Accessing Google Maps on Android Auto enhances your driving experience by providing real-time navigation, traffic updates, and hands-free control. You can also easily access turn-by-turn directions, find points of interest, and get alternate routes on your car’s display, making your journey smoother and safer. Fortunately, Google Maps is compatible with Android Auto and comes pre-installed on Android 10 and later models. Those with Android 9 or earlier models need to use the Android Auto app on their phones to configure and add the app. In this article, you will learn how to manage the Google Maps app on your car’s Android Auto.
How to Access Google Maps on Android Auto
Since the Google Maps app comes pre-installed on Android Auto, you can directly access the app without any installation. Turn On your Car and connect the phone to it. Once you get to the home screen, locate the Google Maps app. Tap the app’s icon to run it, and it will load the home page. Remember that you cannot use the Google Maps app on your phone when you are using it on Android Auto.
Note: Ensure your car is in park (P) mode. Android Auto won’t allow you to set a destination while the vehicle is moving.
The home interface of Google Maps on Android Auto provides a simplified, user-friendly view with the options below.
- Voice Command Icon: A microphone icon for activating voice commands, allowing for hands-free navigation control.
- Search Bar: The search box is present at the top; it allows you to input destinations or select from recent searches and saved places.
- Navigation Overview: Displays your current location with easy access to routes, directions, and traffic information.
- Shortcut Icons: Quick access to commonly used features such as Home, Work, Gas Stations, and Restaurants.
Set a Destination Point
1. Search Destination: Hit the Search bar on the home screen and type your destination or select from recent or saved locations.
2. Choose Starting Location: Confirm the current location, and Google Maps will calculate the optimal route with real-time traffic and estimated travel time.
In addition to typing, you can quickly choose destinations from saved locations, categorized places like restaurants or gas stations, or recent searches.
View Traffic Updates
Google Maps also provides live traffic information to help you avoid congestion. The traffic status is represented by different colors along your route, with green indicating clear roads and red showing heavy traffic. On your car’s screen, tap the Google Maps settings icon. Toggle the traffic layer to show or hide live traffic data on your route.
Use Voice Commands for Controlling Google Maps
Voice commands make it easy to manage Google Maps without taking your eyes off the road. To use voice commands to control Google Maps on Android Auto, refer to the steps below.
- Activate Voice Commands: Press the voice command button on your steering wheel, say “Hey Google,” or tap the microphone icon on the Android Auto screen.
- Give Navigation Commands: Dictate your command, such as “Take me to the nearest gas station” or “Navigate to work.” If multiple options appear, select the correct one on the screen.
- Manage Navigation: You can also use commands like “Cancel navigation” or “Stop directions” to control the app hands-free.
Download Google Maps for Offline Use
Google Maps on Android Auto offers an offline map downloading feature. Once downloaded, Google Maps will automatically switch to offline mode when you are in a no-signal area. You can still view the map, get driving directions, and access saved routes, but traffic updates and alternate route suggestions won’t be available until you’re back online.
- Open Google Maps: Launch Google Maps on your phone.
- Search for a Location: Enter the area, city, or region you want to download in the search bar.
- Select Download Option: Once the map area appears, tap the location name at the bottom, then tap the Download button.
- Adjust the Area: Adjust the map area you want to save by zooming in or out, then confirm the download.
- Access Downloaded Maps: To access offline maps, tap your profile icon, go to Offline Maps, and choose the downloaded region.
To download offline maps stored on your phone on Android Auto, refer to the steps below.
Open Google Maps → Click the Settings icon → Choose Privacy Centre → Tap on Offline Maps → Select Auto-download offline maps.
To view the downloaded map, click Offline Maps under the Privacy Centre tab.
How to Fix Google Maps Not Working on Android Auto
If you’re experiencing issues while using Google Maps, follow the below troubleshooting steps to fix it.
- Restart Your Infotainment Device: Try unplugging and replugging the smartphone to refresh the connection.
- Update the Apps: Ensure that the Google Maps app on your phone is up to date. Check the Play Store for any available updates and update the app.
- Check Permissions: Verify that Google Maps has the necessary permissions enabled, such as location access.
- Reset Android Auto: Reset the Android Auto to its default settings and configure the app again.
FAQ
There is no manual option to switch the maps to dark mode. However, it automatically switches to dark mode during nighttime.
Yes, Google Maps on Android Auto features a built-in speedometer, which displays your current driving speed on the screen. You need to enable it manually.
