4 Hidden Google Maps Settings to Boost Your Navigation Experience

Google Maps users may be unaware of several underused features that can enhance their navigation experience. One such feature is Google Maps' ability to track a user's timeline, which records all places visited and routes taken. However, this feature can raise privacy concerns for some users.

Sanya Shah, a tech-savvy writer for How-To Geek, recently discovered these features and decided to turn them off. First, she disabled her Google Maps Timeline by going to the 'Your Timeline' page and selecting 'Location & Privacy Settings.' She then deleted all of her existing timeline data using the prompts provided.

Shah also turned off unnecessary alerts on her phone, which were frequently buzzing with recommendations for nearby restaurants or popular places. By navigating to the 'Settings' menu in Google Maps and selecting 'Notifications,' she was able to silence these alerts and only keep notifications that mattered to her.

In addition to these changes, Shah discovered a feature that prioritizes fuel-efficient routes over the fastest ones. While this may be beneficial for some users, such as those driving electric vehicles, it was not ideal for Shah's needs, so she turned it off.

Lastly, Shah increased the volume of Google Maps' voice guidance to prevent missing turns while driving. This can be done by navigating to the 'Navigation Settings' menu and selecting a louder guidance volume.