Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk3 min

5 Waze Settings to Check Before You Let It Choose Your Route

Check these five Waze settings before you tap Go, then inspect the proposed route: avoid preferences do not always exclude a road type.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Before you tap Go, check Waze’s avoid-road preferences, road surface, and vehicle details—then inspect the route it actually proposes. These settings guide Waze, but they do not guarantee it can exclude every toll road, ferry, freeway, or unpaved road.

Where to find Waze’s route settings

In the standard Waze app, open the menu, tap Settings, then Navigation. Choose the relevant avoid-road or vehicle option there. You can also adjust route preferences from route planning or during an active route. The exact controls and labels can differ by country and by in-car platform; Android Auto, Android Automotive, and CarPlay have their own flows, and some CarPlay settings need to be changed on the phone.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Five settings to check before choosing a route

1. Avoid toll roads

Turn on Avoid toll roads if avoiding tolls matters more to you than Waze’s preferred route. Waze says the first route option should be toll-free unless it is the only route available. If a proposed route includes a toll, Waze may show a toll icon and estimated amount. That amount is not a guaranteed price from the toll operator. Waze Help: Avoid toll roads, ferries, and freeways and View and compare toll prices.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

2. Avoid ferries

Enable Avoid ferries if you do not want a ferry segment. This is still a preference rather than an absolute block: Waze cautions that a suggested route can include a ferry depending on the routes available when you drive. Check the proposed route before starting if a ferry would disrupt your plans. Waze Help: Avoid toll roads, ferries, and freeways.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Miracase Phone Holders for Your Car with Metal Hook Clip, Air Vent Cell Phone Stand Car Mount, Universal Automobile Cradle for Garmin GPS Fit iPhone Android and All Smartphones, Dark Black
  • Never Fall Off-Metal Hook Design: Miracase car phone holder adopts simplified locking design. The steel metal hook(with silicone pad and mat) will catch one of car air vent blades and provide excellent strudiness. It will work well for your car even in extremely harsh environments. NOTE: ONLY Compatible with horizontal and vertical vents. Not suitable for round vents.
  • Universal Compatibility: Miracase cell phone stand for car mount is compatible with the smartphones (4.0-7.2 inches) and thicker cases. Note!!The lengh of vent clip hook is MAX 1.4inch(3.6cm), it will be compatible with vent blades less than 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) wide. NOTE:Not suitable for Round Vent.
  • One-hand Operation: With quick release button, adjustable clamp arms and foot, Miracase car phone mount makes it very easy to insert and remove your phone with single hand. Provide you with safer driving whether you are talking, navigating or listening to music or charging.
  • 360-degree Flexible Rotation: The 360-degree rotatable design will provide you with the best viewing angle to keep secure driving. You can place your phone in any orientation (landscape, portrait and more), Just enjoy the best drving experience
  • Professional Support: Please contact us for any product issues, a satisfying solution is promised forever

3. Avoid freeways or highways

Use this option only if you have a reason to avoid major roads, since it changes the routes Waze considers. The wording is not identical everywhere: Waze Help calls the setting freeways, while CarPlay directions use highways. Availability and labels can vary by platform or localization. Waze Help: Avoid toll roads, ferries, and freeways.

4. Choose how Waze handles unpaved roads

For unpaved roads, Waze offers Allow, Avoid long ones, and Don’t allow. Pick the strictness that suits your vehicle and trip. Even Don’t allow is not a guarantee that every suggested route will exclude unpaved roads if route availability requires one. Waze Help: Avoid unpaved roads.

Rank #2
1Zero GPS Dash Mount [Matte Black Dock] for Garmin Nuvi Drive Dezl, Tomtom
  • GPS Clamp Dock Dashboard Mount: It features a spring-locked clamp holder, and a non-slip sticky 3M tape, which will hold your device firmly and securely in place even in the bumpiest conditions. Much steadier than a GPS friction beanbag dashboard mount
  • High-End Matte Black Clamshell: The original low-key texture design perfectly matches and blends well with any car's interior, it folds flat and is not intrusive when not in use. Optimal alternative to windshield and vent mounts, keeps windshield clean
  • Universal GPS Holder for Car: No mounting bracket cradle is needed! Works for all Garmin Nuvi GPS, dezl, drive, TomTom GO Start VIA, Magellan Roadmate, Rand Mcnally, Navman Sat Nav portable GPS navigator, and more
  • Versatile Clamshell Dock Holder: Also allows hands-free use of cell phones without or with phone grips, phone ring holder, and phone case in the car. The clamshell dock mount is also great for stocking small items like parking cards, keys and more
  • Note: Not work for GPS units that have a camera. Not works for foldable cell phones. Not work for tablets or iPads. Not compatible with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 4 3 2 1. Not for Google Pixel Fold phones

5. Check your vehicle type and toll or HOV pass

If you rely on an HOV or express lane, confirm that your vehicle type and any listed subscription pass are accurate. Waze says HOV or fast-lane routing is available only when a qualifying pass is listed or the vehicle type is set to Taxi or Electric car. If Waze routes you unexpectedly, its troubleshooting guidance includes checking the vehicle type, whether a pass has expired, and whether Avoid toll roads is enabled. Pass lists and labels can vary by country. Waze Help: Add a pass to your account.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Make one extra check: personalized routes

Waze says past drives and route selections can influence personalized ETAs and suggested routes. Personalization features are on by default according to Waze Help, but can be switched off. They may not be supported in your area or when Waze does not have enough drive history. If a suggestion seems unlike your usual preference, remember that your past choices may be one factor; they do not override the route options available for the trip. Waze Help: Personalized routes.

Rank #3
Sale
Qifutan Dash Mounted Holders Phone Holders for Your Car Phone Mount for Car Windshield Dashboard Air Vent Universal Pads Mats Mounts Hands Free Automobile Cell Phone Holder Fit for iPhone Smartphone
  • Versatile Car Phone Mount: Cell phone car mount boasts premium suction strength and an upgraded air vent clip, allowing for flexible installation options on windshields, dashboards, and air vents wall mounts. Note!3M Dashboard Pad is NOT REQUIRED when using a phone holder on windshield Pads Mats
  • Strong Suction Performance: Car phone holder comes with a double-locked suction cup made of heat-resistant TPU material, guaranteeing it stays firmly attached to your dashboard even in extreme heat. Reactivate its sticky power by washing with water and air-drying Pads Mats.
  • Fully Adjustable Design: Featuring a 360-degree rotating ball joint and an adjustable extension arm ranging from 3.7 inches to 5.9 inches, this dash-Mounted phone mount for cars allows you to customize your phone's placement to any desired angle or distance, offering maximum viewing flexibility Pads Mats.
  • Universal Fit: Engineered to accommodate all smartphones ranging in size from 4.0 to 7.1 inches and devices up to 14mm thick, including GPS devices, this phone stand for trucks includes a one-touch release mechanism for swift and easy phone mounting. It serves as an excellent accessory for drivers requiring constant phone access, enhancing driving stability and safety Pads Mats.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: The car phone mount for iPhone includes a unique hook design fortified with stainless steel and padded with thick plastic, ensuring secure engagement with air vent blades without causing scratches. The robust silicone rubber provides sturdy protection, even on bumpy roads. Note: Not suitable for circular air vents desk mount Pads Mats.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Inspect the proposed route before tapping Go

Compare alternatives using the details that matter for this trip: toll cost, road type, HOV or express-lane eligibility, and ETA. Waze presents alternative routes and toll prices before navigation, but displayed toll amounts are estimates, not operator-set guarantees; Waze also does not calculate congestion-based variable tolls. Waze Help: View and compare toll prices.

Finally, treat every avoid switch as guidance, not a promise. Waze says it may still suggest a route containing toll roads, freeways, or ferries when those preferences are on, depending on routes available at drive time; its unpaved-road guidance likewise warns that a route may still include one when availability requires it. If a disfavored segment is unacceptable, inspect the map and route details before starting rather than assuming the setting removed it. Waze Help: Avoid toll roads, ferries, and freeways and Avoid unpaved roads.

Best Value
GUWEZ Phone Holders for Your Car [Military Grade Suction Ultra Strong Base] Cell Phone Car Holder 3 in 1 Dashboard Accents/Windshield/Air Vent Hands-Free for Video Installation Kit iPhone Android
  • NOTE: 3M DASHBOARD PAD IS NOT REQUIRED WHEN USING A PHONE HOLDER ON WINDSHIELD. The 2025 GUWEZ car phone holder has passed all authoritative tests (International Military Grade Shockproof Cert, CP65, REACH, RoHS), based on Unique Grandmaster Design
  • Premier Selection- High-Performance Car Mount Trusted by Millions: The 2025 GUWEZ car phone mount has secured the trust of over 9.2 million users worldwide across a decade of dependable service. Crafted from superior, durable, and eco-conscious materials meticulously selected from more than 18,000 alternatives, it incorporates our proprietary technology delivering an impressive 120 lbs of suction power for unmatched stability. It is subjected to stringent industry-standard evaluations, including 10000 monthly open/close assessments and durability trials spanning over 100,000 kilometers of challenging road conditions GPS Car Mount.
  • Three Powerful Features: Phone holder for car is equipped with a three layers of strong suction cup and a locking button to ensure that your phone holder can be securely installed on the dashboard. The suction cups can withstand temperatures from -20°C (-4°F) to 95°C (203°F). Additionally, the suction cups are washable and reusable, and if the suction power weakens, simply clean and air dry to restore stickness.The powerful suction can ensure that GPS navigation, listening to music, and making phone calls while driving will not fall off GPS Car Mount.
  • Highly Flexible Adjustment: iPhone car mount features flexible adjustments. It features a 360-degree swivel ball joint and a 270-degree retractable arm, allowing you to easily adjust the angle of your phone without blocking your view! The telescoping arm extends from 4.5 inches to 6.5 inches and rotates up and down for unlimited viewing angles. Whether you're GPS navigating or charging, the car cell phone holder provides a safer driving experience.
  • Great Compatibility: Car mount for iphone is equipped with a one-touch release button, just press the button gently to release your cell phone. The car phone mount also comes with adjustable feet and a sturdier, wider clip, making it suitable for all smartphones from 4.0 inches to 7.1 inches, as well as most thick cases. Regardless of the size of your phone, this phone car holder will provide solid support. In addition, it is compatible with GPS navigation devices of appropriate size
Rank #4
Sale
Qifutan Car Phone Holder Mount Phone Mount for Car Windshield Dashboard Air Vent Universal Hands Free Automobile Cell Phone Holder Fit for iPhone Smartphone Camera Mounts
  • 3 IN 1 Phone Holders for Your Car: Cell phone GPS navigation holder car is equipped with a suction cup and vent clip, which can be freely mounted on the windshield, dashboard, and air vent for feeding your different usage needs. Cell phone Camera Mounts holder is applied to most cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, taxis. A perfect assistant for Uber, Lyft drivers.
  • Enhanced Powerful Suction Cup: Phone GPS navigation holder mount is equipped with double-lock suction cup and uses heat-resistant TPU material , which can provide strong suction power on smooth surfaces, and keep the mount stable in any conditions. To restore adhesion, simply rinse the sticky surface with warm water and wipe dry.
  • Perfect Flexibility: Car phone Camera Mounts holder with 360 degree ball joint and adjustable telescopic arm, which can adjust your phone to any ideal angle without obstructing your view. The telescopic arm can be extended from 6.5 inches to 8.1 inches. Easily adjust the distance between you and the car mount.
  • Full Protection: iPhone car mount with vacuum silicone rubber and thick panels can provide full protection for your phone from scratches and drops even at high speeds, bumps or turns.
  • Easy Operation: Car mount for iPhone has a one-touch release button, you can release your phone with one hand while driving. Adjustable feet accommodate all 4-7 inch phones and most thick cases.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.