For CarPlay users located outside of Japan and the European Union, integrating Google Maps into the driving experience remains a viable option. A primary method for improving accessibility involves prioritizing the application on the device’s main interface. By navigating to General settings on an iPhone, selecting CarPlay, and then choosing the connected vehicle, users can access the Apps menu. Here, the order of displayed applications can be adjusted by dragging Google Maps toward the top of the list, ensuring it appears prominently on the car’s display.
If the application does not appear within the CarPlay environment initially, it may need to be added manually. This process begins with downloading Google Maps from the App Store. Once installed, returning to the CarPlay settings on the iPhone and scrolling to the bottom allows users to tap the green Plus icon to include the app in their dashboard layout.
Another efficient approach is utilizing widgets to reduce the time spent searching for the navigation tool. Within the same CarPlay settings menu, selecting Widgets instead of Apps reveals an option to add a Google Maps widget directly to the interface for faster entry points.
Additionally, certain vehicles support a split-screen dashboard that can be accessed by swiping to the leftmost panel. This feature typically displays a compact map. Initiating a route once through Google Maps will often cause the application to take over that specific panel permanently, providing a consistent navigation view while driving.
I tried the split-screen trick but my car just keeps switching back to Apple Maps. Any fixes?
Wait, does this mean CarPlay still doesn’t support Google Maps in Europe? That seems outdated.
Finally, a clear guide for us non-EU users. The widget tip is a game changer for quick access.