Ask the Techspert: Walking with Apple & Google Maps Like a Pro

In our last Techspert article, we explored how to drive smarter using Apple Maps and Google Maps. But these apps aren’t just for the road – they’re also wonderful walking companions. Whether you’re exploring a new neighborhood, finding your gate at a busy airport, or trying to locate the right exit at a mall, your map app can guide you step by step.

In this article, I’ll share practical ways to use Apple Maps and Google Maps to walk with more confidence, safety, and ease.

Switch to Walking Directions

Map apps often default to driving directions, but walking directions can be much more helpful when you’re on foot. A walking route is designed for pedestrians and may include sidewalks, paths through parks, plazas, and other shortcuts that cars can’t take.

How to do it:

• In Apple Maps or Google Maps: Enter your destination > tap the walking person icon instead of the car icon > tap Go or Start to begin your walking directions.

Use Voice Guidance While You Walk

Looking down at your phone while walking can be awkward – and sometimes unsafe. Instead, let your map app speak the directions out loud. Both Apple Maps and Google Maps can announce each turn so you can keep your eyes up and focus on your surroundings.

How to do it:

• Start walking directions in Apple Maps or Google Maps, then look for the speaker or sound icon on the route screen. From there, you can turn on voice guidance, lower the volume, mute it, or choose alerts only.

💡 Pro Tip:

Pair your phone with wireless earbuds or a Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid so directions can play directly in your ears. It’s especially helpful on noisy streets or in busy areas.

Use Your Camera to Get Oriented

Sometimes, the hardest part of walking directions is knowing which way to start—especially when you step out of a subway station, leave a large building, or arrive in an unfamiliar area. Both Apple Maps and Google Maps offer camera-based walking guidance in some places, showing directions with big arrows and street names over the real world so you can more easily see which way to go.

How to do it:

• In Apple Maps or Google Maps, enter your destination and choose walking directions. If camera-based guidance is available, look for an option such as Live View, AR walking directions, or a camera-style walking button.
• In Apple Maps, you may also be able to raise your iPhone during walking directions to enter the camera view, especially if Raise to View is turned on in Maps settings. Then, follow the on-screen arrows or prompts.

⚠️ Caution:

Use this feature to get oriented, not to stare at your screen for the entire walk. Once you know which direction to go, lower your phone and continue with regular walking directions.

Walk Indoors at Airports, Malls, and Train Stations

Large indoor spaces can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to find the right gate, store, restroom, elevator, or exit. Apple Maps and Google Maps include indoor maps for many major airports, malls, transit stations, and other large buildings. When you’re inside a supported location, your map app may automatically display the indoor layout or offer an option such as Look Inside or Indoor Map.

How to do it:

• Open Apple Maps or Google Maps and zoom in on a supported large indoor space. Use the floor selector to switch levels, then search for places like gates, stores, restrooms, elevators, or restaurants. Select a place and follow the directions when available.

💡 Pro Tip:

Many supported indoor locations also offer Live View or AR walking directions, giving you on-screen arrows and prompts to help you find your way more easily.

Other Walking Map Tips

• Find step-free routes: In Google Maps, look for Options and turn on Wheelchair accessible when available. In Apple Maps, transit directions may offer options such as Fewer Stairs in supported areas.
• Save your parking spot or starting point: Mark where you parked or where you started so you can easily find your way back. In some cases, the app may even automatically save your parked car’s location.
• Share your live location: Let a trusted friend or family member see your location in real time while you’re walking.
• Explore nearby places: Use Guides, Explore, or saved lists to find parks, coffee shops, museums, restaurants, and other walkable spots.

Want to learn more?

• Join Senior Planet on Zoom for our upcoming online class on Google Maps. You can also watch the On-Demand video of the lecture here. 
• Get answers to your map-app-related questions by joining the Ask a Tech Expert group on Senior Planet Community.

Your Turn

Which of these walking tips will you try first? Have a favorite hidden gem you found by exploring on foot? Share your experience in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!🚶‍♂️

 

Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planet’s Sr. Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer. He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.

Have a tech question that’s got you stumped? Send your tech questions to Techspert Jonathan using THIS FORM. He’ll be tackling one question a month from readers.

 

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