Google Maps & Android Auto: 9 hidden functions for driving
Anyone who regularly uses Google Maps and Android Auto usually only uses a fraction of the functions that the navigation and map app actually has to offer. We reveal nine gestures and functions that everyone should know.
Tips & tricks for your next trip with Google Map
Summertime is travel time and of course Google Maps should not be missing. In itself, using the app is intuitive and simple, but many practical steps are not clearly marked in the interface, but simply have to be known. The following overview answers the most frequently asked questions about operation and gestures to make your journey more relaxed and safer. Table of contents:
How do I see where I have to go in advance?
A common annoyance with navigation apps is that only the immediate next step is shown. Especially in situations with several turns in quick succession, this means that you can only prepare for a lane change at the last moment. The solution to this is a simple swipe gesture on the large instruction box at the top of the screen. If you swipe to the left, you scroll through the upcoming journey sections; swiping to the right shows the steps you have already taken.
This gesture works reliably on both the smartphone and Android Auto and can be repeated as often as you like in both directions. Since it is not explained anywhere in the interface, it remains hidden from many users for years.
How do I quickly switch to an alternative route?
In traffic jams or unfavorable routes, Google Maps often shows one or more alternative routes on the map with a gray background. What some people don’t know: You don’t have to select this route before you start your journey, but you can switch to it at any time while navigating. All you need to do is tap on the gray line itself or, if it’s a bit fiddly on the screen, on the arrival time of the alternative route displayed next to it. The selected route then turns blue and becomes the new active route.
This function is particularly valuable in the event of a sudden traffic jam or when the app suggests an unnecessarily complicated route (e.g. through a loading zone behind a shop), as an automatic recalculation by Google does not always reliably choose the better option.
Can I rotate or tilt maps while driving?
On your smartphone, you can rotate the map view clockwise or counterclockwise with two fingers to adjust the viewing angle to a confusing intersection or a prominent building. You can also switch between a tilted 3D perspective and the flat top view with a two-finger swipe gesture up or down.
This multi-finger gesture is usually not available on the Android Auto screen because the built-in displays are usually not designed for such touch recognition. If you still want to adjust the view, you should do this on your smartphone before starting your journey or use voice control. To return to the original north orientation or to the standard view related to the direction of travel, all you need to do is tap the compass or center symbol, or simply say “Center to current position”.
What is centering used for and when do I need the button?
Anyone who scrolls over the map while driving, for example to check a detour or a sight, quickly loses track of their own position. The centering function exists precisely for this case, which aligns the view exactly with your own vehicle with a single tap.
The associated symbol is usually located on the right edge of the screen and should become visible every time you move the map manually. If the button does not respond or is not displayed for some reason, the same effect can also be achieved using a voice command, such as “Ok Google, center”. Given the risk of distraction when manually navigating the map while driving, this feature is one of the app’s most important safety mechanisms.
How do I add an additional stop along the way?
Unplanned stops, for example to fill up the tank, have a coffee or take a toilet break, can be made without interrupting the ongoing navigation. As soon as you briefly tap the screen while driving, the “Add Stop” button appears. This function can be used to either search for a category (e.g. gas stations or charging stations) and select from a list sorted by distance, or you can directly tap a point on the map and select “Add stop” there.
However, voice control is much safer: a simple “Add a stop” or directly naming the desired destination (“Find a gas station”) is usually enough, as long as you then only have to choose from a few suggestions. It is generally not advisable to manually enter a complete address while driving – you should stop or ask a passenger to do so
How do I report an accident or traffic obstruction?
Google Maps largely relies on reports from the user community. Using the triangular reporting symbol or the shield symbol that appears during active navigation, a whole range of events can be reported with a single tap. The categories that can be reported include, but are not limited to, accidents, traffic jams and slowdowns, mobile speed cameras, police checkpoints, construction sites, lane closures, objects on the road, flooded or uncleared roads and poor visibility. Please note that the exact offer may vary slightly depending on the country.
After selecting the appropriate category, the report is sent automatically without the need for an exact position – the app simply uses the location at the time of the report. That’s why you should report as soon as possible and not just when you’ve already left the job in question far behind you.
How do I turn off or reduce voice prompts?
If the constant announcements are too much for you, you can choose between three levels using the loudspeaker symbol at the bottom of the screen: full announcements, muted, or an intermediate level that only gives an indication in the event of important events such as accidents, traffic jams or construction sites.
This middle setting is often the most practical choice, especially on well-known routes, as you are not interrupted at every turn but still remain informed about sudden danger spots. Alternatively, the mute function can also be activated completely hands-free using a voice command, for example with “Ok Google, mute voice output”.
Can I share my ride progress with others?
Yes, there is a dedicated function for this, with which the location, route and estimated time of arrival can be shared live with selected contacts. This means that waiting people no longer have to be manually informed about the current status.
This feature is activated by swiping up the information card at the bottom of the screen (with travel time and distance) while navigating. The “Share trip progress” button appears under further options. The function is not only available when driving, but also when navigating on foot or by bike.
Does navigation also work without cell phone reception?
For routes through areas with weak or no network coverage, a specific map section can be downloaded in advance. To do this, tap on the profile symbol, select “Offline maps”, specify the desired area by zooming and moving a selection frame and then start the download.
It is important to know that offline mode comes with some restrictions: traffic information, alternative routes, lane recommendations as well as walking, cycling and public transport navigation are then not available. However, the downloaded map section is usually sufficient for pure vehicle navigation and prevents you from being completely disoriented if there are reception holes. It is advisable to keep at least your own city or region permanently saved in this way.
What should you pay attention to with Android Auto?
Not all of the operating options described work on a vehicle screen in the same way as on a smartphone. Simple swipe gestures such as scrolling through the instruction box, tapping an alternative route or adding a stop can also be used reliably via Android Auto
Multi-finger gestures for map rotation or zooming with two fingers, on the other hand, are often reserved for the smartphone display, as many vehicle screens do not offer correspondingly fine touch recognition. In practice, it is therefore advisable to rely primarily on the large buttons and, above all, on the voice control as soon as you are driving with Android Auto. Almost all of the functions mentioned – from centering the map to adding a stop to muting the announcements – can be activated in this way without touching the screen, making it the safest option while driving.
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