Google Maps on Apple CarPlay: Everything You Need to Know

If you've ever wondered whether you can ditch Apple Maps and use Google Maps on Apple CarPlay instead, the short answer is yes. Google Maps works great on CarPlay. For a lot of drivers, it's the better choice. But getting it set up properly — and keeping it running smoothly — takes a few steps worth knowing.

Key Takeaways

• Google Maps is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay on any iPhone 5 or newer running iOS 12 or later
• You need Google Maps version 5.24 or higher, and a CarPlay-compatible vehicle or head unit
• Google Maps does NOT replace Apple Maps as the system default outside the EU, but you can make it your practical everyday default
• EU users on iOS 18.4 or later can set Google Maps as the default navigation app system-wide
• You must grant location and microphone permissions on your iPhone for Google Maps to work on CarPlay
• Common issues like blank screens, frozen maps, or missing audio have straightforward fixes
• Wireless CarPlay can drain your phone battery faster, especially when combined with music streaming

Can You Use Google Maps on Apple CarPlay?

Yes, you can. Apple opened CarPlay to third-party navigation apps back in 2018 with iOS 12, and Google Maps has been a supported CarPlay app ever since. Millions of drivers use it every day.

According to Edison Research's Infinite Dial study, about 40% of Americans had CarPlay or Android Auto in their primary vehicle by 2025, up from just 26% in 2023. And of those people, around 83% actively use the platform while driving. That's a huge audience relying on in-car navigation — and a big chunk of them prefer Google Maps over Apple's default.

The reasons are straightforward. Google Maps has deeper POI data, more frequent map updates, better traffic routing in many regions, and it syncs with your Google account. For drivers already living in the Google ecosystem, it's a natural fit.

At Car Tech Studio, we've helped a lot of customers get CarPlay set up in their vehicles. One thing we hear often is that people switch to Google Maps and never look back — especially on longer road trips or in areas where Apple Maps still feels thin on detail.

What You Need to Use Google Maps on Apple CarPlay

Before you can use Google Maps with Apple CarPlay, a few things need to be in place.

Minimum Requirements

• iPhone 5 or newer
• iOS 12 or later (iOS 17 or 18 recommended for best performance)
• Google Maps app version 5.24 or higher
• A CarPlay-compatible vehicle or aftermarket head unit

Most active CarPlay users in 2026 are running much newer hardware than the minimum. But it's still worth knowing. If your iPhone is on an older iOS version or Google Maps is out of date, the app may simply not appear in CarPlay at all.

Apple CarPlay is now available in over 98% of new cars sold in the United States, and across more than 800 vehicle models from over 50 brands. If you drive an older car without factory CarPlay, you can still get it through an aftermarket head unit or a wireless CarPlay adapter.

Permissions You Need to Grant

Two permissions are critical.

Location access: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services, and make sure Google Maps is set to "While Using the App" or "Always." Without this, the app can't track your position and the map on your CarPlay screen will appear frozen or static.

Microphone access: This is required for in-app voice search. Google Maps will prompt you to allow microphone access the first time you tap the mic icon. If you denied it, re-enable it under Settings → scroll to Google Maps → toggle on the microphone.

How to Set Up Google Maps on Apple CarPlay

Step 1: Install Google Maps and Open It First

1. Download Google Maps from the App Store if you haven't already
2. Open it on your iPhone before connecting to CarPlay — this lets you accept location and microphone permission prompts without fumbling with it later in the car
3. While you're at it, set your Home and Work addresses in the app — these show up as quick shortcuts in CarPlay, so you can start navigation with just one tap

Step 2: Connect to CarPlay

1. Plug your iPhone into your car using a data-capable USB cable, not a charging-only cable
2. Note that some cars have multiple USB ports but only one supports CarPlay — look for the port labeled with a smartphone or CarPlay icon
3. If your car supports wireless CarPlay, connect via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi instead — some vehicles do this automatically, while others require holding down the voice command button on the steering wheel to start pairing

Step 3: Add Google Maps to Your CarPlay Home Screen

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → CarPlay
2. Select your car, then tap Customize
3. If Google Maps isn't on the main screen already, drag it into the active apps section and move it to the first page

This small step makes a real difference. CarPlay's interface is built for quick taps. If Google Maps is buried on page two, you're less likely to use it. Put it right where Apple Maps used to be.

How to Make Google Maps Your Default Navigation on CarPlay

Here's the truth: outside the European Union, you cannot fully replace Apple Maps as the system-wide default navigation app on CarPlay. Apple Maps still wins when you ask Siri for generic directions.

But you can absolutely make Google Maps your practical everyday default with a few smart adjustments.

Strategy 1: Reorder Your CarPlay Apps

Move Google Maps to the front and center of your CarPlay home screen. Move Apple Maps to a secondary screen. When navigation is always the first icon you see, you'll tap it by habit.

Strategy 2: Use Explicit Siri Phrases

Instead of saying "Hey Siri, navigate to Main Street," say "Hey Siri, navigate to Main Street using Google Maps." Siri will often honor the specific app request and open Google Maps instead.

Fair warning: this doesn't always work perfectly. Some users report that Siri occasionally switches back to Apple Maps even when asked to use Google Maps, while the same phrasing works more reliably with Waze. It's inconsistent, but still worth using.

Strategy 3: Reduce Apple Maps Suggestions

1. Go to Settings → Siri & Search → find Maps
2. Disable "Learn from this App," "Show on Home Screen," and "Suggest App"
3. Also go to Settings → Maps → turn off Siri Suggestions

This won't remove Apple Maps, but it stops it from constantly pushing its way to the front.

For EU Users: Set Google Maps as the True Default

If you're in the European Union and running iOS 18.4 or later:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Navigation
2. Choose Google Maps

This means tapping any address link in Safari, Mail, or anywhere else will open in Google Maps rather than Apple Maps.

This change came as a result of Apple's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act. As reported by 9to5Mac, it's a meaningful step toward real user choice, and it does carry over into how navigation requests are handled in CarPlay. For now, it's only available in EU markets.

Using Google Maps for Navigation on CarPlay

Starting a Route

1. Tap the Google Maps icon on your CarPlay screen
2. Tap the search bar or "Add destination" at the top
3. Search for an address, browse recent destinations, or pick a saved place like Home or Work
4. After selecting your destination, Google Maps shows route options with estimated arrival time and distance
5. Tap Go — turn-by-turn voice directions will play through your car speakers and the map updates in real time

Adding Stops Along the Way

1. While navigating, tap anywhere on the CarPlay screen to reveal the top menu
2. Tap "Add stop"
3. Search by category (gas stations, coffee, restaurants) or type a specific place name
4. Use the "Before" or "Next" arrows if multiple results appear, then tap "Add stop"
5. To remove a stop, tap the "Remove stop" control at the top right, or remove it from your iPhone by tapping the X next to the stop name

Voice Search on CarPlay

There are two ways to use voice with Google Maps on CarPlay:

• In-app mic: Tap the microphone icon inside the Google Maps app on your CarPlay screen. This uses Google's own voice recognition and is completely separate from Siri.
• Siri: Use the phrase "using Google Maps" as described above. Less reliable, but useful when your hands are fully occupied.

For the most consistent experience, use the in-app microphone. It bypasses Apple's default logic entirely.

Route Settings and Display Options

• Tap the gear icon within Google Maps on CarPlay to access route preferences
• Set the app to avoid tolls, highways, or ferries
• Toggle satellite view or adjust the map display for night driving

These settings persist across sessions. Set it once and you're done.

Google Maps Features That Carry Over to CarPlay

Google Maps on CarPlay isn't a stripped-down version. Most of what makes the app great on your phone is there on your dashboard too:

• Real-time traffic with color-coded congestion indicators
• Automatic rerouting when you go off route
• Lane guidance on complex interchanges
• ETA updates based on live traffic
• Personalized suggestions based on your saved places and history
• Offline maps (if downloaded in advance on your iPhone)

One thing to note: Google Maps on CarPlay runs from your iPhone. If you've downloaded offline maps for a region, those will work on CarPlay too. But unlike Google Maps built directly into some vehicles via Google's Vehicle Map Service, CarPlay-based navigation doesn't automatically sync offline maps or feed data to your car's driver assistance systems.

Wired vs. Wireless CarPlay: What's the Difference for Google Maps?

Both wired and wireless CarPlay support Google Maps equally from a software standpoint. But there are practical differences worth knowing.

Wired CarPlay is generally more reliable. It also charges your phone while driving, which offsets battery drain from navigation. Just make sure you're using the right USB port — not all ports in your car support data transfer. Plug into the one labeled for CarPlay or smartphone connectivity.

Wireless CarPlay is more convenient — no cables, and it often connects automatically when you get in the car. The trade-off is battery. Your phone is essentially streaming its screen to your car over Wi-Fi the whole time. Reddit users report that wireless CarPlay with Google Maps and music streaming can drain roughly 10% of battery per hour. One user noted going from 100% to 75% over about two hours running Waze and Apple Music wirelessly.

If battery drain is a concern, plug in your phone or use a wireless charging pad if your car has one. It makes a noticeable difference on longer drives.

Troubleshooting Google Maps on CarPlay

Google Maps Not Showing Up on CarPlay

• Go to Settings → General → CarPlay → select your car → make sure Google Maps is in the active apps list, not buried in "More Apps"
• If it's missing entirely, update Google Maps from the App Store or reinstall it
• Check that Screen Time restrictions aren't blocking CarPlay: Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → make sure CarPlay is allowed
• If you've enabled "Require Face ID" for Google Maps on your iPhone, disable that — it's a surprisingly common reason the app won't appear in CarPlay

Map Is Frozen or Not Moving

• Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → confirm Google Maps has access
• Make sure Airplane Mode is off and Low Power Mode isn't throttling your GPS and data
• If the blue dot is frozen, tap it on your iPhone map and follow any calibration prompts — moving the phone in a figure-eight motion can recalibrate the compass
• A full iPhone restart often resolves persistent location issues

No Voice Directions

• Navigation and media audio run on separate channels in CarPlay — if you adjusted volume while a voice prompt was playing, you may have accidentally muted navigation audio only
• Play a route and try adjusting volume during the next spoken prompt to confirm which channel you're on
• Inside Google Maps, check navigation settings and make sure voice guidance isn't muted
• If Apple Maps voice works fine but Google Maps voice doesn't, the issue is in the app settings, not your car's audio system

Google Maps Stops Rerouting

This is a known frustration reported by users in CarPlay forums. If Google Maps stops recalculating when you go off route:

1. Force-quit the app on your iPhone and relaunch it
2. Keep Google Maps in the foreground on your phone while CarPlay is active — this can help prevent the issue
3. If it keeps happening, update Google Maps — this type of bug is usually tied to a specific app version and gets fixed in the next update

Google Maps vs. Apple Maps on CarPlay: Which Is Better?

It depends on what you need.

Google Maps generally wins on:

• POI data, especially outside major US cities
• International coverage
• Traffic routing
• Familiarity for anyone already in the Google ecosystem

Apple Maps has real advantages too:

• Deeper integration with the CarPlay Dashboard (the split-screen mode that shows navigation alongside media and other info) — in some setups, Google Maps simply can't populate that Dashboard pane
• The ability to visually compare multiple route options directly on the CarPlay screen before you start — with Google Maps, you may need to choose routes on your phone first

Most drivers find a natural split: Google Maps for longer trips, road trips, or unfamiliar areas — and Apple Maps when Dashboard integration or Siri hands-free use matters more.

What If Your Car Doesn't Have CarPlay?

If your car doesn't have factory CarPlay, you're not out of options.

Aftermarket head units can bring full wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Maps navigation to almost any vehicle. These range from standard replacement radios to large Tesla-style vertical touchscreens that completely transform your dashboard.

At Car Tech Studio, we carry CarPlay-ready head units and upgrade modules for hundreds of vehicles — from everyday cars like the Toyota Camry and Honda CRV to trucks like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tacoma, to luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche. Every unit is matched to your specific vehicle to preserve factory features like climate controls, backup cameras, and steering wheel buttons.

If you're not sure what fits your car, we do compatibility checks before any purchase — and we offer refunds if the product doesn't work with your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Google Maps on Apple CarPlay?

Yes, Google Maps is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay. It has been supported since Apple opened CarPlay to third-party navigation apps with iOS 12 in 2018. You need an iPhone 5 or newer, iOS 12 or later, and Google Maps version 5.24 or higher.

Can I set Google Maps as my default navigation app on CarPlay?

In the EU, yes. iOS 18.4 lets EU users set Google Maps as the system default under Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Navigation. As covered by iDownloadBlog, outside the EU, you cannot fully replace Apple Maps as the default. But you can make Google Maps your practical default by placing it first on your CarPlay screen and using "using Google Maps" in Siri commands.

Why is Google Maps not showing on my CarPlay screen?

The most common reasons are that Google Maps isn't in your active CarPlay app list, it's outdated, or it's blocked by Screen Time restrictions. Go to Settings → General → CarPlay → select your car → add Google Maps to the active list. Also check that "Require Face ID" isn't enabled for the app, as that can prevent it from appearing.

Does Google Maps work with wireless CarPlay?

Yes, Google Maps works just as well on wireless CarPlay as it does on wired. The only difference is that wireless CarPlay uses more battery because it streams your phone screen over Wi-Fi. Keeping your phone plugged in or on a wireless charger helps offset this.

Why does Google Maps voice stop working on CarPlay?

Navigation and media audio run on separate channels in CarPlay. If you adjusted volume during a voice prompt, you may have accidentally lowered navigation volume only. Check Google Maps navigation settings to confirm voice guidance isn't muted. Also confirm microphone access is enabled under Settings on your iPhone.

Does Google Maps reroute automatically on CarPlay?

It's supposed to, and usually does. If Google Maps stops rerouting when you go off course, force-quit the app on your iPhone, relaunch it, and reconnect CarPlay. This is usually tied to a specific app version bug and gets resolved with updates.

Will Google Maps work if I have an older car without CarPlay?

Google Maps requires CarPlay to work on your car's screen. If your car doesn't have CarPlay built in, you can add it through an aftermarket CarPlay head unit or wireless CarPlay adapter. Once CarPlay is available, Google Maps works exactly the same way.

Is Google Maps on CarPlay the same as built-in Google Maps in some cars?

No, they're different. Google Maps on CarPlay runs off your iPhone and mirrors to your screen. Google Maps built directly into a vehicle through Google's Vehicle Map Service runs natively in the car and can support features like automatic offline map downloads and integration with driver assistance systems. The CarPlay version doesn't offer those deeper vehicle integrations.