How to change voice for Google Maps

Google Maps is a go-to navigation app for millions of people around the world. Whether you're driving to a new restaurant or walking through a foreign...

Google Maps is a go-to navigation app for millions of people around the world. Whether you're driving to a new restaurant or walking through a foreign city, Google Maps helps you get there. One of the features that make the experience even better is the voice guidance, which is part of the app's navigation settings. But did you know you can change voice for Google Maps to make it more personalized? This article will guide you through the process, whether you're using an Android device or an iPhone.

Why you might want to change voice for Google Maps

There are several reasons you might want to switch up the Google Maps voice. Maybe you prefer a different accent, or perhaps you'd like to hear a female voice instead of the default male one. Some people find that a different voice makes the navigation experience more enjoyable or easier to understand. Whatever your reason, changing the voice is a simple way to customize how you use Google Maps.

Understanding the default voice settings

When you first open Google Maps and use its navigation features, you'll notice that the default voice is set to English (unless you've changed your device’s settings to a different language). While the Google Maps voice is generally clear and easy to understand, it might not be to everyone's liking. For instance, you might find the accent hard to understand, or you may simply want to switch things up and try a new voice.

Steps to change voice for Google Maps on Android

If you're an Android user, changing the voice for Google Maps is a straightforward process. First, open Google Maps on your Android phone. Tap on your profile icon located at the top left corner of the home screen. From the dropdown menu, select settings. Scroll down until you find "Navigation settings."

Navigate to settings

Once you're in the navigation settings, you'll see various options related to how you use Google Maps for navigation. Look for the section that says "Voice selection" or "Voice settings."

Choose from available options

Here, you'll find a list of different voice options, including different accents and even languages. You can switch from English to Spanish or any other available language. You can also choose between a male or female voice.

Confirm and test

After you've made your selection, make sure to tap "Save" or "Confirm" to apply the changes. It's a good idea to then start a short navigation to test out the new voice and make sure it's to your liking.

Steps to change voice for Google Maps on iOS

If you're using an iPhone or an iPad, the steps are slightly different but still easy to follow. Open Google Maps and tap on your profile icon at the top left of the home screen. Then, select settings and navigate to "Navigation settings."

Open Google Maps settings

From the settings menu, scroll down until you find the navigation settings. Tap on it to open a new menu where you'll find various voice options.

Select voice preferences

In this section, you'll see options for voice selection, language settings, and more. You can change the Google Maps navigation voice to a different language, or choose a different accent or gender.

Apply and verify

Once you've made your choices, tap "Save" or "Confirm." To make sure the new settings have taken effect, start a new navigation to test the voice.

How to use third-party voices

If you're someone who loves to tinker with settings and customize your experiences, you'll be thrilled to know that Google Maps allows for integration with third-party apps to change your navigation voice. One popular app that offers this feature is Waze. To get started, you'll first need to download Waze from your device's app store. Once the app is installed, open it and navigate to its settings. You'll find a plethora of voice options, ranging from different accents to celebrity voices during special promotions.

After you've made your selection in Waze, the next step is to integrate this new voice with your Google Maps app. To do this, you'll need to go back to the Google Maps app and navigate to the settings menu. Look for an option that allows third-party integrations or voice settings. Follow the prompts to link Waze with Google Maps. Once the integration is complete, the voice you selected in Waze should now be the voice guiding you in Google Maps. This is a fantastic way to bring a little extra flair or humor to your journeys, making the mundane task of commuting a bit more enjoyable.

Troubleshooting common issues

It can be frustrating when you've gone through the steps to change your Google Maps voice, only to find that the voice remains the same. There are several reasons why this might happen. One common issue is that you may not have saved your changes properly. Always ensure that after making your voice selection, you tap on the "Save" or "Confirm" button to apply the changes.

Another reason could be conflicts with Google Assistant settings. If you have Google Assistant enabled, its voice settings might override those of Google Maps. To resolve this, you'll need to go into the Google Assistant settings and ensure that they align with your Google Maps voice preferences.

If you've double-checked all these aspects and the issue persists, it might be time to consult Google Maps support articles. These articles provide step-by-step solutions for a variety of issues and are a valuable resource for troubleshooting. Sometimes, the problem might be more technical, requiring you to clear the app's cache or even reinstall it. So, if you're stuck, don't hesitate to seek out more detailed guidance.

Tips for a better voice navigation experience

Voice navigation is a fantastic feature that can make your travels much easier, but there are ways to enhance this experience further. One simple yet effective tip is to adjust the volume settings on your device. While this may seem obvious, the right volume level can make a world of difference in how well you can hear and understand the navigation voice, especially in a noisy environment.

Using headphones is another excellent way to improve your voice navigation experience. When you use headphones, the voice guidance goes directly into your ears, making it much easier to hear and understand, especially when driving on a busy road or walking in a crowded area. Just make sure to use this option safely, keeping aware of your surroundings.

Customization doesn't stop at choosing a new voice or accent; you can also tweak other settings for a more personalized experience. For instance, you can adjust text-to-speech settings to slow down or speed up the voice. This can be particularly helpful if you find that the default speed is too fast to catch all the directions.

Another setting worth exploring is the preferred language option. If English isn't your first language, or you're trying to learn a new language, why not change the navigation voice to that language? It's a great way to immerse yourself and make the journey more educational.

By taking the time to adjust these settings, you can transform your Google Maps experience from a simple utility to a customized tool that fits your unique needs and preferences.

Additional resources

If you're looking for more information or run into any issues, Google Maps has a range of support articles that can help. There are also third-party apps and tutorials that offer unique voices and additional features to enhance your navigation experience.

And there you have it! Whether you're using an Android or an iOS device, changing the voice for Google Maps is a simple way to make your trips more enjoyable. So go ahead, give it a try and make your next journey a little more you.

Enhance your experience with Speechify AI Voice Over

If you're intrigued by the idea of customizing voice settings for a more personalized experience, you might also be interested in Speechify AI Voice Over. This innovative tool takes text-to-speech to the next level, offering a range of natural-sounding voices that can read aloud anything from articles to eBooks. Imagine having your favorite reads narrated to you in a voice you've handpicked! It's a great way to make content more accessible and enjoyable. So why not elevate your auditory experience? Give Speechify AI Voice Over a try today!

FAQs

Can I change the Google Maps app language without altering my iPhone language settings?

Yes, you can change the language of the Google Maps app without affecting your iPhone's overall language settings. To do this, open the Google Maps app and tap on your profile icon at the top left corner. Then, select "Settings" and navigate to "Language & region." Here, you can choose a new language specifically for Google Maps. This will not change your iPhone language, which remains managed through your device's settings.

Is it possible to use Google Maps on a Windows computer and still get voice navigation?

While the Google Maps app is primarily designed for mobile devices, you can still use Google Maps on a Windows computer through a web browser. However, the voice navigation feature is limited compared to the mobile app. You won't have the same range of voice options or the ability to change the assistant voice. For a more personalized voice navigation experience, it's recommended to use the Google Maps app on a mobile device where you can tap navigation settings and customize your preferences.

Can I use my own voice or a family member's voice for navigation, like I can in Apple Maps?

As of my last update in September 2021, Google Maps doesn't offer the option to use your own voice or a family member's voice for navigation. This feature is available in Apple Maps but has not been implemented in the Google Maps app. If you're keen on having a more personalized voice guide you, you might want to explore third-party navigation apps that offer this feature. You can also use the search bar in the app settings to look for any new updates that might have added this feature.