For a long time, most Google apps on Android phones have been available on iOS, but not vice versa. However, the iOS 14 update brought some relaxation to Apple’s closed ecosystem. You can now use Google Chrome and Gmail as your default apps, something you can’t do with lower iOS versions. While Apple’s update is promising for the future of cross-platform integration, you still can’t use multiple apps. If you need directions, Google Maps is one of them.
Google Maps is packed with features that Apple Maps doesn’t have, such as the turn-by-turn feature that caused a rift between Google and Apple in 2012. There’s still hope if you prefer to use it as your go-to app. Instructions In this post, we show you the main tasks to make Google Maps the default map app on iPhone.
What is the default map app on iPhone, and why can’t you change it?
Apple Maps is the default map app on iPhone and has been since the release of iOS 6 when Apple replaced it with Google Maps. The company’s decision came in 2012 after Google refused to grant rights to the voice-enabled turn-by-turn navigation feature. Previously, iPhone users relied on Google Maps for directions.
Today, if you download Google Maps and try to use it as your default app, it won’t work because Apple devices don’t support it. Unlike Google’s open-source Android OS where anyone can modify it, Apple uses a closed software ecosystem and has complete control over what apps you can install. Most third-party products are not compatible with its OS.
Since the Apple-Google dispute, the iOS 14 update is the closest Apple has come to allowing you to use Google programs. The update lets you change your default browser and email client to Google’s equivalent. If you need to use any app outside of these two, you will need to jailbreak your phone. Jailbreaking is a procedure we do not recommend as it is against Apple policy and voids your warranty. In the worst case scenario, you could brick your phone.
How to Change Your Default Navigation App to Google Maps on iPhone or iPad
The closest way to make Google Maps your default navigation app is to install Google Chrome or Gmail, then make one of those your default email and browser apps. Because all Google apps integrate and share data, you can open map links in Google Maps through either app. A Google account is required to use any app. If you don’t have one, you can’t sign in and access full functionalities.
The steps used in this method were performed on an iPhone running iOS 16. You can repeat the same procedure on devices running iOS or iPadOS 14 and 15. For lower OS versions, a software upgrade may be necessary.
Change the iPhone’s default Mail app to Gmail.
- If you don’t have it, download and install Gmail from the Apple App Store.
- From your phone’s app menu, tap . Setting App
- Scroll up and tap . Gmail.
- tap Default mail app.
- select Gmail.
- From your phone’s app menu, open Gmail. If you are using the app for the first time, you need to sign in.
- Tap the Menu icon in the upper right corner.
- select Setting.
- tap Default apps.
- under the Navigate from your location. And Navigate between sections of places.select Google Maps. Then, when you tap a map link in Gmail, it automatically opens in Google Maps.
- Tap the checkbox next to it. Ask me which app to use every time. To choose between Apple Maps and Google Maps when you tap the map links.
Change the iPhone’s default web browser to Chrome.
When you set Chrome as your default browser from your phone’s settings menu, any map link you tap in the browser automatically opens in Google Maps.
- If you don’t have it, download and install Chrome from the Apple App Store.
- open Setting.
- Scroll up and tap . Chrome.
- tap Default browser app.
- select Chrome. Then, when you tap a link on your phone, it automatically opens in Chrome instead of Safari.
How to use Google Maps with CarPlay on iPhone
CarPlay is an integration system developed by Apple that enables you to control key functions on your iPhone from your car’s built-in display. You can start your car, use maps, receive calls and send messages. CarPlay supports Google Maps, but not as your default map service. If you ask Siri for directions, the voice assistant always opens Apple Maps. You have to launch Google Maps when you need to use it in your car.
Downloading CarPlay is unnecessary as this feature comes with supported iOS versions. However, you need to connect your phone to a supported vehicle to use it. Depending on your model, you can connect to CarPlay with a USB cord or a wireless connection.
CarPlay supports iPhones running iOS 12 or later and Google Maps version 5.24 or later. The system also works with select car models.
- If you don’t have it, download and install Google Maps on your phone.
- Start your car.
- Connect your phone to your car.
- If your car supports a wired CarPlay connection, plug your Apple Lightning USB cable into the CarPlay port. There should be a small white smartphone icon in the port. after this.
- pops up with a prompt. Three options: Enable, disable or always enable CarPlay when your phone is connected to the car via USB.
- Once activated, CarPlay automatically launches on your car’s built-in display. Your display mirrors the supported CarPlay apps on your iPhone, including Phone, Messages, Music, and third-party apps like iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Google Maps.
- tap Google Maps To open and use it.
Plan your trip and enjoy the ride.
Google Maps offers robust features to quickly get to destinations and make sure you never get lost. You can share your ETA with friends and family, use offline maps when you’re far from civilization, and save your parking spots. Google Maps lets you enjoy a feature that only appeared on Apple Maps after a decade: multiple stops. You can plan your route with multiple destinations if you need to make an unexpected trip or if you need to do a lot of work. But that’s not all. 10+ tips and tricks you need to try on Google Maps to make transportation a breeze.