Google Maps is not just a tool for getting from one place to another. Google Maps’ hidden features can enhance your daily travel and help you explore the world in smarter ways. Whether you’re saving your parking spot, traveling back in time with Street View, or navigating offline, Google Maps hidden secrets can make your experience much more efficient.
Let’s look into some of the best Google Map hidden features you may not know about.
Before we go into the Google Map features, you can check out this post to get a better understanding of how Google Maps works (who knows, you might find some hidden features of Google Maps there, too?).
Top 10 Google Map Hidden Features
Following is a list of the 10 Google Map hidden features that you will find helpful:
1. Travel Back in Time with Street View
Google Maps lets you not only see current street views but also travel back in time to see how a place looked in the past. When you have such Google Map hidden features, you can watch how an area has evolved over the years.
- How to use it: On the desktop version, open Street View and click on the clock icon in the top-left corner. A slider will appear, allowing you to view older images of the same location. On mobile, this feature is gradually rolling out—just tap the image and choose “See more dates.”
2. Measure Distances and Areas
This Google Map feature allows you to measure distances between two points or calculate areas. Whether you’re hiking or planning to buy land, this is a great tool.
- On desktop: Right-click on any location and select “Measure distance.” Click to create points, and Google Maps will calculate the distance or area for you.
- On mobile: Drop a pin, swipe up the menu, and choose “Measure distance.”
3. Find Your Parked Car
We’ve all forgotten where we parked. You can keep track of your parking spot with one of the most useful hidden features of Google Maps.
- How to use it: Before you leave your car, tap on the blue location dot, then choose “Save parking.” A pin will drop to mark your location, making it easy to find your car later. You can also add notes, photos, or even set a timer for parking meters on Android.
4. Create Custom Maps
Next comes “creating custom maps” on the list of Google Map hidden features. It allows you to create your own maps, adding your favorite spots, planned trips, or routes.
- On desktop: Click on the menu (three lines), go to “Your Places” > “Maps” > “Create Map.” You can add markers, draw routes, and layer the map over the standard Google Map interface.
5. Download Maps for Offline Use
No signal? No problem. Google Maps allows you to download maps and use them without an internet connection, making it a lifesaver when traveling to areas with poor network coverage.
- How to use it: Search for an area in the app, tap on the three-dot menu, and select “Download offline map.” You can zoom in or out to adjust the area before downloading.
6. Use Live View AR for Walking Directions
One of the coolest Google Maps hidden secrets is Live View AR, which uses augmented reality to overlay navigation arrows on your phone screen while you walk.
- How to use it: Start your walking navigation, then tap on the Live View option. Google Maps will use your phone’s camera to show you real-time directions.
7. Share Your Real-Time Location
If you’re meeting friends or want to let someone know where you are, you can share your location in real time. Such hidden features of Google Maps can be especially useful for group meetups or family outings.
- How to use it: Tap the blue location dot and select “Share your location.” You can choose how long you want to share your location and who can see it.
8. Plan Your Route with Multiple Stops
Google Maps allows you to add multiple stops to your route, so you can plan your trip more effectively. These types of Google Map features are great for road trips or running errands.
- How to use it: After you set your starting point and destination, tap the menu and choose “Add stop.” You can add multiple stops to customize your route.
9. Use Google Maps in One-Handed Mode
Sometimes you only have one hand free while using your phone. Google Maps has a handy feature that allows you to zoom in or out with just one finger.
- How to use it: Double-tap the map and hold your finger on the screen. Drag up to zoom in and down to zoom out.
10. View Upcoming Public Transportation Times
Last but not least, we have “viewing upcoming public transportation times” on the list of Google Maps hidden secrets. It lets you check not only your route but also the last available bus or train. You can even see live transit updates, such as delays or alternative routes.
- How to use it: Enter your starting point and destination, choose the public transportation icon, and tap “Depart at” to select a specific time. For the last train, tap “Last” and set your time.
Bottomline
Google Map features go far beyond simple navigation. From saving your parking spot to measuring distances, these Google Maps hidden secrets will make your experience more efficient and fun. Whether you’re exploring new places or planning a daily commute, take advantage of these Google Map hidden features to simplify your life.
Want to discover even more tools like this? Check out Yaabot for more tech tips and insights!
FAQs
1. How do I access hidden features on Google Maps?
Most Google Map hidden features can be found by exploring the app’s menus. Right-clicking on desktop or tapping on the blue location dot on mobile often reveals options like measuring distances, saving parking spots, or sharing your location.
2. Can I use Google Maps without internet?
Yes, you can download maps for offline use. Simply search for a location, tap the menu, and select “Download offline map.”
3. How can I share my real-time location with friends?
Tap on the blue location dot and select “Share your location.” Choose who to share with and for how long.
4. How can I remember where I parked?
Before you leave your car, tap the blue location dot and select “Save parking.” You can also add notes or photos.
