How to Make Google Maps Default on iPhone 13/14/15

Apple Maps has come a long way in providing accurate navigation and location services for iPhone users. However, some users prefer the familiarity and features of Google Maps. If you're one of them and you've recently upgraded to a new iPhone, you may be wondering if you can set Google Maps as the default navigation app.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll answer that question, walk you through the steps of how to make Google Maps default on iPhone.

Can you set Google Maps as the default on iPhone?

You might find it is difficult to set Google Maps your default on iPhone, and the simple explanation is that Apple maintains iOS as a closed software ecosystem. In essence, the company encourages users to use Apple products rather than third-party alternatives whenever possible.

Regrettably, at present, there is no option to designate a default map app on the iPhone. While you have the ability to change default apps for various functions on your iPhone, such as your preferred web browser, Apple does not provide this capability for map apps, including Google Maps.

Unless you're prepared to jailbreak your iPhone, which is not recommended and goes against Apple's terms of service, the only way to approximate using Google Maps as your default map app on iOS 14 is by using other Google apps as your defaults, if you aren't already using them.

How to make Google Maps default on iPhone

As previously mentioned, the only way to emulate having Google Maps as your default map app on iPhone is by setting other Google apps as your default apps. If you're interested, please follow the instructions in this section to learn how to make Google Maps default app on iPhone.

Set Chrome as default web browser to use Google Maps
Set Google Chrome as your default web browser, and when you tap on a location’s address in Chrome, you’ll be able to view it in Google Maps. Download Chrome for iOS if you don’t have it yet, and follow the steps below to make it.

Step 1. Open Settings on your iPhone > Scroll down to choose Chrome. Optionally, you can directly search it in the search bar.

Step 2. Tap Default Browser App > Choose Chrome.

From now on, whenever you tap on an address in Chrome to view its location, you'll be prompted to choose between Apple Maps and Google Maps for navigation.

Set Gmail as default Email app to use Google Maps
Similarly, if you want to open location addresses you receive by email in Google Maps, you can use Gmail as your default email app. Make sure you have Gmail app installed on your iPhone and follow the steps below.

Step 1. Open the iPhone Settings > Locate and choose Gmail > Tap Default Mail App > Choose Gmail.

Step 2. Open the Gmail app > Tap the menu icon in the top left of the search bar > Choose Settings.

Step 3. Tap Default apps > Under Navigate from your location and Navigate between locations, choose Google Maps. 

Now, when you tap on an address in a message within Gmail, you'll have the option to select either Apple Maps or Google Maps for viewing the location.

How to use Google Maps via CarPlay on iPhone

If you often use navigation while driving, you can seamlessly use Google Maps via CarPlay on your iPhone. CarPlay is Apple's in-car infotainment system that allows you to connect your iPhone to your vehicle's touchscreen display. Here's how to set up and use Google Maps with CarPlay.

Step 1. Start your car and connect your iPhone to your car. If your car supports a wired CarPlay connection, plug in your Apple Lightning USB cable into the CarPlay port, which should have a small white smartphone symbol next to it.

Step 2. A prompt will appear with three options: Enable, disable, or always enable CarPlay when your phone is connected to the car via USB.

Step 3. Once activated, CarPlay will automatically launch on your car's built-in display. Your display will mirror the supported CarPlay apps on your iPhone, including Phone, Messages, Music, and third-party apps like iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Google Maps.

Step 4. Tap on Google Maps to open and use it for navigation.

Final words

Over time, iPhone users have developed a preference for third-party map apps like Google Maps, especially after encountering issues with Apple Maps. While Apple no longer allows users to set a third-party map app as the default, the methods mentioned above offer practical workarounds. If you have any questions about these methods or if you have additional ideas on how to make Google Maps default on iPhone, feel free to leave your comments below.