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Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps known worldwide. It provides the easiest and quickest routes to the destinations of your choice. However, if you are an Android user and the voice navigation feature of Google Maps does not work properly, it can cause problems during your travels. To avoid this, you need to find ways to fix the Google Maps voice navigation not working on Android issue.
Video Tutorial:
If you are in such a situation, don’t worry, we will provide you with effective methods to solve this problem. In this article, we will explore the reasons why the Google Maps voice navigation feature doesn’t work on Android phones and give you 3 methods to fix it.
What’s Needed?
To perform these methods, you will require a couple of things:
- An Android device with Google Maps installed.
- An active internet connection.
- Some basic knowledge on how to troubleshoot Android issues.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before going into the methods, you will require some focus on the following things:
- Make sure that your device’s volume is turned up and not on silent mode.
- Ensure that the device’s Bluetooth feature is turned off.
- If the speaker of your device isn’t working, make sure to use headsets or external speakers.
- Make sure that all the software updates related to Google Maps are up-to-date.
- If the voice navigation issue persists, try to clear the data of the Google Maps app.
Method 1: Check and Adjust Settings
The most basic and useful method to fix the voice navigation issue on Google Maps is to make the necessary adjustments to the settings. Follow the steps below to do so.
1. Firstly, open Google Maps on your Android device.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines present in the top left corner of the app.
3. Scroll down and click on “Settings.”
4. Select “Navigation settings” from the list of options.
5. Check that the “Play voice over Bluetooth” is turned off.
6. Ensure that “Play voice during phone calls” is turned on.
7. Check that the sound volume is high enough to be audible.
8. Lastly, toggle the on and off switch for the “Sound and voice” option.
Pros:
- Easy and quick to perform.
- Does not need any software or multitasking.
Cons:
- The method might not work if the issues are more complex.
- The voice navigation issue might persist even after making these adjustments.
Method 2: Reinstall Google Maps
If adjusting the settings doesn’t solve the voice navigation problem on Google Maps on Android, the second method to try is to reinstall the application. Follow these steps to do so:
1. Go to the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. Select the “Apps” option.
3. Find “Google Maps” on the list of apps and tap on it.
4. Tap “Uninstall” and follow the prompts.
5. Once uninstalled, open the Google Play Store and search for Google Maps.
6. Download and reinstall the app on your device.
7. Finally, check if the voice navigation feature works.
Pros:
- A fresh installation of the app can solve any software issues.
- Does not require any intervention from third-party applications.
Cons:
- You might lose all the previously saved maps or data on your Google Maps app after uninstalling.
- Very rarely, the Google Play Store might not have the latest version of Google Maps available.
Method 3: Use Third-party Navigation Apps
If the above two methods don’t help solve the issue, you can try using third-party navigation applications to achieve the same purpose as Google Maps. Some good third-party apps include Waze, MapQuest, and HERE WeGo. These applications offer voice navigation features and are easy to use.
Pros:
- Using third-party apps don’t require any specific method or phone settings.
- These apps might offer better voice-navigating features than Google Maps.
Cons:
- You would have to re-familiarize yourself with the new app.
- Third-party apps might have more advertisements than Google Maps.
Why Can’t I Hear Voice Navigation in Google Maps on Android?
It can be very frustrating when the voice navigation feature of Google Maps doesn’t work on your Android phone. Some of the common reasons behind this issue include improper settings, outdated or incorrect voice pack, corrupt app cache or data, or even issues with the device’s hardware.
Here are some of the reasons why users may experience Google Maps voice navigation issues on their Android phones:
Reason 1: Incorrect Settings
Users need to ensure that the settings of their voice navigation feature are correctly configured. This means you need to check the settings of the app to make sure that the voice navigation feature is on, and volume is turned up.
Reason 2: Outdated or Incorrect Voice Pack
Another reason for the voice navigation problem could be outdated or incorrect voice packs. Make sure that you have downloaded all the required voice packs that are compatible with your device’s Android OS version.
Reason 3: Hardware Issues
Sometimes, the voice navigation problem could be a result of hardware issues with your phone’s speaker. You must ensure that your speaker is working correctly by connecting earphones or Bluetooth speakers.
Reason 4: Google Maps App Cache
Often, the Google Maps voice navigation issue is caused by corrupt app cache or data. This can be resolved by clearing up the app data or uninstalling and reinstalling the application.
Implications and Recommendations
The internet is full of people who have had the same issue with Google Maps voice navigation not working on their Android devices. This problem can be resolved by following the different methods listed in this article. However, we recommend that you pay attention to the following recommendations to avoid future issues:
- Always keep your Google Maps application up to date.
- Ensure that your device’s Bluetooth feature is turned off to avoid any connectivity issues.
- Make sure that the volume of your device is turned up and not on silent mode.
- Use the official Google Maps app instead of third-party navigation apps.
- If the issue still persists, contact or visit a service center to fix hardware issues.
FAQs
Q1. Why doesn’t my Android phone say street names during voice navigation on Google Maps?
A1. The reason could be due to any of the following reasons: the volume on your phone is low, the device is on silent mode, you haven’t installed voice packs, or you are using outdated and non-compatible voice packs.
Q2. Why is Google Maps Voice Navigation not working on my Android phone after Android update?
A2. Sometimes when you update your Android operating system, previous app settings may change. It is necessary to check Google Maps’ settings after updating your device.
Q3. Why does my Google Maps voice navigation keep muting itself?
A3. This problem could be due to the device’s Bluetooth settings. Ensure that the “Play voice over Bluetooth” button is turned off.
Q4. Can I use Siri to navigate in Google Maps on my Android phone?
A4. No, Siri is a virtual private assistant that is exclusive to Apple devices. Android devices can use the “OK Google” assistant to navigate through Google Maps.
Q5. How can I fix the voice navigation problem in Google Maps without switching to third-party apps?
A5. You can follow the methods listed in this article to achieve better voice navigation results in Google Maps. Alternatively, you may visit a service center to fix any hardware issues that may be causing the voice navigation problem.
In Conclusion
Google Maps is a great navigation tool to find the quickest routes to your destinations. However, encountering voice navigation issues while using the app is inevitable. This article has provided 3 effective methods to fix the Google Maps voice navigation problem on Android phones, including checking app settings, reinstalling Google Maps, and using third-party navigation applications. Always ensure that your device’s settings are up-to-date and sound features are properly configured to achieve better results with Google Maps.