11 unknown useful features of Google Maps

I think more people are using Google Maps instead of car navigation .

There is no better tool for navigation and checking traffic information. However, even those who use Google Maps every day do not take advantage of some features.

This time, let's introduce some unknown useful features of Google Maps.

Check navigation settings

Changing the navigation settings may cause problems later. For example, you may have set Google Maps to avoid toll roads while traveling and forgot about it.

On your next move, Google Maps will remember that setting and may take a detour or (depending on where you are) to guide you to a less secure route.

Before traveling, tap the Google Maps profile icon and go to " Settings> Navigation ".

Check the settings under " Route Options ".

In most situations, highways and toll roads are unavoidable, so it's a good idea to check this setting on a regular basis.

Secret mode

Google Maps records searches and location information by default unless you turn off the setting.

Incognito mode makes it easy to prevent Google Maps from recording this information. Tap the profile icon and select " Turn on secret mode ".

Pause location history

If you don't want to record location history on Google Maps, tap your profile icon , then tap About data on Google Maps .

If " Location History " is " On ", tap it. This will take you to the activity control page for your Google account.

Turn off the blue toggle next to your location history and choose Pause to not record your Google Maps location . You can also see and delete all previously saved location information in Activity Management .

Alternatively, with location history enabled, tap " Auto Delete " and Google will delete this data once every three months.

Download offline map

I think most people live in places that are well connected to the internet, but when you go on a trip, you also go to places where the infrastructure isn't in place.

If you're planning such a trip, download the map for offline use.

Traffic information is up-to-date and inaccurate, but you don't have to hesitate even in places where the radio waves of your smartphone do not reach.

To download the offline map, tap the Google Maps profile icon and select " Offline Maps ". Next, tap " Select your map " to enlarge the map of your current location.

All you have to do is move the blue square to where you want to go and tap " Download ".

Before downloading, check the free space on your smartphone required for downloading.

The offline map can be used for up to 30 days from the date of download.

Plan a route with multiple stopovers

When planning your trip using Google Maps, add the places you want to go to your route and simulate your trip.

Normally, Google Maps will show you the fastest route, but if you have some places you want to go along the way, the route with that added will make your final destination's estimated time of arrival more realistic.

Open Google Maps and set your first destination.

When the route is displayed, tap the three dots in the upper right and select " Add stopover ". You can now add other stopovers.

You can move the destination back and forth by dragging the three lines next to each destination.

Set departure time reminders

Google Maps can also send you notifications when you should leave to arrive at your destination on time.

Enter your departure and destination in Google Maps, tap the three dots in the upper right and select " Set departure time notification ".

You can select the time you want to depart on the " Departure Time " tab. Google Maps will send you a notification at the time you choose.

Alternatively, you can select the time you want to arrive at your destination on the Arrival Times tab.

Google Maps will calculate the departure time to reach your destination on time and send you reminders accordingly.

Change the vehicle icon

If you're having a fun drive trip by car, you can add a little fun to Google Maps.

The default vehicle icon is a blue arrow, but tap the arrow to see other vehicle icons. Choose the one you like and set it.

Customize public transportation

Enter your destination on Google Maps and you'll see a small train icon below. Tap this to see the times and routes of public transport you can use to get to your destination.

This is displayed fairly accurately, but the point is that it can be customized with route options. Tap " Options " to see the public transport you have selected.

Here you can choose not only your favorite public transport, but also very convenient options such as " wheelchair accessible " and " cheap ".

Find a vaccination site

If you're looking for a vaccination site, type "vaccination" on Google Maps. Then, the place where you can get the vaccine will be displayed. It is also convenient because it will tell you if you need to make a reservation in advance (in the case of the United States).

Share location information in real time

Google Maps also allows you to share your location with others in real-time. You may find it a little disgusting, but it's a useful feature for safety.

When you feel in danger, you can let your family and close friends know your location for a while.

This feature is also useful for letting you know how soon you're about to arrive when you're heading to your friend's house.

To use this feature, tap your Google Maps profile icon and select Share your location.

Tap " Share my location " to customize "Share time" from 1 hour to the time you want to share.

Finally, select a contact from the list or tap " More Options " and use another app to send a link to your location.

Learn more about local shops and facilities

If you're not sure what your local store is looking for, swipe right to find the store or facility genre on Google Maps and tap the Info tab.

There is a lot of useful information here, such as whether it is a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, whether the toilet is unisex, or whether it is run by a minority.

If you ever want to know about similar things, check out the Facebook page Maga AI