If Google Maps gives you no spoken turn-by-turn directions, start a route, switch the in-map sound mode to Sound, then raise your phone’s volume and Maps’ guidance volume separately. If directions play on your phone but not through the car, match the car’s audio source to the Bluetooth or USB setting in Maps. A chime can mean voice directions are still downloading or need an update.
Check the sound mode first
During navigation, open the sound control and choose Sound. Google Maps has three modes: Sound, Alerts, and Mute. Alerts can play traffic or incident notices, but it does not include spoken turn-by-turn directions. Hearing alerts without spoken turns is a reason to check this setting first.
Check phone and guidance volume separately
After navigation starts, press the phone’s volume-up button. Then open Google Maps’ guidance-volume setting and choose a louder level if needed. The app offers Softer, Normal, and Louder settings, separate from the phone’s volume.
Google’s Android help says a test sound is available in Google Maps for Android version 9.13 and later. Use it to check the app’s audio output when that option is available.
If Maps plays a chime instead of speaking
Google says a chime instead of a spoken direction can mean voice directions are still downloading or need an update. To let the download finish:
- Connect your phone to the internet.
- Request directions in Google Maps.
- Leave Maps open while the voice directions download.
Route directions through your car speakers
If directions play on your phone but not through the car, make sure the car’s selected audio source and the Google Maps Bluetooth setting match the connection you are using. The steps differ by device and connection:
| Device and connection | Car audio source | Google Maps setting |
| Android phone with Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Pair the phone with the car and turn on “Play voice over Bluetooth.” |
| iPhone or iPad with Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Turn on “Play voice over Bluetooth.” |
| iPhone or iPad with USB | USB | Turn off “Play voice over Bluetooth.” |
For CarPlay, adjust the vehicle’s volume while a Google Maps direction is playing. Google’s Android troubleshooting instructions and iPhone and iPad instructions cover the platform-specific audio routes.
Voice destination search and spoken turn-by-turn guidance are separate functions. These steps address audio directions during a route, not a failure to enter a destination by voice.
