Google Maps makes it easier to get where you are going, whether you are driving across town, walking to a nearby shop, or using public transport. If you have ever wondered how to use Google Maps and felt unsure which button to tap, you are not alone.
The good news is that you only need a few basic steps. You can enter a destination, compare routes, and let the app guide you along the way. This guide explains how to use Google Maps on an iPhone or Android phone, with a few notes for using it on a computer.
What you’ll need
- A smartphone with the Google Maps app installed, or a computer with an internet browser.
- An internet connection to search for places and get current route information.
- Location permission, if you want Google Maps to show where you are and guide you from your current position.
Good to know: Google Maps is available on both iPhone and Android. The screens may look slightly different depending on your device and app version, but the main steps are much the same.
Step 1: Open Google Maps
On an iPhone, find and tap the Google Maps app. On an Android phone, open it from your home screen or app list. If you do not have it, install Google Maps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
You may see a map with a blue dot. The blue dot usually shows your current location, if location access is enabled. A pale blue circle around it indicates that the app is estimating your position.
If Google Maps asks to use your location, choose an option that allows location access while you use the app if you want directions from where you are. You can still search for places without granting location access, but you may need to enter your starting point yourself.
Tip: If the map is showing the wrong area, tap the location button (usually a target or compass-like symbol) to return to your current position. Check your phone’s Location setting if the blue dot does not appear.
Step 2: Search for where you want to go
Tap the search bar at the top of the screen. Type the name of the place, business, street address, or landmark. For example, you could enter a library’s name or a full street address.
As you type, Google Maps may show suggestions. Tap the correct result. Check the address and area before continuing, especially if several places have similar names.
You can also search for a type of place, such as pharmacy or supermarket, to see nearby options.
Step 3: Tap Directions
After selecting a destination, a place information panel appears. It may show the address, opening hours, photos, and other details.
Tap Directions. Google Maps will display route options from your current location, if it can identify it. If it cannot, tap the starting-point field and enter a starting address or place.
Check both the destination and starting point. This is particularly important if you are planning a journey for another person or looking up a route before you leave home.
Careful: A business can have more than one entrance, and a large site may cover a wide area. Check the address and map pin so you do not navigate to the wrong branch or side of a building.
Step 4: Choose how you want to travel
Google Maps usually offers several travel modes near the top of the directions screen. Depending on the area, you may see:
- Driving – routes for cars, including estimated journey times and traffic.
- Transit – buses, trains, metro services, and other public transport.
- Walking – routes on foot.
- Cycling – routes suitable for bicycles, where available.
Tap the icon for the way you plan to travel. Not every mode is available for every destination.
If you are driving, compare the suggested routes. The main route is usually highlighted, while alternatives may appear as lighter lines. Check estimated travel times and traffic. For public transport, check departure times, transfers, and walking sections. Schedules can change, so confirm important details before setting off.
Good to know: The quickest route is not always the easiest one. If you prefer fewer turns, less walking, or fewer public-transport changes, look at the route details before choosing.
Step 5: Start turn-by-turn directions
When you are ready, tap Start for supported navigation modes. Google Maps will begin guiding you. For driving, it gives spoken instructions when voice guidance is enabled and shows the next turn on the screen.
Keep the phone somewhere safe and easy to see without taking your attention away from the road. Set your route before you begin driving. Never handle or read your phone while driving; ask a passenger to help or pull over somewhere safe if you need to change something.
For walking, follow the route on the map and listen for spoken guidance if you have enabled it. Look around and follow real-world signs as well. A map is a helpful guide, but it cannot account for every temporary closure or obstacle.
Step 6: Adjust sound and route settings
If you cannot hear spoken directions, check the sound controls in the navigation screen. Tap the speaker icon to choose a sound setting. Depending on your app version, the choices may include full voice guidance, alerts only, or muted guidance.
Before starting, check route options. Depending on your location and travel mode, you may be able to avoid toll roads, motorways, or ferries. Look for Route options on the directions screen or in its three-dot menu. Choices vary by region.
Tip: If you want spoken instructions, turn up your phone’s media volume before starting. The volume buttons may control different sound types depending on what your phone is doing at the time.
Step 7: Use Google Maps on a computer
You can plan a journey on a computer, too. Open a browser and go to maps.google.com. Enter your destination in the search box, select the correct result, and choose Directions.
Enter your starting point, then select driving, public transport, walking, or cycling if available. Google Maps will show route choices and estimated journey times.
A computer is useful for comparing routes before you leave. For turn-by-turn navigation, use the mobile app.
Troubleshooting common problems
Google Maps cannot find my location.
Check that Location Services or Location is turned on for your phone. Also check that Google Maps has permission to use your location. On iPhone, look in Settings and then Privacy & Security or Location Services. On Android, look in Settings and then Location or App permissions. Menu names vary by manufacturer; Samsung phones may use slightly different wording.
The route seems wrong.
Confirm that you selected the right destination and travel mode. Check whether the starting point is set to Your location or to the address you intended. For a business, compare the address with its official website if you are unsure.
There is no sound.
During navigation, check the speaker icon and make sure guidance is not muted. Turn up the phone’s media volume and check whether audio is being sent to a connected Bluetooth device.
The directions are out of date or the map will not load.
Check your internet connection and update Google Maps through your phone’s app store. Closures and changing traffic can affect route information. Follow local signs if they differ from the app.
You’re ready to plan your next journey
Once you have searched for a destination and tapped Directions, the rest is mostly a matter of choosing your travel mode and following the route. Try planning a familiar journey first so you can get comfortable with the buttons before relying on Google Maps somewhere new.
