7 Ways To Use Google Maps

To get the Google Maps app for your smartphone, you can download it for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPad, or the Google Play Store on Android devices. Google Maps works best if you have locations turned on. You can turn on locations in the Settings menu on iPhone and iPad. To turn on locations on Android, swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers. Then tap the “Locations” icon that resembles a map marker. Locations are not available when using Google Maps on a desktop browser. You can also access Google Maps on a computer by visiting https://www. google. com/maps in a web browser. However, Google Maps in a web browser doesn’t have the ability to track your location or give you turn-by-turn directions.

For example, if you want to find 123 Main Street in Appleton, California, you’d type exactly that into the search bar: 123 Main Street, Appleton, CA. Add the zip code if you know it can help Google Maps find the place you’re looking for, but you often won’t need it. You can use the image as well. For example, if you want to find the local library, you might type in something like Norman Library Appleton, CA.

You can zoom in and out on the map by placing your thumb and index finger on the screen and move them apart or bringing them closer together. On a web browser, use the mouse wheel, or the plus (+) or minus (-) keys to zoom in and out.

To edit the starting point of the directions, type the name or address of the starting location in the bar at the top of the page on mobile, or at the top of the panel to the left in a web browser. Tap the button that says Steps & more to view a list of turn-by-turn directions. There is no “Directions” button when using Google Maps on a web browser. However, it will display directions to your location automatically.

If you get multiple routes, tap the one that you wish to use. Often, Google Maps will offer you more than one route from the starting point you choose to your destination. For each route, it will display an estimated travel time for the trip and a short description of the route (e. g. , “via I-880 North”). Pick the route from the list that is most appealing to you. This may be the shortest one, the one that avoids highways, tolls, or traffic congestion. Guided navigation is not available when viewing Google Maps on a desktop browser.

Driving: Tap the icon that resembles a car. Public transportation: Tap the icon that resembles a train. Walking: Tap the icon that resembles a person walking. Uber/Lyft: Tap the icon that resembles a person with a suitcase. Then tap Uber or Lyft at the bottom of the screen. Then tap one of the ride-sharing options at the bottom of the screen and then tap Open app to open the Uber or Lyft app. Bicycle: Tap the icon that resembles a person riding a bike. Plane: Tap the icon that resembles an airplane. Then tap See flights on Google to search for available flights. This option is only available in a web browser and on tablets.

To remove a stop, tap the “X” icon to the right of a stop at the top of the screen. To change the order of a stop, tap the icon with two or three line (☰) in the search bar next to a stop. Then drag the stop up or down.

On iPhone and iPad, you can also tap Remember settings to apply your route options to all Google Map queries.

Tap More to view a complete list of apps on your device. Alternatively, you can tap icon that resembles two overlapping squares to copy the URL to your directions and manually paste it in whichever apps you want to use.

Google Maps works best if you have locations turned on. You can turn on locations in the Settings menu on iPhone and iPad. To turn on locations on Android, swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers. Then tap the “Locations” icon that resembles a map marker. Locations are not available when using Google Maps on a desktop browser.

If the service type you are looking for isn’t listed, tap More to view all options, or type the service you are looking for in the search bar. You can also type the name of a specific business chain (i. e. Starbucks, Walmart) in the search bar to view a list of businesses nearby.

Some options, such as Restaurants have additional options, such as Cuisine, or the ability to take reservations.

Click or tap the address to mark its location on the map. Click or tap Directions to get directions to the business. Click or tap Call or the business phone number to dial the business phone number in your smartphone call app. Click or tap Prices to view prices for service. Click or tap Menu to view a menu of food the business serves. Click or tap Reviews to see reviews of the business.

If you are viewing Google Maps in a desktop web browser, click the button at the bottom of the screen that toggles between the default map and satellite map view, or click the icon that resembles three horizontal lines in the upper-left corner.

Default: This displays the normal colored-coded Google Map. Satellite: This displays a realistic view of the map using satellite imagery. Terrain: This displays the default map, but with additional shading to indicate the terrain.

Transit: This option displays public transit bus stops and train pick-ups on the map when you are zoomed in. Traffic: This displays lines that represent traffic conditions on the map. Green lines indicate light or normal traffic conditions. Orange lines indicate moderate traffic congestion, and red lines indicate heavy traffic congestion. Zoom in to view more details on all streets. Bicycling: This displays bicycle routes on the map. 3D: This displays 3D representations of buildings when you zoom in on the map. Street View: This displays blue lines that indicate where street view is available on the map.

If you are viewing Google Maps in a desktop web browser, click the button at the bottom of the screen that toggles between the default map and satellite maps.

Smartphone and Tablet: Place your thumb and index finger on the screen and spread them apart. Desktop web browser: Zoom in using the mouse wheel, or by pressing the (+) and (-) keys.

On a desktop web browser, simply keep zooming in to enter Street View mode.

Smartphone and Tablet: Tap and drag along the blue line to move forward and backward, or double-tap a spot on the blue line. Desktop web browser: Place the mouse cursor on the street and click when the icon displays an arrow. You can also press the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to move forward and backward.