If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly way to get around, or if you simply want to save money on gas, walking is a great option. And with Google Maps, it’s easy to change the app to walking mode. In just a few taps, you can switch from driving, cycling, or public transportation directions to detailed walking instructions. Whether you’re planning a short trip to the store or a long hike through the mountains, Google Maps can help you get where you need to go safely and efficiently.
Changing Google Maps to walking mode is quick and easy. First, open the Google Maps app on your phone or tablet. Then, tap the directions button located in the lower-right corner of the screen. Enter your destination in the search bar at the top of the screen. Once you have entered your destination, tap the walking icon located next to the driving, cycling, and public transportation icons. Google Maps will then generate a list of walking directions that you can follow to get to your destination.
Finally, once you have selected your preferred walking route, tap the start button to begin navigation. Google Maps will provide you with turn-by-turn directions, as well as an estimated time of arrival. You can also use the map view to see your current location and track your progress as you walk.
Open Google Maps App
1. Launch the Google Maps application on your mobile device.
2. Ensure that your current location is displayed on the map. If it is not, tap on the blue “My Location” button located in the bottom right corner of the screen to center the map on your current position.
3. Once your location is displayed, select the blue “Directions” tab located at the bottom of the screen. This will open a new window where you can specify your destination and mode of transportation.
4. In the “Directions” window, enter the address or name of your destination in the “To” field. You can also select a destination from your recent searches or saved places by clicking on the clock icon or the star icon, respectively.
5. Below the “To” field, tap on the “Walking” icon to change the mode of transportation to walking. This will display the walking route from your current location to your destination, along with the estimated walking time and distance.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Launch the Google Maps application. |
| 2 | Tap on the “My Location” button to center the map on your current position. |
| 3 | Select the “Directions” tab. |
| 4 | Enter your destination in the “To” field. |
| 5 | Tap on the “Walking” icon to change the mode of transportation. |
Choose a Destination
To use Google Maps for walking directions, you’ll need to specify a destination. There are several ways to do this:
- Tap the search bar: Enter the address, place name, or specific destination you want to walk to.
- Drop a pin: Long-press on the map to drop a pin at your desired destination. Google Maps will automatically generate a route from your current location to the pin.
- Navigate to a saved place: If you’ve previously saved a place in Google Maps, you can select it from your “Saved” list to set it as your destination.
Search for a Specific Address or Place
If you know the exact address or name of the place you want to walk to, enter it into the search bar at the top of the screen. Google Maps will automatically suggest matching addresses and places as you type. Select the desired option from the suggestions, and Google Maps will calculate the walking directions.
Drop a Pin to Set Your Destination
If you’re not sure of the exact address or place name, you can drop a pin on the map to indicate your desired destination. To do this, simply long-press on the map at the location you want to walk to. A red pin will appear, and Google Maps will automatically generate walking directions from your current location to the pin.
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Search Bar | Enter address or place name in the search bar. Select the desired option from the suggestions. |
| Drop a Pin | Long-press on the map at the desired location. A red pin will appear, indicating your destination. |
Tap the Directions Button
Now, you’ll need to choose the mode of transportation you want to use. Google Maps gives you a few options:
| Driving |
| Public Transit |
| Walking |
| Biking |
Choose the “Walking” option to get directions that are tailored specifically for pedestrians.
Select the Walking Option
To select the walking option in Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Maps app on your device or visit the Google Maps website on your computer.
- Enter your destination in the search bar.
- Click on the “Directions” button.
- In the “Transportation” section, click on the “Walking” icon.
Icon Description 
Walking - Google Maps will generate a walking route optimized for the duration and safety of the journey, taking into account traffic conditions, elevation changes, and pedestrian-friendly paths.
- You can further customize your walking route by using the “Options” menu to:
- Avoid tolls
- Avoid highways
- Prefer walking paths
- Show elevation changes
- Once you are satisfied with the route, click on the “Start” button to begin navigating.
Steps on How to Change Google Maps to Walking
1. Open Google Maps.
On your phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app.
2. Enter Your Destination.
Enter the address or name of the place you want to walk to in the search bar at the top of the screen.
3. Choose the Walking Option.
Tap the “Directions” button.
On the next screen, select the “Walking” icon.
This will show you the walking route from your current location to your destination.
4. Start Walking.
Tap the “Start” button to start navigating.
Google Maps will provide you with turn-by-turn directions as you walk.
Customize Your Route (Optional)
5. Adjust the Route.
Google Maps typically chooses the fastest route, but you can adjust the route
to avoid certain areas or include specific landmarks.
To do this, tap the blue line on the map, drag it to the new location,
and release it. Google Maps will recalculate the route.
6. Add Multiple Destinations.
If you want to make multiple stops along your walk, tap the “+” button in the bottom right corner and enter the address or name of the next place you want to go.
Google Maps will add it to your route.
7. Save the Route.
If you want to save the route for future use, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Save to your places.”
You can then access the saved route from the “Your places” tab in the Google Maps menu.
Start Navigation
Once you’ve set your destination, it’s time to start navigating. Tap the “Start” button to begin receiving turn-by-turn directions.
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Voice Guidance | Turn on or off spoken directions |
| Map View | Switch between map view options (Standard, Satellite, Terrain, Hybrid) |
| Full Screen | Minimize or maximize the map view |
| Exit Navigation | End the navigation session |
Customize Navigation Settings
Tap the “Settings” icon in the navigation bar to customize your navigation experience. You can adjust the following settings:
- Voice Guidance: Choose the voice that provides spoken directions.
- Map View: Select the default map view (Standard, Satellite, Terrain, Hybrid).
- Navigation Mode: Select the preferred navigation mode (Driving, Walking, Cycling, Transit).
- Route Options: Enable or disable options such as avoiding tolls, highways, or ferries.
- Units: Choose the units of measurement (Miles, Kilometers).
- Theme: Select the color scheme for the navigation interface (Day, Night).
Follow the Blue Line
The blue line on Google Maps represents the walking route. To follow it, simply zoom in on the map to get a closer look at the route. The direction and distance of the walk will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Once you have a clear view of the route, start walking and keep the blue line in sight. It will guide you to your destination.
Here are some additional tips for following the blue line:
- If you lose sight of the blue line, simply zoom out on the map to get a wider view.
- You can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the map around.
- If you want to change the route, simply click on a different location on the map.
Following the blue line is a great way to get around on foot. It’s easy to use and it will help you get to your destination quickly and safely.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for using Google Maps to walk:
- You can use the search bar to find a specific location.
- You can also use the layers button to add additional information to the map, such as traffic or public transit.
- If you’re using Google Maps on a mobile device, you can use the GPS to track your location.
Google Maps is a powerful tool that can help you get around on foot. With a little practice, you’ll be able to use it to find your way anywhere.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Blue line | The blue line on Google Maps represents the walking route. |
| Distance | The distance of the walk will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. |
| Direction | The direction of the walk will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. |
Utilize Navigation Features
Once you’ve entered your destination and set Walking mode, Google Maps offers a range of navigation features to guide you on your journey.
Step-by-Step Directions
The app provides clear, turn-by-turn directions that include the distance and estimated time to reach each waypoint.
Live Location Updates
Google Maps tracks your location in real-time and adjusts the directions if you deviate from the intended path.
Voice Navigation
Conveniently navigate without looking at your phone. Voice guidance announces upcoming directions and route updates.
Public Transit Integration
If your destination involves public transportation, Google Maps integrates schedule and fare information to help you plan your multimodal journey.
Traffic Updates
The app provides real-time traffic data to alert you to congestion and suggests alternate routes to minimize delays.
Speed Limit Alerts
Stay informed about speed limits along your route. Google Maps displays speed limits and notifies you if you exceed them.
Offline Mode
Download maps for offline use, ensuring you have access to navigation even without an internet connection.
Live View
Use Live View to superimpose directions onto your real-world surroundings. Point your camera at your surroundings, and Google Maps will overlay walking directions on what you see. This feature is particularly helpful for navigating unfamiliar areas or complex street intersections.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Step-by-Step Directions | Clear, turn-by-turn directions with distance and estimated time |
| Live Location Updates | Real-time location tracking and route adjustments |
| Voice Navigation | Convenient voice guidance for hands-free navigation |
| Public Transit Integration | Schedule and fare information for multimodal journeys |
| Traffic Updates | Real-time traffic data and alternate route suggestions |
| Speed Limit Alerts | Displays speed limits and notifications for exceeding them |
| Offline Mode | Download maps for use without an internet connection |
| Live View | Superimpose directions onto your real-world surroundings using your camera |
How to Change Google Maps to Walking
If you prefer to explore on foot, here’s how to optimize Google Maps for walking:
1.
Open Google Maps app.
2.
Enter your destination in the search bar.
3.
Tap the ‘Directions’ button.
4.
Select the ‘Walking’ icon.
5.
View the route details and estimated walking time.
6.
To start walking, tap the ‘Start’ button.
7.
Follow the on-screen guidance to navigate to your destination.
8.
Pause or stop navigation by tapping the corresponding button at the bottom of the screen.
Report Issues and Provide Feedback
Google Maps strives to provide accurate and reliable information. If you encounter any discrepancies or have suggestions for improvement, you can report issues:
9.
Within the Google Maps app, tap on the “Help & feedback” option in the Help Center. You can either search for a specific topic or choose from common support topics. If you opt for the search method, you can use the “Report a problem” option from the search results. If you choose to go through the common support topics, you can tap on “Report a map error” to provide specific details about your issue.
| Issue | How to Report |
|---|---|
| Map Error | Tap on the map area or road segment to submit a report with a pinpointed location. |
| Business Information | Search for the business and tap on “Suggest an edit.” |
| Navigation Issue | Start navigating and tap “Report a problem with the route” while you encounter the issue. |
Utilize Alternate Walking Modes
Google Maps provides various walking options to cater to different preferences and circumstances:
Walking with Precise Directions
Use the default walking mode for precise turn-by-turn directions, estimated walking time, and distance.
Walking with Public Transit Integration
Combine walking with public transportation by choosing the “Transit” option and selecting the “Walking” option for segments where you prefer to walk.
Walking with Fewer Sidewalks
Minimize walking on sidewalks by selecting the “Driving” option and then switching to “Walking” in the route details. This option routes you along roads with fewer pedestrian obstacles.
Walking with Elevation Data
View the elevation profile of your walking route by enabling the “Terrain” layer in the map settings. This helps plan for hills and inclines.
Walking for Accessibility
Utilize the “Accessible” mode for wheelchair accessibility, finding routes with ramps and curb cuts.
Walking for Bicyclists
Choose the “Bicycling” option if you prefer riding on bike lanes or trails, then switch to “Walking” for portions where you need to dismount.
Walking in Natural Settings
Explore trails and parks by selecting the “Terrain” option and choosing the appropriate trail type in the route details.
Walking with Safety in Mind
Ensure your safety by choosing well-lit and populated routes. Use the “Avoid Tolls” or “Avoid Highways” options to bypass potentially hazardous areas.
Walking for Fitness Tracking
Integrate with fitness trackers by exporting your walking route as a GPX file or connecting your tracker directly to Google Maps.
Walking with Offline Accessibility
Download the map area you’ll be walking in for offline use, ensuring you have access to directions even without an internet connection.
How to Change Google Maps to Walking
When you’re out and about, it can be helpful to have a map app that can show you where you’re going and how to get there. Google Maps is one of the most popular map apps available, and it’s easy to use. If you want to change Google Maps to walking, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap the Directions icon.
- Enter your starting point and destination.
- Tap the Walking icon.
Google Maps will now show you a map of the walking route. You can tap on the route to get more information, such as the distance, time, and elevation gain. You can also tap on the blue line to get turn-by-turn directions.
People Also Ask About How to Change Google Maps to Walking
How do I get walking directions on Google Maps?
To get walking directions on Google Maps, follow the steps in the article above.
How do I change the route on Google Maps?
To change the route on Google Maps, tap on the route and then tap on the Edit Route button. You can then drag and drop the route to change the starting point, destination, or any of the waypoints.
How do I get voice navigation while walking on Google Maps?
To get voice navigation while walking on Google Maps, make sure that your phone is set to vibrate or ring. Google Maps will then automatically give you voice directions.
