Google Maps Unveils Battery-Saving Features for Long Drives

For long drives, navigating with Google Maps on your smartphone can be a challenge due to battery drain. Android enthusiast Jesse has been in this situation before and discovered a useful feature that helps conserve power: Glanceable Directions.

This feature simplifies the navigation process by putting essential information on your lock screen, such as next turns, traffic updates, or alternative routes. To access it, go to Google Maps, tap your profile picture in the top-right corner, and select Settings > Navigation > Glanceable directions while navigating. Toggle it on, start driving, and keep your phone's screen off.

For those with a Pixel 10 or newer model, there's an even more advanced power-saving mode in Google Maps. When enabled, this feature keeps the map alive in full color during navigation but switches to a simplified black-and-white view when you press the power button, reducing battery consumption and thermal throttling.