Google Maps glanceable directions show your next turn and updated ETA on the route overview or phone lock screen, without requiring the full navigation view. Google announced the feature on February 8, 2023, and said on June 14, 2023 that its rollout would start that month—not a year after the announcement.
What are Google Maps glanceable directions?
Glanceable directions are a reduced navigation view for checking trip progress. While following a route, you can see the next turn and an updated estimated time of arrival from the route overview or your phone’s lock screen. Google says the trip can update automatically if you choose a different path.
The feature is intended to make essential route information easier to check without opening full turn-by-turn navigation. Google’s June 2023 announcement said the supported modes were walking, cycling, and driving. Its earlier February announcement also mentioned public transit; that earlier list differs from the modes specified in June, so transit support should not be assumed from the later announcement alone.
When did Google announce and roll out the feature?
Google announced glanceable directions on February 8, 2023, saying a global Android and iOS rollout was planned for the coming months. On June 14, 2023, Google said rollout would start that month. The official announcements therefore do not support describing the rollout as happening a year after the announcement.
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In the June announcement, Christina Tong, Senior Product Manager for Google Maps, wrote: “Once you opt in, just request directions to your destination and get going.” Google’s feature announcements did not publish adoption, accuracy, time-saved, or other measured outcome figures.
What appears on the screen, and how is it different from full navigation?
| View | What it shows | When it may suit you |
|---|---|---|
| Glanceable directions | Next turn and updated ETA on the route overview or lock screen. | When you want a quick progress check without keeping the full navigation view open. |
| Full turn-by-turn navigation | Comprehensive navigation guidance. Google’s announcement says the next-turn and ETA information in glanceable directions had previously been available after unlocking the phone and opening full navigation. | When you want the complete navigation experience rather than a reduced progress view. |
Glanceable directions are a navigation view, not a separate purchase. A phone mount is optional; Google’s feature information does not require or recommend one.
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How do you turn glanceable directions off?
Google’s current help pages describe two ways to disable the feature. The Android setting is labeled “Glanceable directions while driving”; Google’s iPhone and iPad help page also says to turn that setting off.
- From navigation settings: In Google Maps, open Settings > Navigation, then switch off Glanceable directions while driving.
- From the route overview: Tap the blue dot on the route overview and turn off glanceable directions.
What navigation data does the feature use?
Google says Maps collects navigation data such as GPS location, route details, and device sensor data, including barometer readings. For glanceable directions, its help pages say collection starts shortly after you begin moving along the route while Maps is open, and stops when you arrive or tap Back.
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Google says navigation data is used to improve navigation, suggest faster alternate routes, and show real-time traffic, disruptions, and weather. Its help pages also note that some activity—such as direction searches and ads shown during navigation—may be associated with your account. This is not a claim that no navigation-related information is collected or linked to an account.
You can change location permission in your device settings. Google notes that denying location disables real-time features such as turn-by-turn navigation, though a directions list and route preview remain available.
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Sources
- Google, “3 Google Maps updates for trip planning and exploring,” June 14, 2023
- Google, “New ways Maps is getting more immersive and sustainable,” February 8, 2023
- Google Maps Help for Android, “How navigation data makes Maps better for everyone”
- Google Maps Help for iPhone and iPad, “How navigation data makes Maps better for everyone”
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