Maps & Navigation Setup
Get there without stress. Set up your maps app, save your home, learn the four tricks that matter.
Pick your maps app
Setup
- 1Install Google Maps if not already on the phone (it is pre-installed on Android).
- 2Sign in with a Google account — your saved places sync across devices.
- 3Allow location access when prompted.
- 4Type "home" → save your home address. Same for "work" if you have one.
Four tricks worth knowing
Download offline maps
Tap your photo → "Offline maps" → "Select your own map" → drag the box around your area. Now it works without cell service — important on road trips through the mountains.
Save favorite places
Tap a place → bookmark icon → save to "Want to go" or "Favorites". Easier to navigate to next time without searching.
Share your trip with family
When navigating: tap upward arrow → "Share trip progress". They see your live location until you arrive.
Voice search and dictation
"Hey Google, navigate home" — works without unlocking the phone.
When to use what
Going to the doctor for the first time
Pull up the office address the night before. Save it as a favorite. Search "[hospital name] visitor parking" — many hospitals have separate garages.
Meeting family at a restaurant
Share your trip progress (Google or Apple Maps). Family knows when you'll arrive without asking. Reduces "are you on the way?" texts.
Driving in heavy traffic
Switch to Waze for highway portions. Better at re-routing around accidents than Google.
Walking around a city
Google Maps walking directions are excellent. Most US cities also show transit on Google. Apple Maps has caught up but is still slightly behind.
No cell service in the area
Pre-download offline maps for the area before you leave. Routes still work; live traffic does not.
If voice directions sound too quiet
Pair your phone via Bluetooth to your car (see Car Phone Setup). Voice goes through the car speakers — much louder than the phone speaker. CarPlay and Android Auto both display the map on your car\'s screen too.