Google Maps is without a doubt the best maps app available today. But chances are, you’re only using a small part of its powerful features—tools that can actually make your daily navigation and exploration much easier.
8 Hidden Google Maps Features You’re Probably Missing
8. Save Places as Favorites
The Save as Favorites option is one of the easiest Google Maps features, yet many users overlook it. With this feature, you can mark places you’d like to visit in the future or keep a record of locations you’ve already been to.
I personally use Favorites to bookmark great spots I want to share with friends later—or to revisit places I really enjoyed.
How to save a place as Favorite in Google Maps:
- Tap on the location you want
- Click Save
- Choose the list where you’d like to keep it
You can even create custom lists if none fit your need. For example, when looking for parking, just save spots under a dedicated Parking list.
7. Indoor Navigation
Indoor Navigation is not available everywhere, but it works in certain popular places like Mall of the Emirates in Dubai or Canary Wharf Underground Station in London.
Simply drop the little orange person on the map, and you’ll get a Street View-like experience—but indoors.
6. Send to Phone
One of the reasons Google Maps is better than Apple Maps is its availability across all platforms. If you’re planning routes on your desktop, you can easily send directions directly to your phone.
Just click the phone icon with an arrow in the sidebar, and select how you’d like to receive the directions.
You can also send Google Maps searches between mobile devices, making it seamless to switch between your tablet and phone.
5. Nearby Feature
Want to discover what’s around instead of searching for a specific place? Use the Nearby feature. It lets you explore hotels, restaurants, or fun things to do in any area.
Simply enter a city, neighborhood, or address, then choose Nearby from the options. You can filter the results by type—for example, restaurants or cafes.
4. Location Sharing
Location Sharing isn’t just for WhatsApp. Google Maps has its own built-in feature to share your live location with family and friends. It’s useful for safety—and also makes meetups way easier.
To share your location:
- Open your profile icon
- Select Location Sharing
- Choose who to share with and for how long
Recipients can even see your device’s battery percentage in real time.
3. Add Home and Work Addresses
Tired of typing your home or office address daily? Save them once in Google Maps, and you’ll get instant directions with a single tap.
How to add Home and Work:
- Go to Settings > Account Settings
- Select Edit home or work
- Enter the address manually or pick from the map
2. Search Personalization
Just like regular Google Search, Maps can personalize results for you. Search Personalization is enabled by default, so the app learns from your history and offers smarter suggestions.
Combined with daily commute alerts, this makes Maps work exactly how you need it.
1. Segmented Searches
Segmented Searches let you filter results inside Google Maps more efficiently. After searching an area, you’ll see options such as:
- Parks
- Restaurants
- ATMs
- Pharmacies
You can refine results further by price, ratings, and opening hours—on both desktop and mobile.
Final Thoughts
These Google Maps hidden features can instantly improve your navigation experience. From saving favorites to personalized searches, the app is more than just directions—it’s a full navigation toolkit that makes daily travel smarter and faster.
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