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We have all had that Michael Scott moment when we’re confidently driving our cars in a new place while completely relying on Google Maps for directions. More often than not, we end up in a deserted area with no living being in sight. At times like these, you regret not stopping at that paan shop for directions. But hey, not every area can have a paan shop, especially when you’re travelling alone in a foreign country. Therefore, it’s important to get accustomed to using Google Maps. Don’t worry! You do not need to be a major in Geography to navigate the app. Just keep reading, and you will know!
When you’re on a road trip by yourself, glancing down at your phone to find directions while driving might not be the safest option. Did you know that if you have an android phone, you can simply use Google Maps using voice commands?
Just say “Hey Google” or “Okay, Google” and ask questions like
“What’s the ETA?” or “Find restaurants near me.”
You will be able to do all this and much more without taking your eyes off the road.
Make your life a bit simpler by giving your favourite locations more memorable names.
Say you want to save the name of your school as “Hogwarts” because like us you too never received your letter. With Google Maps you can do that.
First, use your Google Maps app to discover the location you want, and then press the name of the building in the white bar at the bottom of the screen. Then, in the upper-right corner of the screen, hit the three-dot menu symbol and choose “Add label” from the menu that displays.
Fill up the blanks with whichever name you wish and save it. You’ll see your custom name instead of the formal name of the site on Maps from then on, and you’ll be able to navigate by using the new name.
Be ready to say, “Okay, Google. Take me to Hogwarts!”
Does your bucket list adventures include taking the road less travelled by? But who knows where you might end up. To be safe, it would be a wise option to share your location with your loved ones so that you can play “kho gaye hum kahan” without actually meaning it.
Take a peek at Google Maps’ simple approach for exchanging real-time location data. To test it, open Maps on your phone and hit the blue dot, but this time choose “Share your location.” You may choose to stop the sharing at a scheduled time or keep it active until you stop sharing. You may then share with anyone you want or get a web link to paste wherever you like.
Swipe up from the white bar at the bottom of the screen to activate the sharing option while in the middle of a Maps navigation.
While on a road trip, you might reach an area where there is no cellular network. This means that you will no longer be able to navigate directions on Google Maps.
This can be avoided by downloading the route on your phone beforehand, so that you can use the app even when you are offline.
To do this, open the app menu and choose ‘’Offline Maps.’’ Select the region you would be covering and download the map offline.
Ever told someone you’re reaching in 5 minutes and ended up reaching in 25 minutes? More often than not traffic jams are to be blamed.
Nobody likes getting late, yet travel time might differ due to the prevailing traffic conditions. For example, driving during office hours usually takes more time because of more cars on the road. Checking the traffic conditions before you leave will always keep you punctual.
When there is a lot of traffic, Google Maps shows a red line along the route and an orange line for moderate traffic.
One day you realize you’re turning into your parents when you cannot remember where you parked your car. Don’t worry! Google Maps has got you covered.
Tap the small blue dot that displays your current position in Maps on your iPhone or Android phone. This will reveal a secret menu with various useful choices, including the ability to bookmark your current parking spot.
A trip with friends might mean too many stops along the way. Therefore, there’s a feature in Maps that allows you to add many stops to any navigation:
This will also give you more accurate directions and ETA.
When you’re looking for some exciting vacation experiences, let Google Maps be your guide. You may be new to a city, but Google knows everything. Try saying
“Things to visit near me”
“Best places to see in Delhi”
Or
“Best cheesecake near me”
And maps will show you the best locations around you and the way to reach them.
You can also check the waiting time for restaurants so that you don’t have to stand in long queues.
One of Maps’ best features is Street View, but without knowing where to look, you’d never know it exists.
To begin,
Now comes the fun part: touch the compass symbol in the upper-right area of the app. Hold your phone up and move it around, and the view will adjust to reflect the current direction you’re facing. You’ll feel as though you’re within the map, gazing about.
If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by technology, just give it some time. Remember, apps like Maps are here to make your life easier, and they are designed to be user-friendly. We bet Dorothy wouldn’t have needed the wizard if she had Google Maps to find her way back home. This goes for you too! Instead of waiting for the paan wale bhaiya to be your Wizard of Oz, try giving Google Maps a shot!
Activate voice commands by saying “Okay, Google” to safely use Google Maps without looking at your screen.
Using your phone while driving is illegal. However, if you have activated voice commands and you are not looking at your phone, it is legal.
Open Google Maps and click on the pegman icon at the bottom-right.
The orientation on Google Map is always north. In case you have changed that, click on the compass icon to get back to the original orientation.
Yes. Open Maps on your phone and hit the blue dot, and choose “Share your location”.
