You can change Google Maps to use a different voice or language in the app settings
Google Maps comes with a default voice for turn-by-turn navigation, but you can swap it for a different voice, accent, or language without leaving the app. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but both take less than a minute. You'll find the voice settings in the navigation preferences menu, and Google offers multiple voice options in most languages.
The voice you choose will speak all your directions — street names, turn warnings, and arrival notifications. Changing it doesn't affect anything else on your phone, only how Google Maps talks to you while you're driving or walking.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, then Navigation Settings to find voice options.
- Android users can choose from multiple voice options and languages; iPhone users have fewer voice choices depending on their iOS version.
- You can test a voice sample before confirming your choice so you know what it will sound like during navigation.
- Changing the voice only affects navigation directions — it won't change voices elsewhere on your phone or in other apps.
How to change the voice on Android
Open the Google Maps app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears. Scroll down and tap Navigation settings. You'll see an option labeled Voice & sound — tap that to see all available voices.
Android typically shows you several voice options, often labeled by gender or accent. Tap any voice to hear a short sample of how it sounds. Once you've found one you like, tap it to confirm your choice. The new voice will be active the next time you start navigation.
If you want to change the language Google Maps uses for directions, that's a separate setting. In the same Navigation settings menu, look for Language and select your preferred language. This changes both the voice and the text on your screen.
How to change the voice on iPhone
Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture in the top right. Tap Settings, then scroll to Navigation settings. Look for Voice & sound and tap it. iPhone offers fewer voice options than Android — usually two or three choices depending on your iOS version and which language you've selected.
Tap a voice option to hear a sample, then tap it again to save your choice. If you don't see multiple voice options, your iPhone may be running an older version of iOS. Updating your phone can unlock additional voices, but Google Maps will work with whatever voices your current iOS version supports.
Like Android, you can also change the language in the same Navigation settings menu. Select Language and choose your preferred option. This will change both the voice language and the text directions.
What to do if you don't hear a voice during navigation
If you've changed the voice but Google Maps isn't speaking directions, check that your phone's volume is turned up. Navigation uses your phone's speaker volume, not the media volume, so make sure you haven't muted the device. On Android, swipe down from the top of your screen and check the volume slider. On iPhone, use the physical volume buttons on the side of the phone.
Also check that Voice guidance is actually turned on in Navigation settings. Some users accidentally disable it while adjusting other options. Go back to Settings > Navigation settings > Voice & sound and confirm that voice guidance is enabled. If it's off, tap it to turn it back on.
Switching between voice and silent navigation
You don't have to choose between voice and no voice — you can toggle voice guidance on and off during any trip. While you're navigating, look at the bottom of your screen. On Android, tap the speaker icon to mute or unmute directions. On iPhone, tap the three dots in the bottom right, then tap the speaker icon.
This is useful if you're on a phone call, in a quiet place where you don't want to disturb others, or if you just want to follow the map visually for a while. The voice will come back on the next time you tap the speaker icon, using whatever voice you selected in settings.
Why some voices may not be available
Google Maps offers different voices depending on your phone's operating system and the language you've selected. Android typically has more voice options than iPhone because Google can update Android voices independently of the operating system. If you're on iPhone and only see one or two voices, updating to the latest iOS version may unlock additional options.
Some languages have fewer voices than others. If you switch Google Maps to a less common language, you might find only one voice available. Switching back to English or another major language will restore your full list of voice choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a celebrity voice or custom voice in Google Maps?
Google Maps does not currently offer celebrity voices or the ability to upload a custom voice. You're limited to the standard voices Google provides, which vary by language and phone type. Some third-party navigation apps offer more voice options, but Google Maps itself does not.
Will changing the voice affect other apps on my phone?
No. The voice you choose in Google Maps only affects navigation in that app. Other apps, voice assistants, and system sounds will not change. Your phone's overall voice settings remain separate from Google Maps.
What if the voice sounds robotic or hard to understand?
Try a different voice option — Google offers multiple choices, and some sound more natural than others. If all voices sound robotic, you may be using an older version of Google Maps. Update the app from your phone's app store to access newer, higher-quality voices.
Can I change the voice for a specific trip or route?
No. The voice you select in settings applies to all navigation in Google Maps. You would need to change it in Navigation settings each time you want to use a different voice, which takes about 30 seconds.
Does changing the voice language change my phone's language?
No. Changing the language in Google Maps Navigation settings only affects that app. Your phone's system language, keyboard, and other apps remain unchanged. You can have Google Maps speak in Spanish while your phone is set to English.