How to make Google Maps your default navigation app on iPhones

Google Maps has been the favourite navigation tool for many users since their first smartphones. However, if you’ve been using an Apple iPhone, chances are you’ve already begun noticing how the phone will softly push you towards using Apple’s own Maps app instead.

But here’s something that newer users, who recently moved from Android to iOS, may not know. While there is no direct way to set Google Maps as the default navigation tool, your iPhone can be forced into doing just this. Here’s how.

How to make Google Maps your default navigation tool

You cannot set Google Maps as your default Maps service, but you can force your iPhone into opening it every time you want to start a navigation. To do this, we will begin by the most basic step.

1. Uninstall Apple Maps

Uninstalling Apple’s ‘Maps’ app may seem like an unnecessary step, but if you don’t plan on using the tool, it’s best to not have it. This ensures Maps doesn’t accidentally take up your navigation duties when you use Siri on your iPhone or on CarPlay to navigate somewhere.

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This is particularly important if you live in countries where Apple Maps is known to not show the best results. Getting stuck at a ‘You will need Apple Maps’ prompt is better than being stuck in the middle of nowhere because of a wrong turn.

2. Set Google Chrome as your default browser

Directions that you land on in Chrome will open up in the Google Maps app. This means every time you search for a nearby restaurant on Chrome, tapping on the ‘Directions’ button should send you directly to Google Maps.

To do this, start by installing Google Chrome from the App Store. Next, open the Settings app and go to Chrome > Default Browser App and choose Chrome.

3. Set Gmail as your default email app (optional)

If you often take directions from emails, you may also want to switch to Gmail as your default email application. Similar to the Google Chrome workaround, this step will help you land on Google Maps easily when you click on links.

4. Modify your Siri commands

If you’re using voice commands to navigate to your next destination, you can deliberately ask Siri to navigate using Google Maps instead of Apple Maps. Simply say “Hey Siri, navigate to XYZ using Google Maps,” and Siri will do the rest.

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With these steps you should be able to use Google Maps instead of Apple Maps in most use-cases. You can also place the Google Maps shortcut on your home screen to directly open it up for manual navigation to your next destination. Happy driving!