Engadget Guide: How to Improve CarPlay Navigation When Using Google Maps

Engadget notes that Apple Maps has improved since its troubled launch, but many drivers still choose Google Maps for traffic data, business listings or habit. Google Maps can run in CarPlay like any other supported app. Apple has historically restricted changes to default iPhone apps, but in the EU and Japan local rules let users select a preferred navigation app as default. In those regions, the option appears under Settings > Apps > Default Apps on the iPhone. Selecting Google Maps there means Siri requests for directions or taps on an address will open Google Maps in CarPlay instead of Apple Maps.

Outside the EU and Japan, Apple Maps remains the default navigation app on CarPlay. Engadget says one simple workaround is to add "on Google Maps" to the end of Siri requests in the car, which avoids Apple Maps opening by default, though the process is not especially smooth.

For faster access, Google Maps can be placed on the first page of the CarPlay Home Screen. On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, choose the car and select Apps. The order of apps on the Home Screen can be rearranged by dragging Google Maps near the top. If Google Maps does not appear in CarPlay at all, Engadget advises checking this menu first and downloading Google Maps from the App Store if needed; at the bottom of the menu, a green Plus icon adds it.

Adding a Google Maps widget is another method. Return to CarPlay settings on the iPhone and tap Widgets instead of Apps, then find and add a Google Maps widget. Some cars also offer a split-screen CarPlay dashboard that can be reached by swiping right to the leftmost panel. This panel usually includes a mini-map. Starting a route in Google Maps once should make it take over that panel from then on, according to Engadget.

The guide also recommends setting home and work addresses inside the Google Maps app. On the iPhone, open Google Maps and tap the profile picture at the top-right. Then go to Settings > Location & privacy and scroll to Home and work addresses. Use the three-dot menu for each option to add or adjust it. These addresses will be available on CarPlay, allowing common routes to start with a single tap.

For long trips, Engadget says offline maps are important to avoid problems when cellular connections are lost. In Google Maps on the iPhone, tap the profile picture and select Offline Maps. Users can choose areas to keep downloaded for navigation without an internet connection. Engadget suggests downloading these maps over Wi-Fi because maps of large cities can use a lot of data.

Map appearance can also be changed. Tapping the compass button switches between north-up and heading-up. Day and night themes can be set to change automatically by going to Settings > Appearance in CarPlay. Engadget also reminds users not to forget other important CarPlay settings.