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Google Maps settings vary by device: on Android, change the navigation voice and distance units in the app; on iPhone or iPad, change the app language through iOS Settings and look under Maps’ Navigation settings for units and guidance controls. The steps below also cover muting directions and fixing silent voice guidance.
Android: change the navigation voice or language
- Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Settings, then Navigation settings.
- Tap Voice selection and choose the language and voice you want.
On some Android devices, the available navigation voice can also depend on the phone’s text-to-speech engine. To check it, open Android Settings and look for Text-to-speech or Text-to-speech output under Language and input; the label and location vary by manufacturer and Android version. Changing the preferred engine or voice may affect speech in other apps, not just Maps. Google’s Android language and navigation help describes both options.
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iPhone or iPad: change the language
- Open the iOS Settings app.
- Tap Google Maps, then Language.
- Choose the language for the app.
This changes the Maps app language; it is not a dedicated selector for voice character. Google also documents changing the iPhone’s system language at Settings > General > Language & Region > iPhone Language. That option changes device menus and other apps as well as Maps. Google cautions that street names might not be spoken after changing the iPhone language. See Google’s language instructions and iPhone and iPad navigation help.
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Android
- Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture or initial.
- Go to Settings > Navigation.
- Tap Distance units and select Automatic, Kilometres, or Miles.
Google documents this route and these three choices for Android in its navigation settings help.
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iPhone and iPad
Google confirms that miles and kilometres can be switched in navigation settings, but its help does not establish a precise current menu path for every iOS version. In Google Maps, open Settings and look under Navigation for the distance-unit option. The exact labels or placement may vary.
Adjust guidance volume, mute directions, or hear alerts only
To set the general spoken-guidance level, open Google Maps and go to Profile picture or initial > Settings > Navigation > Guidance volume. Choose Softer, Normal, or Louder.
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- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
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While a route is active, tap the sound icon to choose what Maps plays:
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- Sound: spoken turn-by-turn directions.
- Mute: no audio guidance.
- Alerts: traffic, construction, and crash updates, but no spoken turn-by-turn directions.
On iPhone or iPad, adjust the device’s media volume while Maps is speaking. With CarPlay, use the vehicle’s volume controls while a direction is playing. Google documents these controls in its navigation help.
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- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, weather, parking and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
Fix Google Maps directions with no voice on iPhone or iPad
Check these in order, testing a route after each relevant change:
- Turn up the device’s media volume.
- During navigation, tap the sound icon and select Sound, not Mute or Alerts.
- In Settings > Navigation > Guidance volume, choose Louder.
- If using a car, check that its audio source and Bluetooth connection are correct. To test the phone speakers, disable Bluetooth and turn off Play voice over Bluetooth if that option appears.
- If Maps plays a chime but not spoken directions, connect to the internet, request a route, and leave Maps open so voice directions can download or update.
Google notes that voice directions may not have downloaded or may need updating. Its voice directions troubleshooting help covers these checks. Exact settings and labels can vary with app version, iOS version, region, and device.
Quick Recap
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- CarPlay and Android Auto: This plug-in device connects to your phone via Bluetooth and WiFi. To use CarPlay, connect an iPhone; to use Android Auto, connect an Android phone. Simply connect it to your smartphone and access map navigation, calling, email, notifications, music, and more.
- Online Maps and Real-Time GPS Navigation with Voice Control: When connected to a smartphone, the portable Apple CarPlay display delivers precise real-time positioning and zero-delay GPS navigation. Supports real-time navigation via apps like Google Maps and Waze (non-preinstalled apps require phone connection). Equipped with the latest voice control technology, it enables map navigation, calls, emails, notifications, music, and more through Siri/Google Assistant.
- OTA Updates: Keep your device up to date with over-the-air firmware updates, so you’re always one step ahead. This wireless CarPlay screen automatically pushes new system updates, ensuring long-term compatibility between your phone and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other in-car electronics.
- Night Vision Backup Camera: A waterproof rear-view camera with night vision capabilities that connects to your in-car display. The backup camera accurately and clearly records your entire driving journey, providing you with comprehensive safety protection. The rear-view camera cable works in sync with your backup lights, making installation extremely convenient.
- Phone Mirroring Connection and Four Audio Outputs: This 9-inch CarPlay screen supports mirroring for both iOS and Android phones. The Q9S double-DIN car stereo integrates CarPlay functionality while supporting Bluetooth audio, built-in speakers, FM radio, and an AUX port. Enjoy clear, stable music even in noisy environments. Connecting your phone via Bluetooth to the car's Bluetooth system for audio playback through the car speakers is the optimal choice.
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