Google Maps Navigation Will BREAK If You Don’t Update This iPhone Setting

Remember printing out those brutal directions from MapQuest in the early 2000s?
Google Maps Tips and Hidden Features Credit: Rohane Hamilton / Shutterstock
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A new prompt in Google Maps is motioning iPhone owners to agree to new terms and settings or else they’ll be cut off from using turn-by-turn directions and voice feedback in the Google Maps navigation app.

Those who do not agree to the new terms and allow Google the collection of their live navigation data will be blocked from the turn-by-turn GPS navigation that we’ve all become accustomed to.

According to 9to5Google, if you don’t agree to your live data collected by Google, you will instead be forced to use rudimentary lists for directions.

Remember printing out those brutal directions from MapQuest in the early 2000s? It’s a lot like that.

What’s Going on Here?

Put basically, Google wants us to agree to give our live location data to improve Google Maps and its features, which are not limited to real-time traffic and detecting disruptions. 

Google uses your and other people’s navigation data to improve Maps for everyone. As you navigate, Google collects details, such as GPS location and the route you took. This data may be used to make information, including real-time traffic conditions and disruptions, visible to others and help them find the fastest route. These updates to the map won’t be associated with your Google Account or device.

Google

Our Take

The pop-up isn’t exactly straightforward, and as MS Power User points out, users aren’t explicitly told that this is a request for consent – and more interestingly, the consequences for not complying aren’t obviously disclosed. 

Google says that none of this data is connected to your Google Account or device, which is certainly comforting on some level. But, all-in-all, it’s certainly not surprising that Google wants (and needs) access to this type of data.

What Do I Do?

  • The pop-ups started rolling out this week. If you agree to allow Google Maps to collect your live location data, you can simply hit the blue Start button on the prompt to begin navigating with proper turn-by-turn directions.
  • If you don’t want to agree to these terms, you can hit Cancel.
  • You could also switch to Apple Maps – Apple’s own navigation app has a wide array of exciting new features coming to your iPhone in iOS 15.
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