For a long time, most Google apps on Android phones have been available on iOS, but not vice versa. A few years ago, with the release of iOS 14, Apple opened its walled garden slightly, allowing iPhone users to switch from Safari to Google Chrome and the the horribly-dated iOSMail app for Gmail. And while you can install the Google Maps app from the App Store, you can't make it the default navigation app.
Apple Maps continues to improve, and with the release of iOS 17, iPhone owners get a snazzy new UI, the option to download maps, and a warning to do so if data service is limited. If you want to stick with Google Maps and all its exciting tricks, there's an easy workaround that lets you automatically open Google Maps when you select a destination.
What is the default map app on iPhone, and why can't you change it?
Apple Maps is the default iPhone map app and has been so since the release of iOS 6. Although earlier versions of iOS shipped with Google Maps, the relationship soured between the two tech giants when Google refused to give Apple rights to the voice-directed turn-by-turn navigation feature in 2012.
If you download Google Maps and want to use it as your default app, it doesn't work because Apple devices don't support it. In contrast to Google's open source Android OS, where anyone can make modifications, Apple uses a closed software ecosystem and controls what apps you can install.
Since the Apple-Google dispute, the iOS 14 update is the closest Apple comes to letting you use Google programs. The update lets you change your default browser and email client to the Google equivalent. You must jailbreak your phone to use any apps outside those two. Jailbreaking is a procedure we don't recommend as it's against Apple's policy and voids your warranty. In the worst-case scenario, you could brick your phone.
How to change your default navigation app to Google Maps on iPhone or iPad
The closest method to making Google Maps your default navigation app is to install Google Chrome or Gmail, then make one of them your default email and browser apps. Since all Google apps integrate and share data, you can open map links in Google Maps via any of the two apps. Creating a Google account is necessary to use any of the apps. You can't sign in and access the full functionalities if you don't have one.
The steps used in this procedure were performed on an iPhone running iOS 16. The process for iOS and iPadOS 17 is unchanged. iOS or iPadOS 14 and 15 users can also follow these steps.
Change iPhone's default mail app to Gmail
- Download and install Gmail from the Apple App Store.
- From your phone's App Library, tap the Settings app.
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Scroll up and tap Gmail.
- Tap Default Mail App.
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Select Gmail.
- From your phone's App Library, open Gmail. You must sign in if it's your first time using the app.
- Tap the menu icon in the upper-right corner.
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Select Settings.
- Tap Default apps.
- Under the Navigate from your location and Navigate between locations sections, select Google Maps. Then, when you tap a map link in Gmail, it automatically opens in Google Maps.
- Tap the checkbox beside Ask me which app to use every time to choose between Apple Maps and Google Maps when you tap map links.
Change the iPhone's default web browser to Chrome
When you set Chrome as your default browser from your phone's Settings menu, every map link you tap within the browser opens in Google Maps automatically.
- Download and install Chrome from the Apple App Store if you haven't.
- Open Settings.
- Scroll up and tap Chrome.
- Tap Default Browser App.
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Select Chrome. When you tap a link on your phone, it automatically opens in Chrome instead of Safari.
How to use Google Maps via CarPlay on iPhone
CarPlay is Apple's alternative to Android Auto. With CarPlay, you can unlock and start your car, use the map, receive and make calls, and dictate messages. With the release of iOS 17, CarPlay gets better with features like SharePlay, which lets passengers share music and playlists with the vehicle owner. CarPlay supports Google Maps, but not as your default map service. If you ask Siri for directions, the voice assistant always opens Apple Maps. You must launch Google Maps when using it in your car.
Downloading CarPlay is unnecessary as the feature comes with supported iOS versions. However, you need to connect your phone to a supported vehicle to use it. Depending on your model, you can connect to CarPlay with a USB cord or wireless connection.
CarPlay supports iPhones running iOS 12 or higher versions and Google Maps from version 5.24 or above. The system also works with select car models.
- Download and install Google Maps on your phone if you haven't.
- Start your car.
- Connect your phone to your car. If your car supports a wired CarPlay connection, plug in your Apple Lightning USB cable to the CarPlay port. The port should have a tiny white smartphone symbol next to it.
- A prompt appears with three options: Enable, disable, or always enable CarPlay when your phone is connected to the car via USB.
- Once activated, CarPlay automatically launches on your car's built-in display. Your display mirrors the supported CarPlay apps on your iPhone, including Phone, Messages, Music, and third-party apps like iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Google Maps.
- Tap Google Maps to open and use it.
Plan your trip and enjoy the ride
Google Maps offers robust features for getting to destinations faster and ensuring you never get lost. You can share your ETA with friends and family, use offline maps when you're far away from civilization, and save your parking spots. Google Maps also lets you enjoy one feature that is only now appearing on Apple Maps after a decade: multiple stops. You can plan your route with more than one destination if you need to make an unexpected trip or have many errands to run. But that's not all. There are over 10 tips and tricks you need to try on Google Maps to make transportation a breeze.