What Google Means by Black ETAs on Google Maps

Google Maps ETAs can sometimes appear in black, causing confusion for users. According to Google's support forum, this is not always a sign of bad news. In driving mode, a black ETA simply means that the app has chosen an innocuous color, or it could be due to a lack of live data.

In public transit mode, a black ETA indicates that the app is not receiving real-time updates about your current trip. This can happen if you're using Google Maps for offline navigation or if there's no internet connection.

Google has explained that the three colors that matter are green (for smooth traffic), orange (moderate traffic), and red (heavy traffic). These color choices can provide quick visual guidance on the road ahead and help users make informed decisions about their route.