delve into Settings > Electric vehicle settings > Add plugs within Google Maps.

Tailor Public Transit Choices

Upon entering a destination on Google Maps, you’ll notice a diminutive train icon beneath it. Tapping this icon provides access to check public transport schedules and viable routes for your journey. While this functionality holds significant accuracy for numerous locales, the real essence lies in the customizable nature of these route alternatives. You can unveil these options by selecting public transport and tapping the Options button.

Within this menu, you’re empowered to opt for valuable selections such as “Wheelchair accessible” and “Lowest cost,” aside from your preferred modes of public transit.

Deactivate Autoplay for Videos

Occasionally, Google Maps presents video previews for specific locales, often initiating playback automatically. If this is a feature you’d prefer to disable, navigate to Settings > Video settings and deactivate “Allow autoplay.”

Facilitate Real-Time Location Sharing

Google Maps extends the capability of sharing your location with others in real time. Although this may sound slightly intrusive, it can serve as a vital safety measure. If you’re feeling uneasy, you can grant close friends or family members the ability to monitor your location temporarily. This functionality also proves beneficial when journeying to a friend’s residence, allowing them to track your proximity.