The Google Maps voice guidance feature is designed to help those with vision impairments navigate using their feet. Like voice guidance, it also provides verbal indications to the user, such as “go straight 25 feet” instead of “go forward.”
This article applies to the Google Maps app for Android and iOS. Voice guidance is restricted to a few regions around the globe. If you can’t find it on your phone, it’s not in your area yet.
Things You Should Know
- Go to Settings in Maps for Android, navigate to Navigation Settings > Voice Selection, and choose a different voice.
- If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, you must switch your phone or tablet’s native language to hear a different language within Maps.
- If you’re using Google Assistant and an Android, switch the voice of that application to the “Default” voice in Google Maps.
How to Turn Off the Voice in Google Maps
If you find Google Maps’ vocal tool annoying or are not keen on the background music to stop whenever Google Maps speaks directions, turn off the feature with a couple of taps. Continue reading to learn what you can do.
Via Voice Settings
Go to settings and change the voice feature forever. How do you:
- Start Google Maps and tap the profile icon in the upper right-hand corner.
- Tap on Settings.
- Select Navigation under Getting Around.
- Tap then on Mute under the guidance audio tab: voice and Sound.
This is it. You will never receive any more audio navigation.
Via Volume Buttons
Another method to turn off voice navigation is to use the manual volume buttons on your mobile. The volume can be set to minimal, which will cause the navigation system to turn off.
How to Change Voice Navigation Sound in Google Maps
It is also possible to alter the volume of your voice according to your preference. Here’s how:
The steps are as follows: 1-3 of the earlier headings on how to turn off the Voice feature in Google Maps.
Then, click the Softer button under Guidance Volume and VoiceVolume and Voice.
The voice volume does not become too overwhelming during navigation.
How to Use Google Maps With Voice Directions
You can open Google Maps to request walking directions when you enable voice guidance when you enable voice guidance. You can, for instance, ask for things such as:
- “Google, navigate to the library by walking.”
- “Google, navigate to 1313 Mockingbird Lane by foot.”
- “Google, navigate to the Apple Store on Duke Street by walking.”
There is also the option of adding pit stops in the course. As an example, declare:
- “Google, add a grocery store to my current route.”
- “Google, add 1313 Mockingbird Lane to my current route.”
If Google Maps finds multiple locations in the specified area, the Three closest matchups will be displayed on your display. However, Google Maps won’t read the options you choose aloud. However, if you set Alexa as your voice assistant of choice for Android, Alexa can.
Google Voice Guidance vs. Voice Navigation
Google Maps has always supported voice navigation. It provides users with real-time directions to their destination and updates on traffic. Voice-guided navigation came into use in October as part of World Sight Day to improve walking directions. Google aims to offer users a screen-free experience so they can concentrate on the things ahead of their eyes, similar to how driving with voice guidance helps to keep their focus on the road ahead.
If, for instance, you’ve got voice guidance turned on and enabled, Google Assistant reroutes you if you wander off from the route. Voice guidance lets you know how far to your next turn, tells you the direction you’re heading and which street you’re on, and informs you before crossing a busy roadway. This feature isn’t only useful for those with visual impairments; it enables all pedestrians to move around the city without checking their phones constantly.
