What Can Maps Do?
The map apps on your phone can:
- Show you exactly where you are right now
- Give you turn-by-turn driving directions (like a GPS)
- Show walking, public transit, and biking directions
- Find nearby restaurants, gas stations, pharmacies, and more
- Show you traffic conditions in real time
- Estimate how long a trip will take
The two most popular map apps are Google Maps (works on all phones) and Apple Maps (built into iPhones). Both are free and work very similarly.
Finding a Place
- Open Google Maps or Apple Maps.
- Tap the search bar at the top of the screen.
- Type the name of the place or its address. For example: "Walgreens near me" or "123 Main Street, Portland."
- Tap the result you want. The map will show you where it is, with details like hours, phone number, and reviews.
Voice search: Tap the microphone icon in the search bar and say where you want to go. "Find the nearest grocery store" or "Directions to 45 Oak Avenue" work great.
Getting Directions
- Search for your destination.
- Tap the Directions button (in Google Maps) or the car icon / walking icon (in Apple Maps).
- The app will show you the route on the map and the estimated travel time.
- Choose your travel method: car, public transit, walking, or cycling (icons at the top).
- Tap Start to begin turn-by-turn navigation.
The phone will now speak the directions out loud, telling you when to turn. You can prop the phone on your dashboard or use a car mount.
Using Navigation While Driving
- The app will tell you each turn in advance. A voice will say things like "In 500 feet, turn right on Oak Street."
- You do not need to look at the screen. Just listen to the voice. Glance at the screen only when stopped safely.
- If you miss a turn, do not panic. The app will automatically recalculate a new route within seconds.
- To stop navigation, tap the X or swipe up and tap Exit.
Saving Your Home and Work Addresses
Save your frequently visited places so you can navigate to them with one tap:
In Google Maps:
- Tap your profile picture (top right).
- Tap Your profile, then scroll to find Home and Work labels.
- Tap the label and enter your address.
In Apple Maps:
- Tap the search bar, then tap Home or Work in the suggestions.
- Enter the address and save.
Now you can just say "Take me home" or search "home" and get instant directions.
Finding Things Nearby
When you are out and need something quickly, maps can help:
- Open the map app and search for things like "gas station," "pharmacy," "ATM," or "coffee shop."
- The app will show the closest options with distance, ratings, and whether they are currently open.
- Tap one to see its details, then tap Directions to navigate there.
Sharing Your Location with Family
You can let a family member see where you are in real time:
Google Maps:
- Tap your profile picture.
- Tap Location sharing.
- Choose how long to share (1 hour, until you turn it off, etc.).
- Select the person to share with.
Apple Maps / Find My (iPhone):
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap People tab, then Share My Location.
- Choose a contact and how long to share.
This is especially useful when traveling or when family wants to know you arrived safely.
Offline Maps
Worried about losing internet connection during a drive?
Google Maps: Search for the area, tap the location name, then tap Download (three dots menu > Download offline map). The map will be available even without internet.
Apple Maps: Tap your profile picture, then Offline Maps > Download New Map. Select the area and download it.
Tip: Download the map of your area before a road trip, just in case you pass through areas with poor cell service.