Google Maps has a built-in driving mode that activates whenever you initiate a new driving navigation. This feature provides you with your destination details. However, with a few quick adjustments, you can enhance its utility significantly.
To start, navigate to the “Navigation settings” within the Maps Android app’s settings. Here are the steps to follow:
- Select “Google Assistant settings.”
- Activate the “Get messaging help while driving” option.
- If prompted to allow Google to access your notifications, grant “Allow Access.” Complete the process, return to the Maps menu, and activate the same toggle again.
- Under “Choose messages alert,” opt for “Hear entire message” if you prefer all incoming messages to be read aloud. If this option is not selectable, navigate back to the main Assistant settings and return – it should then be operational.
Next, return to the main “Navigation settings” menu in Maps and do the following:
- Scroll to the bottom and find “Driving notifications.”
- Activate this option.
This will enable Maps to provide you with ETAs to your destination whenever your phone is connected to your car’s audio system. It also allows for more proactive reading aloud of your messages.
Remember, if you wish to activate driving mode manually, you can do so by activating Assistant (either by saying “Hey Google” or using your preferred Assistant-activating command) and saying “driving mode.”
Alternatively, you can create a one-touch button for launching the mode by long-pressing on your home screen, selecting “Widgets,” scrolling to the Maps section, and placing the “Driving Mode” widget anywhere on your home screen.