You can change Google Maps' navigation voice in the app settings on Android or iPhone

Google Maps lets you pick from several different voices for turn-by-turn directions. The voice you hear depends on your phone's operating system and which voices Google has made available in your region. On Android, you typically have more options than on iPhone, and some voices are only available in certain languages.

The process takes about one minute and you can switch voices whenever you want. If you don't like a voice after trying it, you can change it back immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, then Navigation Settings, and select Voice to see all available voices.
  • Android users usually have more voice options than iPhone users, and the available voices depend on your phone's language setting.
  • You can preview each voice before selecting it so you know what it will sound like during navigation.
  • Some voices are only available in certain languages, so changing your phone's language setting may unlock additional options.

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. Tap Voice to see all the voices available to you.

Each voice will show a small speaker icon next to it. Tap the speaker icon to hear a preview of that voice saying a sample phrase. Once you find one you like, tap the voice name itself to select it. The change takes effect immediately the next time you start navigation.

How to change the voice on iPhone

Open Google Maps and tap the profile picture in the top right. Tap Settings, then scroll down to Navigation Settings. Tap Voice to see your options. Like Android, you can tap the speaker icon next to each voice to hear a preview before selecting it.

iPhone typically offers fewer voice choices than Android because Apple's operating system has fewer voices built in. The voices available to you depend on which language your phone is set to use. If you want more options, you may need to change your phone's language setting in the iOS Settings app, though this will change the language of your entire phone.

What determines which voices you can choose from

Google Maps uses voices built into your phone's operating system rather than voices it provides itself. This means Android phones usually have more voices available because Android includes more voice options by default. The exact number and type of voices also depends on your phone's language setting.

If you set your phone to English (United States), you will see different voices than someone with English (United Kingdom) selected. Some voices are only available in specific languages. If you want to try a voice that does not appear in your list, check whether it is available in a different language version and consider temporarily changing your phone's language setting to test it.

How to preview voices before selecting one

Before you commit to a voice, tap the speaker icon next to each option to hear how it sounds. The preview will play a short sample phrase so you can judge the speed, accent, and tone. This is especially useful if you are sensitive to voice pitch or speed, since some voices speak noticeably faster or slower than others.

If you select a voice and then change your mind while navigating, you can switch to a different one at any time. There is no penalty for changing voices frequently, so you can experiment until you find one that works best for you.

Why you might not see certain voices

If you are looking for a specific voice and cannot find it, the most common reason is that it is only available in a different language. For example, some voices are only offered when your phone is set to Spanish or French. You can change your phone's language in the main Settings app, but this will change the language of your entire phone, not just Google Maps.

Another reason a voice might be missing is that Google periodically updates which voices are available. If a voice you used before has disappeared, it may have been removed from your region or your phone's operating system. Updating the Google Maps app and your phone's operating system can sometimes restore voices that were temporarily unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different voice for navigation than for other phone functions?

No. Google Maps uses the voices built into your phone's operating system, so the voice you select for navigation is the same voice your phone uses elsewhere. If you want a different voice for Maps specifically, you would need to change your phone's overall voice settings, which affects all apps that use text-to-speech.

What if I want a voice that sounds like a real person?

Some newer Android phones include more natural-sounding voices created with advanced technology. These voices vary by phone model and region. Check your Navigation Settings voice list to see if your phone offers any of these options. iPhone users typically have fewer realistic-sounding voices available compared to newer Android devices.

Does changing the navigation voice affect battery life?

No. All voices use the same amount of processing power, so switching between them will not change how long your battery lasts. The voice you choose is purely a matter of personal preference.

Can I change the voice while I am actively navigating?

Yes. You can change the voice at any time, even while directions are playing. Tap your profile picture, go to Navigation Settings, select Voice, and pick a new one. The next turn announcement will use the new voice.