If the car icon is missing in Google Maps, first start turn-by-turn navigation and tap the blue arrow or the vehicle currently shown. That opens the driving-avatar chooser. If the chooser opens but offers only the blue arrow, Google’s help page does not identify a definite cause; try updating Maps and send feedback in the app if the option remains unavailable.
How to find and change the vehicle icon
Google’s documented vehicle-avatar control appears while you’re getting directions—not as a general setting to find before navigation starts. Follow these steps:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Open Google Maps and start navigation to a destination.
- During navigation, tap the blue arrow or the vehicle icon currently shown on the map.
- Swipe through the available driving avatars and tap the one you want.
- If Maps offers color choices, select a color, then tap Done.
Google says you can switch back to the blue arrow at any time. See Google Maps Help: Choose your driving avatar in the Google Maps app.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf the chooser shows only the blue arrow
First confirm that navigation is actively running and that you tapped the arrow or current vehicle on the map. If the chooser opens but lists no other avatars, the blue arrow is still a valid choice. Google’s public instructions explain how to select an avatar, but do not say that every option is available to every user or specify why a particular user might not see them.
#1 Best Overall
- [Compatible with Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro 6.3 inch] Only compatible with Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro phone 6.3 inch (Not for Pixel 10 Pro XL 6.8 inch). Precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras. Sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press.
- [Magnetic Designed for Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro 6.3 inch ] Built-in magnet ring aligns perfectly and locks into place making wireless charging faster and easier than ever. This Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro case will not fall off no matter how it rotates with super adsorption capacity.
- [Thorough Camera & Screen Protection for Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro 6.3 inch] 1.5mm raised lips over screen and 1.5mm raised lips over camera relieves over this Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro case, impacts and protects the phone screen and camera against drop damage, cracks and scratches. Reinforced corner effectively absorb bumps from any angle drop.
- [Zero Fingerprints] SPIDERCASE translucent matte Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro case with a smart Nano Oleophobic Coating design that prevents fingerprints, watermarks, oil, and dust, comfortable and clean.
- [Shock Protection] Passing military drop tests up, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
Community posts describe different experiences: an Android user reported that newer avatars appeared on family members’ devices but not on an updated Pixel 7, and an iOS user reported seeing only the arrow after updating. In replies, community experts suggested a gradual rollout as one possible explanation. These are individual reports and community hypotheses, not an official diagnosis or a confirmed rule. The reports are available in the July 23, 2025 Android Help Community discussion and the September 1, 2025 iOS Help Community discussion.
Try low-risk steps
- Check your app store for a Google Maps update, then try the avatar control again during active navigation.
- If the icons remain absent, send feedback from inside Google Maps so Google can receive details about your experience.
- On Android, a community reply suggests clearing the Maps cache and restarting the device. This is community advice, not a guaranteed fix; it does not apply to iOS.
Reinstalling is not a dependable solution: the cited iOS discussion reports that it did not restore the missing choices for that user. The available reports do not establish that updating, clearing cache, or restarting will make an unavailable avatar appear.
Rank #2
- Perfect Fit for Google Pixel 10 & Pixel 10 Pro (Only - Not Compatible with Pixel 10 Pro XL): Precision-engineered for the Google Pixel 10 & 10 Pro, this OtterBox case offers a flawless fit. It not only preserves your phone's sleek design but also ensures unparalleled protection against everyday hazards.
- Rugged Multi-Layer Defense: Featuring dual-layer construction with a rigid shell and internal rubber layer, our case exceeds 3X military drop standards (MIL-STD-810G 516.6), crafted from over 35% recycled plastic for eco-conscious resilience.
- Secure Grip, Streamlined Protection: Rely on the OtterBox legacy with Commuter Series—total protection with rubber-gripped edges for a secure hold. It's a slim, easy-to-install case providing durable quality and a precise fit for hassle-free defense
- Wireless Charging Compatible: Its slim profile is pocket-friendly, offering protection and ease for your on-the-go lifestyle
- Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind.
Make sure it is the avatar—not a location problem
The vehicle avatar changes how your position is represented during navigation. It is separate from the blue location dot, GPS reception, route arrows, and the display in Android Auto or CarPlay. If your location is missing or inaccurate, that is a different issue: Google’s GPS troubleshooting guidance covers location signals and factors such as location permission, battery saver, and signal obstructions. Those factors are not identified as causes of a missing vehicle-avatar choice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Perfect Fit for Google Pixel 9 & 9 Pro: Precision-engineered for the Google Pixel 9 & 9 Pro, this OtterBox case offers a flawless fit. It not only preserves your phone's sleek design but also ensures unparalleled protection against everyday hazards.
- Rugged Multi-Layer Defense: Featuring dual-layer construction with a rigid shell and internal rubber layer, our case exceeds 3X military drop standards (MIL-STD-810G 516.6), crafted from over 35% recycled plastic for eco-conscious resilience.
- Secure Grip, Streamlined Protection: Rely on the OtterBox legacy with Commuter Series—total protection with rubber-gripped edges for a secure hold. It's a slim, easy-to-install case providing durable quality and a precise fit for hassle-free defense
- Wireless Charging Compatible: Its slim profile is pocket-friendly, offering protection and ease for your on-the-go lifestyle
- Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind. Our limited warranty covers material and workmanship defects.
Rank #4
- [Compatible] Only compatible with Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro phone. Precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras. Sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press.
- [Magnetic Designed] Built-in magnet ring aligns perfectly and locks into place making wireless charging faster and easier than ever. This Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro case will not fall off no matter how it rotates with super adsorption capacity.
- [Thorough Camera & Screen Protection] 1.5mm raised lips over screen and 1.5mm raised lips over camera relieves over this Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro case, impacts and protects the phone screen and camera against drop damage, cracks and scratches. Reinforced corner effectively absorb bumps from any angle drop.
- [Zero Fingerprints] SPIDERCASE translucent matte Google Pixel 10/Pixel 10 Pro case with a smart Nano Oleophobic Coating design that prevents fingerprints, watermarks, oil, and dust, comfortable and clean.
- [Shock Protection] Passing military drop tests up, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
Rank #3
- Strong Magnetic Attraction: Powerful built-in magnets, easier place-and-go wireless charging and compatible with Pixelsnap
- Compatibility: Compatible with Google Pixel 10/10 Pro 6.3 inch; precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras, soft and sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press
- Matte Translucent Back: Features a flexible TPU frame and a matte coating on the hard PC back to provide you with a premium touch and excellent grip, while the entire matte back coating perfectly blocks smudges, fingerprints and even scratches
- Shock Protection: Passing military drop tests up to 10 feet, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
- HD Tempered Glass Screen Protector: 0.33mm thin with 99% clarity and oleophobic coating.Features edge-to-edge coverage,bubble-free installation kit and 9H hardness against scratches
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.
