Google Maps Brings Avatar Customization to Android Auto

Google has released an update for Maps on Android Auto that gives users the ability to customize their 'driving avatar' directly from the car's display.

The feature allows users to change the classic blue arrow navigation icon, which was previously only available on phone displays. This new functionality is part of a server-side update and can be accessed by tapping the 'driving avatar' setting alongside other settings in Google Maps on Android Auto.

This move comes after Google rolled out support for showing chosen icons on Android Auto and CarPlay in May 2025, but users had to set them on their phone first. The update is currently live with Android Auto version 17.8.163744 and Google Maps version 26.38.01.980791571.