Top 7 Ways to Fix Google Maps Not Showing Route
Navigating from point A to point B is easier than ever with Google Maps and all of the route options, traffic information and location history it provides us. While you can rely on Google Maps for your navigation needs, there will be a few times the app lets you down. One such case is when it stops displaying the route during navigation.
Repeatedly, users have reported this issue while browsing, where the blue line indicating the path appears to be missing. It can be frustrating. Especially when you are on the road in an unfamiliar city to try with very little time to spare.
But luckily there are a few quick and easy ways to fix Google Maps route issue.
1. Check mobile data
Google Maps requires a stable and constant internet connection to function properly. Therefore, unless you are not using offline maps, make sure your phone’s internet connection is working properly. So it is recommended to check it before diving into other solutions on this list. To check your phone’s internet connection, open Play Store on your Android or App Store on your iPhone to see if your phone is connected to the internet.
2. Reset Google Play services
Google Play Services work around the clock behind the scenes to connect your apps, Google and Android services together. So, if there is any problem with the Google Play services on your phone, it may cause the Google Maps app to malfunction.
Step 1: Open the Settings menu on your Android and go to Apps & Notifications to see a list of all apps on your phone.
2nd step: Scroll down to find and tap the Google Play service. Now click on the “Storage and cache” option. Tap Clear Storage, then tap the “Clear All Data” button.
Wait for the process to complete and see if the navigation is working properly.
3. Clear cache for Google Maps
If clearing data from Play Services didn’t work, you can try clearing cache data for Google Maps. Simply put, cache data is the temporary files stored on your Android to avoid loading times and unnecessary data usage. Clearing the cache is a proven solution for any app on Android that is struggling to function properly. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open the Settings menu on your Android and go to Apps & Notifications. This time find Maps by scrolling down or using the search tool at the top.
2nd step: Tap Storage & Cache, then tap the Clear Cache button.
Now go back to the Google Maps app and see if the issue is resolved.
4. Update the app
App developers are constantly releasing updates for your apps to add new features or fix known bugs. And Google Maps is no exception to this. So it is always useful to keep your apps up to date by going to Play Store> My apps & games on Android or App Store> Updates on your iOS devices.
5. Calibrate the compass
Google Maps needs to know your exact current location for it to display error-free directions. And for that, you can manually calibrate the compass in the Google Maps app. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your phone and tap the blue dot in the center indicating your current location. Now tap on the ‘Calibrate Compass’ option at the bottom left.
2nd step: Follow the onscreen instructions to dial an 8 with your phone.
Again, try the navigation and see if you can see if it shows the route.
6. Activate high precision mode
As the name suggests, enabling High Accuracy Mode in Location Settings will allow Maps to know your location as accurately as possible. Most people avoid using this option because it consumes more data and battery life, but keeping this option is essential for Google Maps to work flawlessly.
Activate high precision mode on Android
Step 1: Open the Settings menu on your phone and open the Location menu.
2nd step: Expand the Advanced menu and tap Google Location Accuracy. Now activate the “Improve localization accuracy” button if you haven’t already.
Enable High Precision Mode on iPhone
Step 1: Open the Settings menu on your iPhone, then scroll down to find and tap Privacy. In the Privacy menu, click on the Location services option.
2nd step: Now tap on Maps in the list and turn on the “Precise location” option if you haven’t already.
Again, open the Google Maps app and try the navigation to see if the issue is resolved.
7. Reinstall Google Maps
If all the above-mentioned methods fail, you can try reinstalling the Google Maps app on your phone. Typically, if the app’s data is corrupted or the app fails to update properly, reinstalling the app may resolve this issue.
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Make your own way
Anytime Google Maps has issues, you can use one of these fixes and go back to normal on Google Maps. Once you’re able to navigate usually, check out these Google Maps tips and tricks to improve your browsing experience.
Last updated on June 5, 2021
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