Quick Info
  • Common causes responsible for Google Maps voice navigation feature not working include muted device audio, incorrect navigation settings, poor connectivity, and corrupted app data.
  • You can try to resolve the problem by toggling Silent Mode off on your device, increasing device volume, adjusting navigation settings, and reconnecting your Bluetooth devices.
  • Simple solutions like updating Google Maps, restarting your phone, and upgrading to the latest software available may also be helpful.

Fix 1: Check the sound profile and voice navigation settings

If voice navigation is not working in Google Maps, the first thing you should do is check your sound profile and ensure your phone is not set to Silent Mode. You can use the hardware volume buttons to check and increase the volume level.

Keep in mind that the volume settings for different apps can be controlled independently. So, even if your device volume is set to 70%, Google Maps volume voice navigation may not work if its volume is set to zero.

Fix 2: Adjust Google Maps navigation settings

  1. Navigate to any place in Google Maps and then tap on your profile icon on the top right.
  2. Next, tap on 'Settings' in the menu that appears.
  1. On the settings page, scroll down and tap on 'Navigation Settings'.
  2. Finally, check that under 'Mute State', Unmuted is enabled and 'Guidance Volume' is set to Normal or Louder.

Fix 3: Check network connectivity

Check that your device has good network connectivity and the signal strength is strong. In case you are connected to a hotspot, ensure that the device your phone is connected to is within range and has a stable connection.

Fix 4: Enable Play Voice Over Bluetooth

If you've connected your phone to a Bluetooth device like a car stereo or wireless headphone, you may need to enable Voice over Bluetooth for voice navigation to work properly.

  1. Open the Navigation Settings in Google Maps as explained above.
  2. Check that the toggle for 'Play voice over Bluetooth' is enabled. If it is not, tap on it to enable it.
  3. You can also enable the 'Play voice during phone calls' option to get voice directions even while on a call.

Fix 5: Reconnect Bluetooth Device

Google Maps voice navigation may not work properly if your phone cannot connect to the stereo system of your car or other Bluetooth device. In such a situation, you should turn off the Bluetooth, re-enable it, and then reconnect the device. In case it still doesn't work, there may be a problem with the device you are connecting to.

If you've connected your phone with multiple Bluetooth devices, you should also check that your phone is sending the audio to the right one.

Fix 6: Clear the app cache

Sometimes app data can get corrupted and cause an app to malfunction, which can also happen with Google Maps. To fix that, you can try clearing the app cache to get rid of all corrupted data and then try using voice navigation again.

  1. Open the Settings app and then tap on 'Apps'.
  2. In the list of applications, search for Google Maps and tap on it once you've located it.
  1. Next, tap on 'Storage' or 'Storage and Cache', whichever option is present on your device.
  2. Then tap on 'Clear cache' or 'Clear data' and confirm your decision by tapping on the pop-up again.

Fix 7: Force close Google Maps

If voice navigation still fails to work, try force-closing Google Maps and then relaunching it. You can do so by going to the Google Maps app page in the Settings app as explained above and then tapping on the 'Force stop' option. Once the app is closed, open it again and see if voice navigation is working properly now.

Fix 8: Update Google Maps

If there is a bug or some other problem with Google Maps, it may be preventing the voice navigation feature from working correctly. You should check whether an update for the app is available and update it before trying to use voice navigation again.

Fix 9: Restart your device

Sometimes a simple restart is all it takes to fix issues with apps like Google Maps. Turn off your device, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it on again. Then open Google Maps and try using voice navigation again.

Fix 10: Uninstall and reinstall Google Maps

If no update is available for Google Maps and the other solutions do not work, consider removing the app and then reinstalling it. Once you've reinstalled it, try using voice navigation again and see if it works now.

Note: Google Maps is a system app, so in most cases, you won't be able to completely remove it from your device, though you can uninstall updates to the app. Once you've removed the updates, it will revert to its default state. You can then update it again and then test the voice navigation feature.

Things to know

  • Device-specific issues may sometimes be responsible for Google Maps voice navigation not working. In such a case, if a system update is available for your device, apply it and then try using the feature if the above solutions haven't worked.
  • If you have access to multiple connections, try switching between them and testing the feature.
  • You may need to get the stereo of your car checked if you generally use Google Maps voice navigation while being connected to it.