Waze does not document a setting that locks every trip to the fastest route. To choose among the routes it offers, compare their displayed ETAs and route details, then select the one that suits you. To reduce difficult turns, turn on Avoid difficult intersections in Navigation settings.
How to avoid difficult turns in Waze
Waze’s setting is called Avoid difficult intersections. Waze Help says it can help avoid difficult turns, including at some junctions without traffic lights. The setting influences route suggestions; it does not promise to remove every difficult intersection.
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Android
- Open Waze and tap the menu.
- Go to Settings → Navigation → Avoid difficult intersections.
- Select Always.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Waze and go to Settings → Navigation.
- Turn on Avoid difficult intersections.
Android Auto, Android Automotive, and CarPlay
For Android Auto and Android Automotive, Waze directs users to the Navigation setting and the Always choice. For CarPlay, disconnect the phone from the car system, change the setting on the phone, then use Waze in the car. The setting applies when Waze is used there. Waze Help: Avoid difficult intersections — Android and iPhone and iPad guidance.
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How to choose the fastest of Waze’s available routes
Waze documents previewing alternate routes and choosing one, rather than a universal fastest-only mode. A displayed ETA is an estimate, not a guarantee that the route will remain fastest throughout the drive.
#1 Best Overall
- Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
- Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
- View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones
- View Tripadvisor traveler ratings for top-rated restaurants, hotels and attractions to help you make the most of road trips
- Directory of U.S. national parks simplifies navigation to entrances, visitor centers and landmarks within the parks
Before you start driving
- Search for your destination to open the route view.
- Inspect the alternate routes Waze displays. On some in-car screens, scroll to see the full list.
- Compare the displayed travel times and roads or junctions used, then select the route that best fits your priorities.
While navigating
- Open the alternate-routes view when you want to compare options.
- If Waze offers a route change, tap Change route to accept it or No thanks to stay on your current route.
Route-screen labels and details vary by platform. See Waze Help: View alternate routes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Waze may suggest a route you would not choose
Personalized navigation
Waze can use past drives and route choices to suggest routes you may prefer, so its recommendation may not match the option with the lowest displayed ETA. Personalization is on by default according to Waze Help, but may not be available in every area or until there is enough drive history. To turn it off, go to Settings → Navigation → Personalization → Personalized navigation. Waze Help: Get personalized navigation.
Rank #2
- 6” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America
- 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, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
Road data and connectivity
Waze says accurate routing depends on data about nearby road segments and routes. An active data connection is needed for navigation and current traffic information. Waze describes the app as intended for private cars, motorcycles, and taxis; it does not currently support navigation in dedicated public-transportation, bicycle, or truck lanes. Waze Help: About Waze.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 7” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America .Special Feature:Easy-To-Read Display; Voice Assist; Hands-Free Calling; Live Traffic and Weather; Traffic Cams and Parking; Smart Notifications,Driver Alerts; Tripadvisor; National Parks Directory; Find Places by Name; Garmin Real Directions Feature.
- 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, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
What route preferences can and cannot do
- An avoidance preference affects suggested routes; it is not an absolute guarantee. For example, Waze warns that it may still suggest unpaved roads even when the setting is configured to avoid them, depending on route availability. Waze Help: Avoid unpaved roads.
- Lane guidance and route avoidance are different. Waze can highlight the appropriate lane near complicated junctions, highway exits, and multi-lane roundabouts, but that guidance helps with positioning; it does not mean the route avoids the junction. Waze Help: Know what lane to take.
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