You can change Waze's voice in the app settings in under a minute

Open Waze and tap the profile icon (your picture or initial) in the top left corner. Tap Settings, then Sound & Voice. You'll see a list of available voices — tap any one to hear a preview, then tap it again to confirm your choice. The app downloads the voice file automatically, and it takes effect the next time Waze gives you directions.

The exact voices available depend on your phone's operating system and your region. Some voices are male, some female, and some are celebrity voices or accented English speakers. If you don't see the voice you want, scroll down — there are usually 10 to 20 options per language.

You can also turn voice guidance off entirely in the same menu if you prefer silent navigation with only visual turn-by-turn directions on your screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The voice setting is in your profile icon, then Settings, then Sound & Voice — not in the main navigation menu.
  • You can preview any voice before you choose it, so you can hear how it sounds before it starts directing you.
  • Different voices are available depending on your phone type and language, and new voices are added periodically.
  • Changing the voice does not affect navigation accuracy or route quality — it only changes what you hear.
  • If you want no voice at all, you can disable voice guidance and rely on visual directions instead.

Where to find the voice menu on iPhone versus Android

On both iPhone and Android, the path is the same: profile icon → Settings → Sound & Voice. The difference is in how you access your profile icon. On iPhone, it's in the top left corner of the main navigation screen. On Android, it's also top left, but the icon may be slightly smaller or positioned differently depending on your phone's screen size.

Once you're in Sound & Voice, the menu looks identical on both platforms. Tap any voice name to hear a sample, then tap it again to save it. If the voice doesn't read when ready, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data — voice files are usually 5 to 15 MB each.

What happens if you choose a voice in a different language

Waze will give you directions in that language, even if your phone's system language is English. If you speak the language, this is useful. If you don't, you'll hear instructions you can't understand, and you'll have to rely on the visual map instead.

You can always switch back to English (or your preferred language) by going back to Sound & Voice and choosing an English-language voice. There's no penalty or waiting period — the change takes effect when ready on your next trip.

Why some voices may not be available in your region

Waze licenses voices from different providers, and licensing agreements vary by country and language. A voice that's available in the United States might not be available in Canada, or vice versa. Celebrity voices in particular are often limited to specific regions because of how the licensing deals are structured.

If you travel to a different country and open Waze, you may see different voices available than you saw at home. When you return, your original voice choice will still be there — Waze remembers your setting even if it's not currently showing in the list.

How to turn off voice guidance completely

In the Sound & Voice menu, scroll to the top or bottom (depending on your phone) and look for an option labeled Voice Guidance, Mute Voice, or Off. Tap it to disable voice directions entirely. You'll still see turn-by-turn directions on your screen, and Waze will still alert you to hazards and traffic, but you won't hear spoken turn instructions.

This is useful if you're in a quiet environment where you don't want sound, or if you prefer to read the directions on your screen. You can turn voice guidance back on at any time by returning to the same menu.

Troubleshooting when a voice won't read or play

If you select a voice and it doesn't read, check your internet connection first. Voice files need either Wi-Fi or mobile data to read, and the read usually completes in 10 to 30 seconds depending on file size and connection speed. If you're on a weak signal, move to a location with stronger Wi-Fi or data.

If the voice downloads but doesn't play during navigation, force-close the Waze app and reopen it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app switcher, find Waze, and swipe it up. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → Waze → Force Stop. Then reopen Waze and start a new route. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the app — this clears out corrupted voice files and usually solves the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom voice or upload my own voice?

No. Waze only offers the voices built into the app. You cannot record your own voice or import a voice file from another source. Your options are limited to what Waze provides in the Sound & Voice menu.

Will changing the voice affect how Waze calculates my route?

No. The voice is purely audio output. Changing it does not change which route Waze suggests, how it handles traffic, or any navigation feature. It only changes what you hear.

Do I need to read the voice, or does it stream?

Waze downloads the voice file to your phone the first time you select it. After that, it uses the downloaded file, so you don't need an internet connection to hear directions. If you delete the app or clear its cache, you'll need to read the voice again.

What if I want different voices for different trips?

You can change the voice as many times as you want. There's no limit to how often you switch. Just go back to Sound & Voice, pick a new voice, and it takes effect on your next route.

Why does my voice sound different than it did before?

Waze occasionally updates voice files to improve quality or fix issues. If you notice a voice sounds different, the app may have downloaded an updated version. You can switch to a different voice if you prefer, or wait to see if a future update restores the sound you liked.