Google Maps audio is not working on your iPhone and you’re starting to get frustrated. Delayed directions leads to missed exits and wrong turns, which can cause you to get lost in a hurry. In this article, I’ll explain what to do when Google Maps audio is delayed on your iPhone and why this problem troubles so many drivers.
Why Is Google Maps Audio Delayed?
Google Maps audio is not working or delayed because the voice is playing over Bluetooth. Bluetooth has a delay because it doesn’t stay connected when your iPhone is not using it.
For example, if you drive a long stretch on the road without changing directions, Google Maps audio may be delayed because your iPhone first has to reconnect to the Bluetooth device, then give the directions. Sometimes, that delay is enough to cause you to miss your turn!
In order to fix the Google Maps audio delay, we’ll turn off Play voice over Bluetooth.
Before We Begin…
Before you can fix the Google Maps audio delay on an iPhone, make sure that you’re playing audio through your car’s dock connector first. The dock connector of most vehicles will do this automatically when you connect your iPhone to your car using a Lightning (charging) cable.
How To Fix Google Maps Audio Delay On iPhone
- Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone.
- If you haven’t already, pick a destination and tap Start in the lower right-hand corner of your iPhone’s display.
- Once you’re on route to a destination, swipe up where the time and distance remaining is displayed to reveal the menu.
- Tap Settings (look for the gear icon) which will take you to a list of Navigation settings.
- Turn off the switch next to Play voice over Bluetooth. You’ll know the switch is off when it is gray and positioned to the left.
Now that Play voice over Bluetooth is turned off, Google Maps will give the directions on-time because your iPhone is synced via USB instead of Bluetooth. While Bluetooth technology is exciting, it’s still not quite as fast as direct USB connection!
Google Maps Audio Not Working At All?
If Google Maps audio isn’t working at all, Play voice over Bluetooth probably isn’t the cause of the problem. Start by closing and reopening the Google Maps app, which can resolve a minor software glitch.
If your iPhone has a Home button, double-press it to open the app switcher. If your iPhone doesn’t have a Home button, swipe up from the very bottom to the center of the screen. Once the app switcher is open, swipe Google Maps up and off the top of the screen. Reopen Google Maps to see if the problem has resolved.
Make Sure Google Maps Has Access To Your Location
Maps apps like Google Maps need access to your location to provide you with the most accurate directions. Go to Settings -> Privacy -> Location Services. Scroll down and tap on Google Maps.
Make sure a checkmark appears next to While Using the App or Always. Personally, I recommend choosing While Using the App. It’ll save some battery life, and Google Maps doesn’t need access to your location all the time.
Check For A Google Maps Update
It’s possible Google Maps is not working because you’re using an outdated version of the app. Open App Store and tap on your account icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Scroll down to the list of available app updates and look for Google Maps. Tap Update if a Google Maps update is available.
Restart Your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone can fix a variety of small software problems by giving it a fresh start. If your iPhone has Face ID, simultaneously press and hold the side button and either volume button until slide to power off appears on the screen. If your iPhone doesn’t have Face ID, press and hold the power button until slide to power off appears.
Then, swipe the power icon from left to right to shut down your iPhone. Wait about a minute, then press and hold the side or power button again to reboot your iPhone.
Delete & Reinstall Google Maps
Deleting and reinstalling Google Maps will give it a completely fresh start. It’s possible there’s a deeper software problem with the app, such as a corrupted file.
Find Google Maps on the Home screen or in the App Library. Press and hold on the Google Maps icon until the menu opens. Tap Remove App -> Delete App -> Delete to uninstall Google Maps.
Next, open App Store and tap the Search tab in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Type in Google Maps, then tap the installation button to the right of Google Maps.
No More Delay!
You’ve successfully fixed your iPhone’s Google Maps audio issue, and now you’ll receive the directions you need as soon as you need them. This problem can be incredibly frustrating, so we hope you’ll share this article on social media so your friends and family don’t get lost in places they’re unfamiliar with.
Did not work on iPhone 6 Plus running iOS 12.1
I often have issues with Waze or Google Maps in a few different scenarios Ive had the audio not play at all and admittedly a lot of variables. any easy decision trees to fix for these when Bluetooth is the only option in your car? (Or in app settings, exPlay as call in App) Audi 2013 S4 – or Any audi MMi system Phone is connected to the car and I switch audio source to satellite radio, sometimes they it play at all, Other times it seems to work or perhaps Ive adjusted something If I take a call in… Read more »