📋 Verified Walkthrough
iPhone & iPad • Travel

How do I get turn-by-turn spoken driving directions on Google Maps?

Direct Answer

Open Google Maps, type your destination in the top search bar, tap the blue "Directions" button, and tap the blue "Start" button to hear spoken turns.

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • To hear loud, clear spoken directions through your phone speaker or car radio so you don't have to look down at your screen while driving.
  • To avoid traffic jams, road construction, and accidents automatically.

Before You Start

  • Turn your phone volume up using the volume buttons on the side of your phone.
  • Know the address or name of the place you want to drive to (e.g. "Trader Joe's" or "St. Jude Hospital").

Keep your phone mounted safely on your car dashboard or cup holder before you start driving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Open the Google Maps app

    Tap the colorful map pin icon labeled "Maps" or "Google Maps."

    👀 Colorful pin icon with green, red, blue, and yellow.

  2. 2

    Type or speak your destination

    Tap the top search bar that says "Search here." Type the place name or tap the microphone icon and say: "Directions to [Place Name]."

    👀 Search bar at top with microphone symbol.

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Tap the blue "Directions" button

    Tap the blue button in the bottom-left corner that says "Directions." Google Maps will calculate the fastest route.

    👀 Blue pill button labeled "Directions."

  4. 4

    Tap the blue "Start" button

    Look at the bottom of the screen and tap the blue button that says "Start" with an arrow. The voice will immediately say "Head north on...."

    👀 Large blue "Start" button at bottom.

  5. 5

    Make sure the speaker voice is not muted

    On the right side of the navigation screen, look for the small speaker icon. If it has a line through it, tap it and choose the unmuted speaker so you can hear voice guidance.

    👀 Speaker icon on right side of screen.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If you miss a turn while driving

Do not panic! Google Maps will immediately recalculate a new route automatically in 2 seconds without you needing to touch the phone.

Good to Know

  • To end navigation when you arrive, tap the red "X" in the bottom-left corner.
  • Google Maps will alert you in advance if there is heavy traffic ahead and offer a faster shortcut.