How to Use Android Auto for Navigation with Google Maps

by Nia Patel · Published 10/07/2026 · Updated 10/07/2026

Applies to
Android Auto, Google Maps, Android phones, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, compatible cars, and compatible infotainment systems

Last updated
10 July 2026

Problem

You want to use Google Maps through Android Auto, but you are not sure how to start navigation, search for a destination, change routes, hear directions, or use the map safely while driving.

Android Auto makes Google Maps easier to use on a car screen, but it works best when your phone, location settings, mobile data, and audio are set up correctly.

Solution

Connect your phone to Android Auto, open Google Maps on the car screen, choose a destination, then start navigation. Use voice commands where possible so you can keep your attention on the road.

Step by step instructions

Connect your phone to Android Auto

Start your car and wait for the infotainment screen to load.

Connect your Android phone by USB cable or wireless Android Auto, depending on your car.

Unlock your phone if prompted.

Approve any permissions for Android Auto, Google Maps, location, microphone, calls, messages, and notifications.

Once Android Auto opens, you should see the car-friendly interface on the screen.

Open Google Maps

On the Android Auto screen, open the app launcher.

Select Google Maps.

If Google Maps is already open, it may show your current location or your last used route.

If Google Maps does not appear, check Android Auto launcher settings on your phone and make sure Google Maps is installed and updated.

Search for a destination

Tap the search field in Google Maps.

You can search by:

Place name
Full address
Postcode
Business name
Saved place
Recent destination
Contact address

For safety, enter the destination before you start driving whenever possible.

Use voice search

To search by voice, tap the microphone button in Android Auto or use your steering wheel voice button if supported.

You can say things such as:

Navigate to home
Navigate to work
Find petrol stations nearby
Take me to the nearest supermarket
Navigate to Oxford Street London
Find parking nearby

Voice search is usually the safest way to change navigation while driving.

Start navigation

After selecting a destination, Google Maps will show route options if available.

Choose the route you want.

Tap Start.

Google Maps will begin turn by turn directions on the car screen.

You should hear voice guidance through the car speakers.

Change the route

Google Maps may offer alternative routes depending on traffic, road closures, and journey time.

If alternatives are shown, select the route you prefer before starting.

During navigation, Google Maps may suggest a faster route.

You can accept or ignore the suggestion.

Avoid manually changing routes while driving unless it is safe and legal to do so.

Add a stop

If you need to stop during your journey, use Google Maps to search for a stop along the route.

Common stops include:

Petrol stations
EV chargers
Restaurants
Supermarkets
Parking
Coffee shops

Use voice commands where possible, such as Find petrol stations on my route.

Adjust navigation volume

If you cannot hear directions, turn up the car volume while Google Maps is speaking.

Many cars have separate volume levels for music, calls, and navigation guidance.

You may need to adjust the volume during a spoken direction rather than while music is playing.

Mute or unmute voice directions

Google Maps lets you control voice guidance.

During navigation, look for the speaker icon.

You may be able to choose between muted, alerts only, or full voice guidance.

Use full voice guidance if you want turn by turn instructions.

Use alerts only if you mainly want important warnings.

Use saved places

Google Maps can use saved places such as home and work.

Open Google Maps on your phone.

Set your home and work addresses if you have not already done so.

Once saved, you can use simple Android Auto voice commands such as:

Navigate home
Navigate to work

This makes regular journeys quicker to start.

Use recent destinations

Android Auto can show recent Google Maps destinations.

Open Google Maps on the car screen.

Check the recent destination list.

Select the location you want.

This is useful for places you visit often or searched for earlier on your phone.

Download offline maps

If you often drive through areas with poor signal, download offline maps before travelling.

Open Google Maps on your phone.

Tap your profile picture or initials.

Select Offline maps.

Choose the area you need.

Download it while connected to Wi-Fi.

Offline maps can help navigation continue when mobile signal is weak, although live traffic and some searches may still need mobile data.

Keep location enabled

Google Maps needs location access to guide you accurately.

Open Settings on your phone.

Go to Location.

Make sure location is turned on.

Then check Google Maps permissions and allow location while using the app.

If your phone offers precise location, turn it on for better accuracy.

End navigation

When you reach your destination, Google Maps will usually end navigation automatically.

To stop earlier, tap the close or exit option on the car screen.

You can also use a voice command such as Stop navigation.

Optional methods or tools

Use voice commands to start navigation without typing
Use saved home and work addresses for faster route setup
Download offline maps before long journeys
Use recent destinations for places you searched earlier
Use Google Maps on your phone before connecting to Android Auto to prepare a route

Best practices or tips

Enter your destination before driving
Use voice commands instead of typing while on the move
Keep Google Maps, Android Auto, and Google Play services updated
Turn on precise location for more accurate navigation
Download offline maps for areas with poor mobile signal

Google Maps is one of the most useful Android Auto features because it brings turn by turn navigation, live traffic, route options, and nearby search to the car screen. Once your phone is connected, you can start navigation directly from the Android Auto display or by using Google Assistant voice commands.

For the best experience, set your destination before driving, keep location permissions enabled, and make sure your navigation volume is loud enough to hear clearly. Offline maps, saved places, and voice search can make Google Maps in Android Auto faster, safer, and more reliable on everyday journeys.