You can change your route on Google Maps at any time, before you start driving or while you're already on the way
Google Maps lets you pick a different route in two main ways: tap a suggested alternate route if the app shows one, or drag the blue line on your map to create a new path. If you're already driving, you can change course without stopping — the app will recalculate and guide you to your destination on the new route. The method you use depends on whether you want Google's suggestions or your own choice.
The steps are different on iPhone and Android, though the basic idea is the same. This guide covers both, plus what to do if Google Maps won't let you drag a new route or if you need to change your destination entirely instead.
Key Takeaways
- Tap any gray alternate route shown on the map to switch to it immediately, and Google Maps will recalculate your arrival time.
- Drag the blue line on your map to create your own custom route, though Google will only follow it if it stays reasonably close to the original destination.
- On Android, long-press the route line to edit it; on iPhone, tap the route details at the bottom and look for route options.
- If you need to change your destination instead of just the route, tap the destination address and enter a new one.
- Google Maps will not let you drag a route that avoids highways or tolls if your custom path would add significant time to the trip.
Switch to a suggested alternate route
When you search for a destination in Google Maps, the app often shows you multiple routes in gray on the map. These are Google's suggestions based on traffic, distance, and road conditions. Tapping any of these gray routes switches you to it instantly.
Start navigation to your destination as you normally would. Look at the map — you should see your main route in blue and one or more alternate routes in gray. Tap any gray route, and Google Maps will switch to it and show you the new arrival time. If you're already driving, the app will recalculate your turn-by-turn directions immediately.
If you don't see alternate routes, it usually means Google Maps thinks the blue route is the best option, or traffic conditions make other routes similar in time. You can still create your own route by dragging, which is covered in the next section.
Drag the blue line to create your own route on Android
On Android phones, you can draw a custom route by touching and holding the blue line on your map. This works best if you want to avoid a specific street, take a scenic detour, or pass through a particular area.
Start navigation to your destination. Look at the blue route line on the map. Press and hold any point along the blue line — not the start or end point, but somewhere in the middle of the route. A circle will appear under your finger. Drag that circle to a new location on the map. Google Maps will recalculate the route to pass through the point you dragged to, and the blue line will update to show the new path.
Release your finger when you've moved the route where you want it. Google Maps will show you the new arrival time. If the detour adds too much time or distance, the app may refuse to follow your drag and snap the route back to its original path — this is Google's way of preventing routes that would take you far out of your way.
To remove a custom point you've added, long-press the circle again and drag it back to the original route, or tap the circle and select the delete option if one appears.
Drag the blue line to create your own route on iPhone
On iPhone, dragging the route line works differently than Android. Instead of pressing and holding the line itself, you'll tap the route information at the bottom of the screen to access route editing options.
Start navigation to your destination. At the bottom of your screen, you'll see a white card showing your route, estimated time, and distance. Tap this card to expand it. Look for a "Routes" option or a list of alternate routes. If you see alternate routes in gray on the map, tap one to switch to it.
If you want to create a completely custom route, tap the three dots (menu icon) on the route card and look for an option to edit the route or add a waypoint. Some versions of Google Maps on iPhone let you tap directly on the map to add a point the route must pass through. Add your waypoint by tapping the map where you want the route to go, and Google Maps will recalculate to include that point.
Change your destination instead of the route
If you realize you're going to the wrong place entirely, you don't need to stop navigation and start over. You can change your destination while you're driving, and Google Maps will recalculate a new route from your current location.
Tap the destination address or name at the top of your screen. A search box will appear. Delete the current destination and type in a new one, or tap a recent destination from the list. Google Maps will immediately recalculate your route to the new destination and update your turn-by-turn directions.
This is faster than stopping navigation and starting a new search, because Google Maps keeps you in navigation mode the whole time and doesn't lose your progress.
What to do if you can't drag the route
Google Maps sometimes won't let you drag the blue line, or it snaps back to the original route no matter where you drag it. This usually happens because your custom route would add too much time or distance, or because you're trying to drag a route that has special restrictions like "avoid highways" turned on.
Check your route options first. At the bottom of the screen (Android) or on the route card (iPhone), look for settings like "Avoid tolls," "Avoid highways," or "Prefer highways." Turn off any restrictions that might be preventing your custom route. Then try dragging again.
If dragging still doesn't work, use the alternate routes Google suggests instead. Tap any gray route on the map to switch to it. If no gray routes appear, Google Maps believes the current route is your best option given traffic and distance.
As a last resort, you can add a waypoint — an intermediate stop — to force Google Maps to route through a specific area. Tap the three dots on the route card and select "Add stop" or "Add waypoint." Enter the location you want to pass through, and Google Maps will create a route that includes it.
Why Google Maps might not follow your custom route
Google Maps uses its own logic to decide whether to follow a route you've drawn. If your custom path adds more than a few minutes to your trip, or if it conflicts with route restrictions you've set (like avoiding tolls), the app will refuse to follow it and snap back to the original blue route.
This is a safety feature — Google wants to keep you on reasonable routes that won't waste your time or fuel. If you absolutely need to go through a specific area, add it as a waypoint instead of dragging. Waypoints are treated as mandatory stops, so Google Maps will route through them even if it adds time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my route while I'm already driving?
Yes. Tap any gray alternate route on the map, or drag the blue line to a new location. Google Maps will recalculate immediately and update your turn-by-turn directions. You don't need to stop or restart navigation.
What's the difference between changing the route and changing the destination?
Changing the route means taking a different path to the same place. Changing the destination means going somewhere else entirely. If you tap the destination address at the top of the screen, you can type a new address and Google Maps will calculate a route to that new location.
Why does Google Maps keep snapping my custom route back to the original?
Google Maps refuses to follow routes that add too much time or distance to your trip. It's also possible you have "Avoid tolls" or "Avoid highways" turned on, which can prevent certain custom routes. Check your route settings and try again, or add a waypoint instead of dragging.
Can I save a custom route I've created?
Google Maps doesn't save custom routes you drag on the fly. However, you can save a route by adding it to a list. After you've created your route, tap the three dots and select "Save" or "Add to list" if that option appears. On some versions, you may need to save the destination itself instead.
What if I want to avoid a specific street or area?
Drag the blue line around the area you want to avoid. If Google Maps won't let you drag far enough, add a waypoint on the other side of the area you're avoiding. Tap the route card, select "Add stop," and enter a location past the area you want to skip.