How to set Google Maps as the default map on iPhone

what to know

• Unable to select default map app from iPhone settings.
• Workaround: Set Chrome as the default browser in Settings > Chrome > Default browser app > Chrome .
• For Gmail, follow the same steps: Settings > Gmail > Default Mail App > Gmail .

Google Maps is the most widely used mapping app in the United States, but iPhone users must use Apple Maps by default. If you'd like to use Google Maps as the default map app on your iPhone, there are some workarounds available.

Unfortunately, there's no way to select the default Maps app on the iPhone. While you can change other default apps on your iPhone (such as your preferred web browser), Apple doesn't currently offer this functionality for any iOS map apps, including Google Maps.

Unless you're willing to jailbreak your iPhone (which is not recommended and is against the iPhone's terms of service), the only way to simulate setting Google Maps as the default Maps app on iOS 14 is to use another Google app as your default app (if You haven't used them yet).

Google's apps are designed to work with each other, so they offer a lot of flexibility in using Google Maps as your go-to mapping app. The two most relevant applications are Chrome as the default web browser and Gmail as the default email program.

If you set Chrome as your default web browser, you'll be able to view locations and directions in Google Maps. Here's how to make this change.

1. Open settings .
   

2. Scroll down through the list of apps and tap Chrome .
   

   hint

   If you don't have Chrome for iOS yet, download it.

3. Click Default browser application .
   

4. Click Chrome .
   

   

5. Now, whenever you click an address to see its location in Chrome, you can see the details directly in Google Maps.
   

If you want to be able to open location addresses you receive via email in Google Maps, you need to use Gmail as your default email application.

1. Open settings .
   

2. Scroll down the list of apps and tap Gmail .
   

   hint

   If you don't have Gmail for iOS yet, download it.

3. Click Default Mail App .
   

4. Click on Gmail .
   

   

5. Exit Settings and open Gmail .
   

6. Click the menu icon in the upper left corner of the search bar.
   

7. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu and click "Settings."
   

8. Click Default Apps .
   

9. If Google Maps isn't already selected, select it from Navigate from your location and navigate between locations .
   

   

10. The address you click in Gmail will now open in Google Maps.
    

FAQ

• To save location history on iPhone using Google Maps Timeline, open Google Maps > tap your profile icon > Settings > Personal content > Location settings > Location services not set to Always . The app will open the Google Maps iPhone settings. From there select Always . Next, enable location history by selecting Timeline is off , which will launch your Google Account activity controls. From here, click Open next to Timeline. Then, view your history in the Google Maps app on iPhone via your profile picture > Your Timeline .

• Unfortunately, you can only change the default Mail and Browser apps on iOS 14 and above. You can make Gmail the default mail app on your iPhone through the Gmail app settings, or choose from many other options like Hey or Spark. You can also choose DuckDuckGo, Firefox, Chrome, or Microsoft Edge as your browser instead of Safari.