If you’re on holiday in a foreign city, you probably rely on Google Maps. So, the last thing you want is something to go wrong. But it could happen. For example, Google Maps may suddenly stop showing you where to go or talk.
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. And since you’re in a foreign city, there’s a good chance Google Maps’ location sharing won’t be possible, so the whole service will probably be rendered useless.
So, check out some of our solutions and you” learn how to get Google Maps to talk again. At least I hope so.
Table of contents:
- How do I get voice directions on Google Maps?
- How to resolve the “Google Maps not talking” issue in Android
- Check your device’s volume
- Make sure voice is turned on in the Maps app
- Clear Google Maps’ cache
- Check your Bluetooth speakers
- Disable navigation over Bluetooth
- Update Google Maps
- Reinstall Google Maps
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. But, before that, open the Settings app > Sound & vibration and make sure that the Media sound is not muted. After that, follow these steps to enable voice directions in Navigation settings:
- Open Google Maps.
- Tap on your account in the top right corner and open Maps 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.
Why would Google Maps stop talking?
Some of the most common reasons why the Google Maps voice is not working are:
- Your phone’s volume is turned down.
- You’re connected to a Bluetooth device.
- Voice isn’t turned on inside the Google Maps app.
- There’s a bug inside the app.
What to do when Google Maps voice navigation stops working
Here are some of the most common solutions for voice navigation problems in Google Maps:
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. On the other hand, maybe something causes the volume on your Android phone to go down, so you’ll want to check that as well.
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 Google Maps’ 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:
- Open the Settings app.
- 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. Hopefully, you won’t encounter any problems with pairing your phone with Bluetooth headphones.
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 ‘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, downloads, and permissions, 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. Also, feel free to pay us a visit on Twitter or Facebook and learn more about ways to address all kinds of issues on Android and iOS.
Editor’s note: This article was initially published in May 2019. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.
FAQ
Does Google Maps work in Airplane Mode?
You can use Google Maps with the Airplane Mode turned on. The Airplane Mode won't hide your location, and Google Maps will still show the blue dot, so you can know exactly where you are.
Does Google Maps use a lot of data?
Google Maps doesn't use a huge amount of data. On average, expect Google Maps to eat up about 3MB to 5MB of data per hour of use
Thanks for the info, the , app was muted in settings. I don’t know how that happed but it works now, yea!!
Unfortunately, useless information. I’ve had my current car for 3 years, and for most of that time, Google Maps and Android Auto worked. Suddenly a few weeks ago, although Maps did display, there was NO SOUND. When driving in heavy traffic, you can’t look at the screen – you need SOUND to make the proper turns.
Following these and all other instructions from Google Support have only made the problem worse! For example, after uninstalling and then reinstalling Google Maps and Android Auto – my phone NO LONGER WILL CONNECT TO MY CAR!!! WORSE, Google Maps no longer has sound! If trying to use Google Maps as a stand alone, still no sound – yet when you go to setting and test sound – it plays the test sound. However, no matter what, Google Maps will not provide SOUND directions, just visual – which is a major safety hazard when driving.
None of this works, Goggle Maps has become worthless. I dumped both Google Maps an Waze as sound has stopped on both, and when with a third party app that actually works instead of this other garbage
I have tried everything. Even reset my phone to factory settings. Nothing is working. Any new ideas? I’ve been trying to find a solution for a month. I’d rather not buy a new phone but that might be my best option . . .
If anyone is still struggling with this, try going into your phone’s settings. Tap ‘Sounds and vibration’ and tap ‘Volume’. Check if ‘Media’ is on (mine was off), then slide bar to the right until the sound is loud enough. Go back into Maps settings and tap ‘Navigation settings’ and tap ‘Play test sound’. Btw, to get into Google maps settings tap on the letter within a coloured circle on the top right hand side in the ‘Search here’ navigation bar. There’s a list of different options such as ‘Turn on Incognito mode’ etc. Tap on ‘Settings’, then ‘Navigation settings’ then ‘Play test sound’ to check if it works.
Thanks Linda. Your directions did it for me, my mediavolumr was also off. I also appreciated the info on how to get to MAPS settings, which the article and all other posts failed to mention.
I don’t find any of this helpful. When I go to Google Maps, there is no “settings.” Instructions are not detailed enough. More pictures of every step would help.
For me my problem was I had the Do Not Disturb on for Google Navigation for some reason. Once I turned it off for that I could get verbal directions.
Thanks!!! Turning off the talk over calls and Bluetooth worked for me
I’ve had the no voice issue with MAPS for a long while. It’s frustrating and dangerous. When I purchased a new phone I still had the problem! I thought I tried everything. Today I gave it another shot and turned off Bluetooth in Navigation Settings. Miracles do happen. Voice is back!
Navigation settings on your phone or in your car? I’m in the same boat as you, and as you say, frustrating and dangerous. I depend on that voice, and if I can’t rely on the voice, I end up with the phone in my hand.
There are many alternatives to Google Maps, some are working better than others. Voice is usually a problem, but in some apps it works and in others it doesn’t. I use my BOSE Bluetooth speaker in the car with my Android phone. If it works it sounds great! If….
Your solution does not work. Why isn’t Google fixing their issue? It is life threatening to have no voice while you are driving in traffic and Google closes the voice directions off.
Google made the product, they need to fix it. I will never TRUST Google again.
I have a new Samsung Galaxy A21; the assistant voice constantly shuts itself down, and most of the time once I can get the voice back up, I get only the initial direction in Google maps and then nothing else by voice. As ^ said, it is DANGEROUS. Frequently, the command I used the last time to get the voice back on doesn’t work again. This is maddening.
I have a Samsung Galaxy A20 and going into Google Maps’ navigation settings and turning off “Play voice over Bluetooth” worked for me. I prefer to hear the voice directions coming directly from the phone rather than the car speakers anyway. So happy now, I’d been searching the internet for weeks trying to find a solution!
Good and very useful information. It worked for me. Thnq v much
In my Android phone I do not have Navigation within Settings.
Solution 2 did it for me. It’s almost always something “obvious”. Thank you so much!
Drove through Northern Italy on Google Maps. Map directions at most roundabouts were different to the voice instructions. One would say ok wave at the second exit but the map would say take the first exit. Happened regularly. Now I get no voice instructions. Just a loud noise before each junction
Hi, I still do not have audio on my google maps app on my android. please help. i have tried all the steps above.
same for me test sound does not play the voice
it was the media volume
Thank you! Mine was the media volume too!
This problem not only occurs with Google Maps. There are about 15 good Google Maps alternatives. I use MAPS.ME, which is better in my opinion and maps can be downloaded and used Offline. Occasionally for some reason voice commands cannot be heard. Just uninstall the program and re-install it with Play Store. All your settings will be kept as well as all your saved addresses!
I am not able to uninstall google maps on my phone.