When navigating with Google Maps on your iPhone, you might want to avoid highways for various reasons like scenic routes, toll avoidance, or personal preference. However, many developers and users find it challenging to configure Google Maps to bypass highways effectively.
This guide explains how to avoid highways on Google Maps for iPhone by using built-in route options. You'll learn how to set preferences, customize routes, troubleshoot common issues, and follow best practices to ensure your navigation meets your needs.
How do you avoid highways on Google Maps using an iPhone?
You can avoid highways on Google Maps for iPhone by enabling the “Avoid Highways” option in the route settings before starting navigation. This setting modifies the route to exclude highways where possible.
To do this, after entering your destination, tap the three dots menu, select “Route options,” and toggle on “Avoid highways.” Google Maps will then calculate a route that avoids highways.
Google Maps offers multiple route options to customize your navigation experience. Avoiding highways is useful when you prefer local roads or want to avoid tolls and heavy traffic. The app recalculates routes dynamically based on your preferences and current traffic conditions.
What prerequisites are required for avoiding highways on Google Maps iPhone?
- Updated Google Maps app: Ensure you have the latest version of Google Maps installed from the App Store to access all route customization features.
- Active internet connection: A stable internet connection is necessary for Google Maps to calculate routes and update traffic data in real time.
- Location services enabled: Your iPhone’s location services must be turned on for accurate positioning and navigation.
- Basic familiarity with Google Maps interface: Knowing how to enter destinations and access route options helps you quickly apply the avoid highways setting.
- iOS version compatibility: Google Maps requires iOS 13 or later for full feature support on iPhones.
How do you set route preferences to avoid highways on Google Maps iPhone?
Setting route preferences to avoid highways on Google Maps for iPhone involves a few simple steps within the app’s interface. This lets you customize your navigation to exclude highways from your route.
First, open Google Maps and enter your destination in the search bar. After the app calculates the default route, tap the three vertical dots icon in the upper right corner to access the menu. From there, select “Route options.”
In the Route options menu, you will see toggles for “Avoid tolls,” “Avoid highways,” and “Avoid ferries.” Enable the “Avoid highways” toggle. This instructs Google Maps to calculate a route that avoids highways where possible.
After enabling this option, tap “Done” to save your preferences. Google Maps will then update the route to reflect your choice. You can review the new route on the map, which will primarily use local roads and secondary streets instead of highways.
This feature is especially useful when you want to avoid fast-moving traffic, toll fees, or prefer a more scenic drive. Keep in mind that avoiding highways may increase your travel time or distance depending on your location and destination.
Step-by-step guide to avoid highways on Google Maps iPhone
Step 1: Open Google Maps and enter your destination
Launch the Google Maps app on your iPhone. Tap the search bar at the top and type your destination address or place name. Select the correct result from the suggestions to load the route.
Open Google Maps > Tap search bar > Enter destination > Select destinationThis step sets your desired endpoint for navigation. Google Maps will calculate the default fastest route, which often includes highways.
Step 2: Access the route options menu
Once the route is displayed, look for the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap this icon to open the route options menu where you can customize your navigation preferences.
Tap three vertical dots (menu) in top-right cornerThis menu contains settings like avoiding tolls, highways, or ferries. Accessing it is essential to modify your route preferences.
Step 3: Enable the “Avoid highways” option
In the route options menu, find the toggle labeled “Avoid highways.” Tap the toggle to enable it. This tells Google Maps to recalculate the route avoiding highways where possible.
Toggle on “Avoid highways” optionActivating this option changes the routing algorithm to prioritize local roads and secondary streets, avoiding highways and freeways.
Step 4: Confirm and view the updated route
After enabling “Avoid highways,” tap “Done” or close the menu. Google Maps will automatically recalculate the route and display it on the map. Review the new route to ensure it meets your preferences.
Tap “Done” to save preferences and view updated routeThe updated route should avoid highways and may show a longer or more scenic path. You can zoom in to verify the roads used.
Step 5: Start navigation
Tap the “Start” button to begin turn-by-turn navigation using the highway-avoiding route. Google Maps will provide voice and visual directions along the selected roads.
Tap “Start” to begin navigationFollowing this route ensures you avoid highways throughout your trip unless rerouting is necessary due to traffic or road closures.
What are common errors when avoiding highways on Google Maps iPhone and how do you fix them?
- Option not visible or grayed out: This can happen if the app is outdated or location services are disabled. Update Google Maps and enable location services in iPhone settings.
- Route still includes highways: Google Maps may include highways if no viable alternative routes exist. Try adjusting your destination or check for traffic conditions forcing highway use.
- App crashes or freezes: Clear the app cache by restarting the app or reinstalling it. Ensure your iOS version is compatible with the latest Google Maps release.
- Navigation reroutes to highways: Dynamic traffic updates may cause rerouting. Disable automatic rerouting in settings or manually select alternate routes when prompted.
- Slow route calculation: Poor internet connection can delay route updates. Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi or cellular network for faster recalculations.
What are best practices when avoiding highways on Google Maps iPhone?
- Keep Google Maps updated: Regularly update the app to access the latest features and bug fixes related to route options.
- Plan ahead: Set your avoid highways preference before starting navigation to prevent last-minute rerouting.
- Check traffic conditions: Review live traffic data to understand if avoiding highways will significantly increase travel time.
- Use offline maps: Download offline areas if traveling through regions with poor connectivity to maintain route preferences.
- Combine avoid options: Use “Avoid tolls” and “Avoid ferries” along with “Avoid highways” for more tailored routes.
- Manually select routes: When multiple routes appear, choose the one that best fits your highway avoidance needs.
How do you customize routes beyond avoiding highways on Google Maps iPhone?
Google Maps allows you to customize routes with additional options beyond avoiding highways. You can avoid tolls, ferries, and select alternative routes manually.
After entering your destination and accessing the route options menu, toggle “Avoid tolls” or “Avoid ferries” to exclude those from your route. Google Maps will recalculate accordingly.
Additionally, when multiple routes are displayed, you can tap on any alternative route to select it. This lets you pick routes that might be longer but avoid highways or other undesired road types.
You can also add stops or waypoints by tapping the “Add stop” option, allowing you to customize your journey further. This flexibility helps tailor navigation to your preferences, whether for scenic drives, avoiding traffic, or other reasons.
What are alternatives to Google Maps for avoiding highways on iPhone?
Several alternative navigation apps for iPhone offer highway avoidance features. Apple Maps, Waze, and HERE WeGo are popular options.
Apple Maps integrates deeply with iOS and provides route options including avoiding tolls and highways. Waze focuses on real-time traffic updates and allows route customization but may not always avoid highways completely.
HERE WeGo offers offline maps and detailed route preferences including highway avoidance. Each app has unique strengths, so testing them can help you find the best fit for your navigation needs.
Choosing an alternative depends on your priorities like offline access, traffic data accuracy, or interface preferences. However, Google Maps remains the most widely used with comprehensive route customization.
FAQ 1: Can I avoid highways permanently on Google Maps iPhone?
Google Maps does not currently support setting avoid highways as a permanent default. You must enable it for each route manually before navigation.
FAQ 2: Does avoiding highways increase travel time significantly?
Avoiding highways often increases travel time and distance since local roads are slower and less direct. The impact varies by route and traffic conditions.
FAQ 3: Can I avoid highways when using voice commands on iPhone?
Voice commands can start navigation but do not support setting avoid highways directly. You need to enable it manually in the app before starting navigation.
FAQ 4: Why does Google Maps still route me on highways after enabling avoid highways?
Google Maps may include highways if no practical alternative exists or due to traffic rerouting. It prioritizes route feasibility and travel time.
FAQ 5: Is avoiding highways available in offline mode on Google Maps iPhone?
Offline maps support basic navigation but route customization like avoiding highways may be limited or unavailable without an internet connection.
Google Maps on iPhone offers a straightforward way to avoid highways by toggling route options before navigation. This helps you customize your driving experience based on your preferences and needs.
By following the step-by-step guide, troubleshooting common issues, and applying best practices, you can ensure your routes avoid highways effectively. Whether for scenic drives, toll avoidance, or traffic management, this feature enhances your navigation control.