Maximize Your Google Maps Experience with these Smart Settings

Always keep the map facing north: Google Maps often aligns the map with your orientation. If you prefer having the north always at the top, navigate to Google Maps settings > Navigation and activate ‘Keep map north up’.

Review your navigation settings: To avoid unexpected detours or delays due to changed navigation settings, it’s advisable to periodically review these settings under Settings > Navigation.

Make accessibility options more prominent: Enable ‘Accessible places’ in Settings > Accessibility to highlight accessibility information prominently for every listing on the app.

Incognito mode: Prevent Google Maps from logging your searches and location data by activating incognito mode.

Pause location history: To stop Google Maps from recording your location history, navigate to Your data in Maps > Location History.

Get rid of unwanted notifications: Customize your alert preferences in Settings > Notifications.

Download maps for offline use: For areas with poor internet connectivity, download maps for offline use via Offline maps in the profile icon.

Plot routes with multiple stops: Simulate your journey more accurately by adding stops to the route.

Set a reminder to leave: Google Maps can notify you when it’s time to leave in order to reach your destination as per schedule.

Change vehicle icon: For a fun tweak, change the default blue arrow vehicle icon.

Tell Google Maps which EV plugs you use: Specify your EV’s compatible charging plugs in Settings > Electric vehicle settings > Add plugs.

Customize public transit options: Tailor your route options with preferences like ‘Wheelchair accessible’ and ‘Lowest cost’.

Disable autoplaying videos: Stop automatic video previews by disabling ‘Allow autoplay’ in Video settings.

Share your location in real time: Share your real time location with selected contacts for safety or coordination purposes through Location sharing.

Learn more about local businesses: Tap the ‘About’ tab after searching for a business to discover useful details like wheelchair accessibility, gender-neutral restrooms, or minority ownership status.