Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps, providing turn-by-turn voice directions to help you get to your destination. However, sometimes the voice navigation feature stops working properly. Here are some troubleshooting tips to try and fix broken voice navigation in Google Maps.
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There are a few common issues that can occur with Google Maps voice navigation:
- Voice directions not speaking at all
- Voice cutting out intermittently
- Voice speaking a foreign language
- Voice speaking too softly to be heard clearly
These issues typically arise from problems with app settings, device settings, network connectivity or outdated app versions. Fortunately, they can often be easily fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.
Troubleshooting Tips
Check Volume and Mute Settings
The first thing to check is whether voice navigation is muted in the Google Maps app itself.
On Android:
- Open Google Maps and start navigating to a destination
- Tap the volume/mute icon in the top right (next to the search bar)
- Make sure the mute icon does not have a line through it
- If muted, tap it to unmute voice navigation
You’ll also want to check your device’s volume is turned up high enough to hear voice prompts clearly.
On iOS:
- Open Google Maps and start navigating
- Tap the route card at the bottom
- Make sure mute is toggled off next to the volume controls
Adjust Voice Guidance Volume
If voice navigation is not muted but still too quiet, try increasing the guidance volume in Google Maps settings:
On Android and iOS:
- Open Google Maps
- Go to Settings > Navigation > Guidance Volume
- Switch from Softer to Louder
Check Network Connectivity
Google Maps relies on an internet connection to download voice direction data. Check that your device has a stable, high-speed mobile or Wi-Fi signal.
On Android and iOS:
- Make sure cellular data or Wi-Fi is enabled
- Try toggling airplane mode on and off to refresh the connection
- Move closer to a Wi-Fi router if connected to a weak signal
Clear App Cache and Data
Clearing cached and temporary data can help resolve issues caused by corrupt files.
On Android:
- Open device settings > Apps > Google Maps
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data
On iOS:
- Delete and reinstall the Google Maps app
Update Google Maps
An outdated version of Google Maps can cause problems with voice navigation. Update to the latest version.
On Android and iOS:
- Open the Play Store / App Store
- Search for Google Maps
- If the Update button displays, tap it
Restart Your Device
As a last resort, completely restarting your device can often resolve app issues like broken voice navigation.
On Android and iOS:
- Hold down the Power button to bring up the shut down menu
- Choose Restart and wait for your phone to reboot
Then reopen Google Maps and test voice navigation.
Preventing Future Issues
Here are some tips to help prevent voice navigation problems in the future:
- Keep Google Maps updated to the latest version
- Ensure background app refresh is enabled for Google Maps
- Connect devices to reliable Wi-Fi whenever possible
- Routinely clear Google Maps cache and data
- Restart devices on occasion to clear out memory issues
When To Contact Support
If you still have no voice navigation after trying all troubleshooting steps, it’s time to contact Google Maps support:
- Open Google Maps
- Tap Menu > Help & Feedback
- Choose the issue you are having
- Tap Contact Support and explain the problem
The Google Maps team may be able to resolve voice issues missed by troubleshooting, especially if it is a larger technical problem on their end.
I hope these troubleshooting tips help you fix broken voice navigation in Google Maps! Let me know in the comments if you have any other issues getting voice directions working properly.
