Google Maps is probably one of the more frustrating apps to use on your Apple Watch. When you’re not using it, it’s probably not an issue, but as soon as you start using it, you find yourself asking yourself the same questions over and over again: How do I use Google Maps on my Apple Watch? How do I avoid getting lost? How do I find my way home?
Google Maps is a great app on any phone, but on your Apple Watch, you need to use the app with a bit of care. Not all watch faces support GPS, which means the Apple watch faces that do support it are so far limited to only showing you the streets around you.
This article explains everything you need to know about using Google Maps on your Apple Watch. If you’re feeling inspired, check out our ultimate guide on how to navigate using your Apple Watch.
What is Google Maps on an Apple Watch?
Google Maps is an app that lets you get directions, traffic conditions, and other information about your location and surrounding area. If you’ve used it on a smartphone, you’ll feel right at home on your Apple Watch.
Users first need to enable the In-App Purchase option on their Apple Watch settings. Once they’ve done that, they can start making use of the app.
Both iPhone and Apple Watch users can enable GPS, which will, in turn, enable the Google Maps app to show you more information. You can also select between showing maps or Satellite, Hybrid, or IZ place info on your Apple Watch.
The watch faces you can use with Google Maps
If you’re a true Google Maps geek, you’ll know that the best watches for navigation are those that have In-App Purchase support. So if you’ve got an Apple Watch and a spare $100 to spend, you should get yourself a new watch face.
There are lots of options when it comes to watching faces for Google Maps. You can choose from a variety of themes and designs, including a large number of database watches that have information about nearby places, businesses, and attractions at your fingertips. You can also get watches that show you the Walk Score, which is a helpful guide to show you how walkable a place is.
Choosing the right watch face can make all the difference when it comes to using Google Maps on your Apple Watch. In our guides, we’ve listed the most useful Apple Watch faces for navigation and location tracking, but there’s a big range to choose from.
Show your screen on your Apple Watch
One of the most useful features of Google Maps on your Apple Watch is the ability to show your screen on your watch. This will allow you to see the map, your current location, and any recent direction changes. If you’re not using your Apple Watch while you’re driving, this is an amazing feature to have.
All you have to do is open up the app, select “Show map” from the menu and you’ll see your current location displayed on your watch. You can even see traffic conditions around you as you drive.
Open Google Maps on your Apple Watch
Once you’ve set up your Apple Watch to show you Google Maps, you’re ready to start using it. To open Google Maps on your Apple Watch, select the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner of the app and select “Open in Google Maps.”
From there, you can choose between searching for a place or location, going to your current location, or seeing a list of nearby places and businesses.
You can also scroll through the list of nearby places to see businesses that are close to you. If you’re looking for a specific place, like a restaurant or hotel, enter the address into the search bar and you’ll see all the places nearby with that address.
Turn on Live Tracking in Google Maps
Another useful feature of Google Maps is Live Tracking. This is the ability to see what’s happening right now as you walk or drive. You can see the distance, speed, direction, and approximate geographic location of your position on the map. You can even see if there are any nearby parked cars.
To enable Live Tracking on your Apple Watch, go to “Start” and select “Live Tracking” from the drop-down menu. This will enable your watch face to show you real-time information about your location.
Use your Eateries searches in Google Maps
Eateries are places that you can search for information about. You can type in a place you’re interested in and Google Maps will show you nearby places to eat that food is available.
You can also enter a place you’re looking for, like “Restaurant X”, and Google Maps will show you nearby places to eat at that restaurant. If you’re not feeling hungry again for an hour or so, you can select “See where else I’m interested in” to see all the places that interest you nearby.
Use your Fitness tracking in Google Maps
Another great use for Google Maps on your Apple Watch is to use it as a fitness tracker. You can create a “Fitness Map” that will show you detailed information about the distance you’ve walked, how many calories you’ve burned, and so on. You can also see at a glance when you’ve been out for too many calories with the “Over Sharing” option.
Get to the point in Google Maps
One of the great things about Google Maps is that it doesn’t matter how lost you are, you can always get to the point. Once you’ve entered your location and the surrounding area, Google Maps will take you directly there.
You can also mark the way to the point with a “marker”, which will show you the name, address, and other details of the place you’re currently at. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when using Google Maps on your Apple Watch. There are plenty of people on the internet who’ll help you out.
And remember, if you’re using an Apple Watch, it shows you the most updated information. You won’t be able to rely on older guides or timetables as they don’t support GPS. You’ll need to use the apps natively on your Apple Watch.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
One of the most frustrating things about using Google Maps on your Apple Watch is being lost. You can’t just run into a building and ask the concierge for directions. You need to use Google Maps on your Apple Watch, just like you would on your phone.
That’s where the “ Ask for Help” option in the app comes into play. Tap on the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open up the options. From there, select “Help” to see a list of nearby places to call for direction or help with GPS problems.
If you’re really stuck, you can also call the 24/7 helpline number from your Apple Watch.
Conclusion
Google Maps is a great app for any phone, but on your Apple Watch, you need to use the app with a bit of care. Not all watch faces support GPS, which means the Apple watch faces that do support it are so far limited to only showing you the streets around you.
If you’re a true Google Maps geek, you’ll know that the best watches for navigation are those that have In-App Purchase support. So if you’ve got an Apple Watch and a spare $100 to spend, you should get yourself a new watch face.