How to Use Google Maps on an Apple Watch
Need a reliable map on your Apple Watch? You can now ask your watch for turn-by-turn directions from Google.
Apple Maps is built into your Apple Watch for turn-by-turn directions, but after a lengthy absence, Google Maps is also available to help you navigate your surroundings. You can use Google Maps on your phone and watch together to see directions for specific destinations, take you home or to work, get somewhere by car or by foot, and get an ETA for your current trip.
Install Google Maps
Your first step would be to install Google Maps on your Apple Watch, if it isn’t already there. The app should first be downloaded to your iPhone from the App Store. Open the Watch app on your phone and swipe down the My Watch screen until you reach Available Apps. Tap the Install button next to Google Maps and it will move to the Installed section on your Apple Watch.
Enable Location Tracking
Make sure that Google Maps is able to track your location. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Google Maps and set the Allow Location Access option to While Using the App or Always.
Set Up Addresses
Your next step should be to set your Home and Work addresses in Google Maps on your iPhone. You can then easily get directions to either location directly on your watch. To do this, open the app on your phone. Tap the Saved icon at the bottom and select the list for Labeled.
Tap the Set once and go link under Home and then add your home address either by typing it, selecting it on a map, or choosing it from your contact list. Then do the same for your work address. You can also add other addresses to the Favorites section for quick access, such as your doctor, favorite restaurants, or the nearest hospital.
Set Travel Mode
You can also set your preferred travel mode. In the watch app, swipe down the screen and tap Set travel mode. Here, you can set the mode for Walking, Driving (the default), Transit, or Bicycling. Choose your preferred mode, then set your destination to get directions via your choice of transportation method.
Navigation on Apple Watch
Now open the Google Maps app on your watch. You should see the shortcuts you created for home, work, and any other spots. Tap one of those shortcuts to receive turn-by-turn directions. At the same time, your phone will display a map and route to your destination. You can tap the Start button in Google Maps on your iPhone to see directions on your phone along with your watch.
In order to navigate to a destination not saved as a shortcut, you’ll need to use Google Maps on your phone. Open the app on your phone and enter an address to get directions, then tap the Start button. The entry for Current Trip will show your ETA in the app on your watch. You can then tap the entry to see turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
Originally published at https://www.pcmag.com.
