4 highly effective Google Maps customizations hidden in your settings

I nearly switched to a different navigation app as a result of Google Maps was beginning to really feel a bit too primary for my each day drives. I take advantage of it to get round Ahmedabad, discover new locations, and dodge visitors after I’m operating late.

Then I began exploring Google Maps settings as an alternative of simply getting into an deal with and hitting Start.

I’d been overlooking fairly just a few methods to customise the app. From altering my automotive’s icon to adjusting automobile preferences, these choices made me rethink my plan to modify.

So, bye-bye, different apps. Google Maps has greater than sufficient tips to maintain me round.

Ditch the boring blue arrow

Drive round with a McLaren F1

I’m bored with seeing the identical blue arrow each time I take advantage of Google Maps. So after I got here throughout the McLaren F1 automotive icon, I needed to strive it.

Google launched this limited-time icon to have fun the United States Grand Prix. It’s out there till November 23, 2026, so you’ve a bit time to offer it a go.

The orange racing automotive makes my common driving really feel a bit extra enjoyable. It’s a small change, however hey, a minimum of I get to drive a McLaren on Google Maps, even when I can’t afford one in actual life!

Pick the McLaren F1 automotive from the out there choices, and you may even see it in your automotive’s show when utilizing Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

To drive a McLaren, faucet your profile image, go to Settings -> Your autos -> Driving avatar, and swipe by the choices to search out the F1 automotive.

Can’t discover it but? Google is rolling it out regularly, so test once more later.

Give Google Maps a automotive profile

Set your engine sort for smarter routes

I drive an EV, so I like having Google Maps present me charging stations that work with my automotive. I didn’t know I might set this up straight within the app till I began exploring its settings.

I opened Google Maps, tapped on my profile image, and went to Settings -> Your autos -> Electric. I can add my automotive’s make, mannequin, 12 months, trim, and suitable charging plugs.

Once I save my automobile particulars, I can seek for charging stations and filter the outcomes by suitable plugs. I don’t need to waste time checking each station to see if its charger suits my automotive.

I additionally like that Maps can estimate how a lot battery I’ll use to succeed in my vacation spot on supported EVs. That’s helpful when I’m planning a longer drive.

This is my favourite Google Maps customization up to now.

Connect Google Maps to your different apps

Give Maps extra context about your plans

I can hook up with Google Workspace to let Google use related data from Gmail, Calendar, and Drive to personalize my expertise. For instance, if I’ve a resort reserving on Gmail, that data might assist Google give me extra related recommendations after I’m planning my journey.

Google Photos is another choice. I take loads of photos after I journey, and connecting with Photos lets Google use related images, albums, and site data to personalize my expertise.

I can even join non-Google apps, like Canva.

It’s a helpful setting to find out about, particularly if I already use a number of Google apps. I simply have to test what data I’m permitting Google to make use of earlier than connecting them.

Stop Google Maps from consuming your knowledge

Download offline maps over Wi-Fi solely

I use Google Maps for nearly each drive, however I don’t need it downloading maps over my cellular knowledge after I can do it over Wi-Fi as an alternative.

I can obtain the realm prematurely and nonetheless navigate when my web connection drops.

To change it, faucet your profile image and go to Settings -> Offline maps -> Download preferences, and choose Over Wi-Fi solely. Look for the auto-download or obtain preferences and select Wi-Fi provided that that choice seems in your model.

I favor doing this at house whereas I’m related to Wi-Fi, moderately than letting downloads occur after I’m out.

It additionally helps me keep away from utilizing cellular knowledge for bigger map downloads after I’m already utilizing it for music, messages, and all the pieces else on my cellphone.

Just do not forget that offline maps don’t embody all the pieces. Live visitors updates and a few different routes want an web connection, so I nonetheless preserve cellular knowledge on after I’m driving.

I want greater than the default expertise

I like apps that allow me make issues work my means, and Google Maps has extra room for that than I anticipated. Not each setting will matter to everybody, however that’s the purpose.

My recommendation? Don’t rush to exchange one thing simply because it feels restricted. Explore what you have already got, strive what it affords, and solely transfer on whenever you’ve given it a good probability. Sometimes, the higher expertise isn’t on another app. It’s hidden within the settings you’ve by no means bothered to open.