If you aren’t happy with your car’s built-in navigation software – which let’s face it, wouldn’t be a huge surprise – did you know thatGoogle Mapsis available as a navigation option inApple CarPlay, not just Apple Maps? As long as you have access to Google Maps on aniPhoneand a vehicle with CarPlay compatibility via its infotainment system, you may switch to Google’s mapping service at will.
Using Google Maps, you may search for destinations and create complex routes before you get in your vehicle – something most automakers don’t bother with. Here’s what you have to do to get started with Google Maps in CarPlay.
I put Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze to the test to see which navigation app is the best
With 3 apps sharing the top spot for navigation, it’s only natural to wonder which one takes the gold to get you from point A to B.
How to set up Google Maps in CarPlay
Notes on using Google Maps
As a safety measure, the app will only let you type using the CarPlay keyboard if your vehicle is parked. You can still use other search and navigation functions while in motion, say if you need to find a nearby gas or EV charging station. The best practice is to plan and launch a route on your iPhone before you connect to CarPlay – when the app syncs, you’ll be ready to drive right away.
If you’ve got extra time to sit in your car, it’s worth exploring the app’s in-car settings. At a minimum we’d recommend setting it to switch betweenlight and dark modesautomatically, since the light mode can be blinding when you’re driving at night. You can also choose toavoid highways and/or tolls, and we’d suggest the latter unless toll roads are essential for getting somewhere on time.
By default Google Maps should show posted speed limits while you drive, but always doublecheck these against real-world signs. Google’s data isn’t always current, and the last thing anyone wants is to get trapped by police in rural Texas because Google claimed the limit was 10mph faster.
Finally, while you may have done this already, be sure yourHomeand/orWorkaddresses are set up in the iPhone app. Tap on yourprofile icon, then go toSettings -> Edit home or work. That’ll open up quick mid-drive shortcuts.
