Making Google Maps the default on your iPhone can significantly improve your navigation experience, especially if you prefer Google Maps over Apple Maps. By default, any map link you open on your iPhone will direct you to Apple Maps.
If you wish to use Google Maps instead, you’ll be interested to know that while there’s no direct way to Make Google Maps Default on iPhone, there are some effective workarounds. This article will guide you through the steps to make Google Maps the default on your iPhone.
also read: How to Share Your Location on Android: A Comprehensive Guide
Can You Set Google Maps as Default on iPhones?
As of now, iPhones do not allow users to set Google Maps as the default navigation app directly. With iOS 14, Apple introduced the ability to change the default web browser and email app, but this does not extend to navigation apps.
Changing the primary navigation app directly requires jailbreaking your iPhone, which is not recommended due to security and warranty issues. However, there are ways to configure your iPhone to prefer Google Maps over Apple Maps for navigation tasks.
Using Google Chrome to Set Google Maps as Default on iPhone
One effective method to ensure that map links open in Google Maps is by setting Google Chrome as your default web browser. Since Google Chrome is part of Google’s ecosystem, it will prioritise Google Maps for navigation. Follow these steps to set Google Chrome as your default browser:
- Download Google Chrome: If you haven’t already, download Google Chrome from the App Store.
- Change Default Browser: Open the Settings app on your iPhone, scroll down to Chrome, and tap on it. Then, tap on “Default Browser App” and select Chrome.
With Google Chrome set as your default browser, any map links opened from Chrome will directly open in Google Maps.
Using Gmail to Set Google Maps as Default on iPhone
Another way to use Google Maps as your primary navigation app is by setting Gmail as your default email client. When Gmail is your default email app, map links in emails will open in Google Maps. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the Gmail App: Download Gmail from the App Store.
- Change Default Mail App: Go to Settings, scroll down to Gmail, tap on it, then tap on “Default Mail App” and select Gmail.
- Configure Gmail: Open the Gmail app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner, scroll down to Settings, and tap on it. Under the General section, tap on “Default apps” and ensure that Google Maps is selected for navigation options.
By setting Gmail as your default email app, any addresses received via email will open in Google Maps.
Additional Tips and Future Updates
Currently, these workarounds are the most effective ways to use Google Maps as your primary navigation tool on an iPhone.
It’s also worth noting that changes might be on the horizon. Starting from next year, Apple may allow iPhone users to change the default navigation app, similar to how they can change the default browser and email apps.
This change is expected to be available by March 2025, although it might initially be exclusive to users in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In recent months, Apple has introduced several updates for EU users, such as access to third-party app stores and the ability to download apps directly from websites. These changes reflect a broader trend towards giving users more flexibility and control over their devices.
Wind Up
While you cannot directly Make Google Maps Default on iPhone, using Google Chrome and Gmail as your default browser and email app provides an effective workaround.
These steps ensure that links and addresses will open in Google Maps, allowing you to navigate with your preferred app. Stay tuned for potential updates from Apple that may further enhance your ability to customise your iPhone’s default apps.