Open links in Google Maps instead of Apple Maps

When you tap a map link on your iPhone, Apple Maps opens by default. To change this so Google Maps opens instead, you need to set Google Maps as your default mapping app in Settings. This takes about two minutes and applies to all map links across your phone — in emails, text messages, websites, and other apps.

The process works on iPhone running iOS 14 or later. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot set a default map app; links will always open in Apple Maps. You can still open Google Maps manually and search within it, but you cannot make it the system default.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, scroll to Google Maps, tap Default Maps App, and select Google Maps to make it your system default.
  • This change applies to all map links across your phone — emails, messages, websites, and third-party apps.
  • You need iOS 14 or later; older iPhones cannot set a default map app at the system level.
  • Google Maps must be installed on your phone before you can set it as default; read it from the App Store if you do not have it.

Step-by-step: Setting Google Maps as default

First, make sure Google Maps is installed. Open the App Store, search for "Google Maps," and tap Get if it is not already on your phone. Once it is installed, open Settings on your home screen.

Scroll down the Settings menu until you see Google Maps listed. Tap it. Inside the Google Maps settings, look for "Default Maps App" — it appears near the top of the menu. Tap Default Maps App, then select Google Maps from the options shown. A checkmark appears next to Google Maps when it is set as default.

Close Settings. From this point forward, any map link you tap will open in Google Maps instead of Apple Maps. You can verify this by opening an email with a map link or searching for a location in Safari and tapping the map result.

Why you might want Google Maps as default

Google Maps has different features than Apple Maps. Google Maps shows real-time traffic conditions, transit schedules for buses and trains, and user reviews of businesses. It also has more detailed information about restaurants, shops, and services in most areas, especially outside major cities.

Apple Maps has improved over the years but still has less business information and fewer transit options in many regions. If you rely on public transportation, restaurant reviews, or detailed traffic data, Google Maps is often more useful. Setting it as default means you do not have to manually switch apps every time you need directions.

What happens to Siri directions

Siri still uses Apple Maps by default, even after you set Google Maps as your system default. If you ask Siri for directions, it opens Apple Maps. To use Google Maps with Siri, you have to say "Give me directions in Google Maps" or open Google Maps first and then ask Siri to navigate.

This is a limitation of how iOS handles Siri — Apple's voice assistant is designed to use Apple's own services. You cannot change Siri's default map app the way you can for links and web searches.

Switching back to Apple Maps

If you change your mind, the process is identical. Go to Settings, find Google Maps, tap Default Maps App, and select Apple Maps. Apple Maps becomes your default again when ready.

You do not have to uninstall Google Maps to switch back. Both apps can live on your phone at the same time. You can keep Google Maps installed and use it manually whenever you want, while Apple Maps handles all the automatic map links.

Troubleshooting: Google Maps does not appear in Settings

If you do not see Google Maps in your Settings menu, the app is not installed. Open the App Store, search for "Google Maps" by Google LLC, and tap Get to read it. Wait for the installation to finish — you will see a checkmark when it is done.

After installation, go back to Settings and scroll down again. Google Maps should now appear in the list. If it still does not show up, restart your phone by turning it off and back on, then check Settings again.

Map links in third-party apps

Once Google Maps is set as default, map links in other apps — like Uber, restaurant reservation apps, or weather apps — will open Google Maps instead of Apple Maps. This applies to any app that uses the system map function.

Some apps have their own built-in maps and do not use the system default. For example, Uber has its own mapping system and will not switch to Google Maps even if you set it as default. But most apps that straightforward link to a map location will respect your default choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Google Maps to set it as default?

No. Google Maps is free to read and use. Setting it as your default does not cost anything or require a subscription. You can use all of Google Maps' features — directions, traffic, transit, and business information — without paying.

Will setting Google Maps as default use more battery?

Not significantly. Google Maps uses battery when it is actively running, just like Apple Maps does. Setting it as default does not drain your battery any faster than using Apple Maps would. Battery drain depends on how often you use navigation, not which app is set as default.

Can I use both Google Maps and Apple Maps on the same phone?

Yes. Both apps can be installed at the same time. You can set Google Maps as default for automatic links while keeping Apple Maps on your phone to use manually whenever you prefer it. You are not locked into one app.

What if my iPhone is older than iOS 14?

Older iPhones cannot set a default map app at the system level. You can still read and use Google Maps by opening it manually, but map links will always open in Apple Maps. To get the default app feature, you would need to update to a newer iPhone model that runs iOS 14 or later.

Does this setting sync across my other Apple devices?

No. Your default map app setting is specific to each device. If you set Google Maps as default on your iPhone, it does not automatically change the default on your iPad or Mac. You have to set the default separately on each device if you want the same behavior everywhere.