If you’re on holiday in a foreign city, you probably rely heavily on Google Maps. So, the last thing you want is something to go wrong. But it could happen. For example, Google Maps might suddenly stop showing directions or telling you where to go.
In case you stop hearing voice directions from Google Maps, you’ll probably want to solve this problem quickly. Because navigating unknown surroundings while constantly staring at your phone is neither safe nor convenient.
So, check out some of our solutions for the voice directions problem in Google Maps, and you should quickly resolve the issue. At least I hope so.
How do I get voice directions in Google Maps?
As a quick reminder, let’s first see how can you get voice directions in Google Maps in the first place. Here’s how to enable voice directions:
- Open Google Maps.
- Go to Settings > Navigation settings > Voice level.
- Choose Guidance volume (Softer, Normal, or Louder).
- If you’re using Bluetooth earbuds, make sure to enable Play voice over Bluetooth.
Now that you know voice directions are enabled, let’s see what we can do if this feature stops working.
What to do when Google Maps voice navigation stops working
Solution 1 – Check your device’s volume
I know this one sounds obvious, but I cannot tell you how many times I had my sound on mute without noticing. So, tap the volume button or go to settings and make sure your ringer is on.
Solution 2 – Make sure voice is turned on in the Maps app
Another obvious one, but let’s exploit all our options. Here’s how to check if the sound is turned on inside the Maps app:
- Enter your destination, and tap Start.
- Tap the sound button in the upper-right corner, and make sure it’s enabled.
Solution 3 – Clear the app’s cache
We move from obvious solutions to clichés now. If you still can’t hear any voice from Google Maps, clearing the app’s cache could be a solution. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings.
- Head over to Apps or Apps Manager (depending on your phone and ROM).
- Locate Google Maps in the Apps Manager (if you can’t find it, choose Show all apps or Show system services from additional settings).
- Tap Google Maps and choose Storage.
- Tap Clear cache. Note: This process may vary on your phone, but you have an idea of what to do.
You can also try and Clear data instead of cache, just keep in mind it will completely reset the app, so all your settings and downloaded maps and routes will be deleted.
Solution 4 – Check your Bluetooth headphones
If you’re using your Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to listen to Google Maps, make sure these are properly connected. I already showed you above how to enable Google Maps voice over Bluetooth, so if that one’s in check, try reconnecting your wireless headset once again.
If everything’s in place, move on to the next workaround.
Solution 5 – Disable navigation over Bluetooth
If you don’t use a Bluetooth headset and have Google Maps ‘talk’ through your phone’s speaker or wired earbuds, you might want to disable the Play voice over Bluetooth option. In fact, a few users reported that disabling this feature actually resolved the problem.
So, just go back to Settings > Navigation settings > Voice level, and disable Play voice over Bluetooth.
Solution 6 – Update Google Maps
Even though it’s a full-fledged service, you still use Google Maps as an app on your phone. And apps tend to go a little mad sometimes. If something inside the app’s code is preventing Google Maps from sending voice directions, Google will probably notice it.
And when it does, you can expect the patching update to arrive soon. So, besides trying all these workarounds, make sure Google Maps is up to date, as well.
Solution 7 – Reinstall Google Maps
If you still can’t make Google Maps to ‘talk’ to you, maybe it’s time to ‘break the wheel’. Go on and delete the app, and then install it from the Play Store once again. Yes, you’ll lose all your settings and downloads, but a few users reported that reinstalling the app actually solved the problem, so it might be worth it.
That’s about it. I hope at least one of these solutions helped you resolve the Google Maps voice navigation problem. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.