How to use Google Maps in Apple CarPlay

If you aren’t happy with your car’s built-in navigation software — which let’s face it, wouldn’t be a huge surprise — did you know that Google Maps is available as a navigation option in Apple CarPlay, not just Apple Maps? As long as you have access to Google Maps on an iPhone and a vehicle with CarPlay compatibility via its infotainment system, you can switch to Google’s mapping service at will.

Using Google Maps, you can search for destinations and create complex routes before you get in your vehicle — something most automakers don’t bother with. Here’s what you have to do to get started with Google Maps in CarPlay.

How to set up Google Maps in CarPlay

1. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS available for your device, preferably iOS 17 or later.
2. Update or download the Google Maps app if you haven’t recently.
3. Once you’re up-to-date, go to Settings -> General -> CarPlay on your iPhone and select your car. If it doesn’t show up, you’ll have to connect your phone to your car first.
4. Tap on Customize. You’ll see a list of apps including Google Maps. If you don’t want it to be on page two or three of your in-car display when CarPlay launches, drag its icon (using the three lines on the right) higher up the list.
5. Plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car, or use your car’s dashboard display to connect wirelessly (if it’s an option). The CarPlay interface should appear automatically.
6. Tap on Google Maps and you can set your destination in much the same way as you would in Apple Maps.

Notes on using Google Maps

As a safety measure, the app will only let you type using the CarPlay keyboard if your vehicle is parked. You can still use other search and navigation functions while in motion, say if you need to find a nearby gas or EV charging station. The best practice is to plan and launch a route on your iPhone before you connect to CarPlay — when the app syncs, you’ll be ready to drive right away.

If you’ve got extra time to sit in your car, it’s worth exploring the app’s in-car settings. At a minimum we’d recommend setting it to switch between light and dark modes automatically, since the light mode can be blinding when you’re driving at night. You can also choose to avoid highways and/or tolls, and we’d suggest the latter unless toll roads are essential for getting somewhere on time.

By default Google Maps should show posted speed limits while you drive, but always doublecheck these against real-world signs. Google’s data isn’t always current, and the last thing anyone wants is to get trapped by police in rural Texas because Google claimed the limit was 10mph faster.

Finally, while you may have done this already, be sure your Home and/or Work addresses are set up in the iPhone app. Tap on your profile icon, then go to Settings -> Edit home or work. That’ll open up quick mid-drive shortcuts.