Think Google Maps is Just for Directions? Think Again

Here's the truth: our lives have never been the same because of Google Maps. It gave us more confidence to go to unfamiliar places, and it actually made us feel more in control of where we're going.

However, using it to look for directions is just the tip of the iceberg here. This app not only offers great navigation tools, but it also offers other ways to make your life easier.

1. Save where you live and work

Let's start with the basics here. It allows you plug in your work and home address, so you won't have to write them down each time you ask for directions.

iPhone

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap Menu Menu and then Your places.
3. Choose Home or Work.

Note: To change your home or work address, delete the current address and set it again.

Android

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap Menu Menu > and then Your Places > and then Labeled.
3. Choose Home or Work.
4. Enter the address.

How to get directions to home or work for (iPhone and Android)

Once you’ve plugged it in, then you can find directions to your work or home anywhere you're at by doing this:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap Directions.
3. Select your mode of transportation.
4. Tap Home or Work.

2. Set up different destinations during a trip

There are times when you need do a lot of stopovers before you get to your destination. For instance, you might have to go to a flower shop first, drop by at your aunt's house to give it to her, eat at this snazzy restaurant, and then go home. Here's how to add multiple stops in the app:

iPhone

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Add a starting point and an end destination.
3. On the bottom, tap Directions.
4. Tap the three-dot icon on top of the top right corner.
5. Tap "Add Stop".
6. Enter your next location to go to.

Android

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Click Directions.
3. Add a starting point and an end destination.
4. On the left, below the destinations you entered, click Add.
5. To add a stop, choose another destination.
6. To continue adding stops, repeat steps 4 and 5.
7. Click on a route to see the directions.

Note: You are only allowed nine different stopovers here (for now).

What if you don’t know where you’re going to?

This is a more spontaneous way of doing things. If you like to go with the flow and just drive, you can tap add another location you’re going to while you're already midway through your first destination.

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Map out your directions to your end destination.
3. Start driving to the location you're going.
4. Let Google Maps navigate while you're doing this.
5. Tap the search button, then search for the second location you want to go to.
6. Google Maps will show you various directions specifically along the current route you're taking.

3. Save where you last parked your car

Let's face it: it's not everyday we have razor-sharp memories and remember where we last parked our car. You can let Google Maps remember it for you, instead.

Option 1:

1. Once you've parked, the app will give a pop-up that will ask you to save your location.
2. Do this, and add more information, such as your parking lot number and how much time you're allotted for parking.

Option 2:

iPhone

It's very important to set your location services to "Always":

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Go to Settings, and tap Privacy.
3. Tap Locations Services.
4. Maps will record your activity from thereon.
5. Once you're done with your navigation, turn on "Know Where You Parked" at the bottom.
6. Let Google Maps access your "Motion and Fitness Activity".
7. Google Maps will show a label: "You parked near here".

Here's another option you can use for your iPhone:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap the blue dot that shows your location.
3. Tap set as parking location.

Your parking location is automatically saved in Google Maps.

Android

1. Open Google Maps.
2. At the top, search for a destination.
3. On the bottom right, tap Directions.
4. At the bottom part, tap Steps & More.
5. Tap Find Parking Near Destination.
6. Choose a parking lot or garage
7. Tap Add Parking.
8. On the bottom right, tap Start.

How to find where you're parked

iPhone

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap Saved Parking at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap Show on Map.

Android

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap the search bar and write Parking location.
3. On the bottom right, tap Directions.

IMPORTANT for both iPhone and Android phones: Make sure to clear your search results first if you've looked up another place first and then want to display your parking location next. Here's an easy way to do it:

iPhone

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap the Location icon.
3. Tap the blue dot.
4. Select Set as Parking Location.
5. Tap the Saved Parking Box at the Bottom.
6. Tap Show on map.

Android

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap the search bar.
3. Tap Parking Location.
4. On the bottom right, tap Directions.