Google Maps offers turn-by-turn navigation. The app can give you voice directions, that is, tell you when to turn left or right and which way to go, or it can display directions on the screen as you drive. Either method works great depending on how comfortable you are.
Google Maps and music playback on the phone
If your car has a smart console that allows you to navigate with Google Maps, you can use it to follow directions and play music on your phone. However, if you’re using your phone for directions and to play music, you probably don’t want to choose between the two. You can use Google Maps and play music at the same time.
Use Google Maps while listening to music
You can play music on your phone while using Google Maps. The functionality is built into the app. That said, following directions, listening to music, and driving all at once isn’t for everyone. We all have different attention spans, so be careful if you choose to activate this mode. Stay safe and be considerate of others on the road.
- Open Google Maps on your phone.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper right.
- From the menu, select Settings.
- On the Settings screen, go to Navigation> Music Playback Controls.
- Select the application you want to use to play music.
- Regrese a Google Maps.
- Select a destination and start receiving live directions.
- The name of the destination will appear for 10 seconds and then disappear. It will be replaced by music controls.
- You can start driving and the instructions will update. Your music will keep playing.
Music apps and Google Maps
Not all applications that can play music will appear in the list of applications that you can select. The difference may be in the type of application and the platform (iOS or Android) that you are using. For example, on iOS you can select Apple Music (the standard music app) and Spotify, but you can’t select the SoundCloud app. Android will have similar restrictions, so make sure you’ve moved your music to the correct app before you begin.
conclusion
Playing music on your phone while following the instructions may seem counterproductive, but it’s easy to pause the music from within the app. For some, having to switch applications can be too distracting. For those who play music using car speakers, it can be just as annoying to turn down the volume when you need to.