How-To

How to Change Voice on Google Maps

By Brian Burgess

Published March 28, 2023

Need the default voice on Google Maps to sound differently or use a different language? This guide explains how.

The voice feature in Google Maps allows you to get directions, search for locations, and access saved places without touching the screen. Of course, when you ask for directions, the app replies in the default language.

The voice feature makes it easier to use the navigator while you are out and about. However, you might want to change the accent or language to something easier to understand.

Currently, the app can change the voice to several different languages. We’ll explain how to change voice settings on Google Maps below.

How to Change Voice for Google Maps on Android

Changing the voice feature for the Google Maps app on Android is straightforward by going into the app’s settings.

To change voice on Google Maps:

1. Launch the Google Maps app on your Android device.
2. When the app launches, tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select Settings from the menu that appears.
4. Scroll down and select Navigation settings from the menu.
5. Under the Sound & voice section, tap on the Voice selection option.
6. Now, select the voice you want to use. Suggested voices will appear at the top, but you will find many more by scrolling down the list.

After choosing the voice you want, the menu will close, and you can close out of settings. You won’t need to tap a save or verification message. Moving forward, the voice you selected will be the new one the next time you use the app.

How to Change Voice for Google Maps on iPhone

In addition to changing the voice on Google Maps on Android, you can do it on your iPhone too. However, the maps app allows you to change the voice for search, but to change it overall, you need to dig into iPhone language settings.

To change voice on Google Maps on iPhone:

1. Tap the Settings icon from the home screen on your iPhone.
2. Select the General option from the menu.
3. Tap on Language and Region.
4. Under the Preferred languages section, tap the Add Language option.
5. Choose the language you want to use for Google Maps. This will change the language on your iPhone system-wide.
   Note: There are several languages available. To find the one you need easier, type it into the search field at the top.
6. Verify you want to change to the selected language by taping the verification button from the bottom menu that appears.

Moving forward, your Google Maps app will use the language you set on your iPhone.

If you want to switch the language back, it’s straightforward. Tap and hold the three-line button, drag the language you wish to use to the top of the list, and tap the verification message.

Get to Your Destination and Back with Google Maps

If you need to change the language of Google Maps temporarily or permanently on your iPhone or Android handset, use the above steps to achieve your goal. Of course, Android users will have an easier time of it, but iPhone users aren’t entirely left in the dark.

For more on using Google Maps to navigate your way around, there are other things you might be interested in. For example, check out how to calibrate Google Maps for more accurate results. Or, if you need to figure out travel plans while scheduling your week, you can use Google Maps and Google Calendar together.

If you have your laptop with you and need to save your mobile data, you can download Google Maps on your iPhone for offline use. Another option for offline use is to print directions from Google Maps and save your phone for something more fun like Spotify.