This article explains how to change the car avatar on Google Maps. Instructions apply to iOS and Android.

What to Know

  • First, make sure Google Maps is up to date.Then, to change the icon, go to Directions > set destination and route > Start > once navigation begins, tap blue arrow > select car.

How to Change Car on Google Maps

Changing the Google Maps vehicle icon may seem like a clever hack at first, but it’s extremely easy to pull off. Here’s what you do:

  • Open Google Maps on your device
  • Press the blue Directions icon
  • Set your destination and route
  • Tap Start
  • Once your navigation has begun, tap the vehicle icon (represented as a blue arrow)
  • By swiping from left to right and then tapping on the desired car, choose your new vehicle icon

In other words, changing your car on Google Maps involves nothing more than starting navigation and tapping on your vehicle icon before you set off to drive (or while you drive, if you have a passenger to help you).

Open Google Maps on your device

Press the blue Directions icon

Set your destination and route

Tap Start

Once your navigation has begun, tap the vehicle icon (represented as a blue arrow)

By swiping from left to right and then tapping on the desired car, choose your new vehicle icon

You can also use this method to change back to the original blue arrow if you somehow find yourself growing bored of the red car, green pickup, or yellow SUV. In fact, you will have to use this method if you want to change back since your new pickup truck or family sedan will remain the default vehicle icon for as long as you continue using Google Maps.

Don’t Forget to Update Google Maps If You Want to Change Car

One thing worth pointing out is that, if you haven’t updated Google Maps to the relevant version, you won’t be able to change from one vehicle icon or car color to another.

Here’s what you do to update Google Maps on iOS and Android, in order to ensure that you have the version that lets you drive home in your new favorite car.

  • Open the App Store on your device
  • Tap the Updates button that’s on the menu bar at the bottom of the screen
  • Tap the UPDATE button on the right-hand side of Google Maps

Open the App Store on your device

Tap the Updates button that’s on the menu bar at the bottom of the screen

Tap the UPDATE button on the right-hand side of Google Maps

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