You can set Google Maps, Waze, or another mapping app as your default on iPhone, but the process depends on which iOS version you have

Apple lets you change which maps app opens when you tap a location link or ask Siri for directions, but the method differs between iOS 14 and earlier versions versus iOS 15 and later. On iOS 15 and newer, you go through Settings to pick a new default. On older versions, you cannot change the system default at all — you can only open a different app manually each time. This guide covers both paths so you know what your phone can actually do.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 15 and later let you set Google Maps, Waze, or another app as your default maps process through Settings.
  • iOS 14 and earlier do not support changing the default maps app, so you must open your preferred app manually each time.
  • The setting lives under Settings > [Your App Name] > Default Maps App, not in a single Maps or Location menu.
  • Changing your default maps app affects where Siri sends you and which app opens when you tap address links in Mail, Messages, or Safari.

How to change your default maps app on iOS 15 or later

Open Settings and scroll down to find the maps app you want to use as your default — this could be Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, or another navigation app you have installed. Tap the app name to open its settings page.

Look for a section called Default Maps App or similar wording. Tap it, then select the option that says something like "Use [App Name] for Maps" or "Set as Default". The app will confirm the change when ready. From that point on, tapping a location link or asking Siri for directions will open your chosen app instead of Apple Maps.

If you do not see a Default Maps App option in an app's settings, that app does not support being set as the system default. Google Maps and Waze both support this feature, but smaller or older apps may not.

What happens when you change your default maps app

Once you set a new default, several things change across your phone. When you tap an address in Mail, Messages, Safari, or any other app, it will open in your chosen maps app instead of Apple Maps. When you ask Siri "How do I get to [location]?", Siri will launch your default app and start navigation there.

Phone calls and FaceTime links still work the same way — they do not route through maps. Calendar events with locations will also open your default maps app when you tap the location. If you change your mind later, you can return to Settings and switch back to Apple Maps or pick a different app.

If you have iOS 14 or earlier

Your iPhone does not have a built-in way to change the default maps app. Apple Maps will open whenever you tap a location link or ask Siri for directions. You can still use Google Maps or Waze — you just have to open them manually from your home screen or app library each time.

If you rely on a different maps app, the workaround is to open that app first, search for your destination there, and start navigation. This is slower than having a default set, but it works. If you want the default-switching feature, you would need to update to iOS 15 or later, which requires an iPhone 6s or newer.

Which maps apps support being set as default

Google Maps and Waze both support being set as your default maps app on iOS 15 and later. Both apps have a Default Maps App setting in their Settings menu. Apple Maps is the built-in default and does not need to be set — it is already there.

Other navigation apps like HERE WeGo, Sygic, or TomTom may or may not support this feature. Check the app's settings to see if a Default Maps App option exists. If it does not, the app developer has not added support for it yet, and you will need to open the app manually.

Troubleshooting: Your default maps app is not opening

If you set a default but Apple Maps still opens instead, first check that you are running iOS 15 or later. Go to Settings > General > About and look at the iOS version number. If it says 14 or lower, you cannot use this feature.

If you are on iOS 15 or later and the wrong app is still opening, go back to Settings, find your chosen maps app, and check the Default Maps App setting again. Sometimes the setting does not stick if the app was recently updated. Toggle it off and back on, or uninstall and reinstall the app, then set it as default again.

If the app you want to use does not have a Default Maps App option in its settings, that app does not support the feature. You will need to use Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different default maps apps for different purposes?

No. You can only set one default maps app for your entire phone. All location links and Siri directions will use that one app. If you want to use different apps for different tasks, you have to open them manually.

Will changing my default maps app affect my location privacy?

Changing which app is default does not change what location data each app collects. Google Maps and Waze collect location data when you use them, whether they are your default or not. Check each app's privacy settings in Settings > Privacy > Location Services to control what data they can access.

What if I want to go back to Apple Maps as my default?

Go to Settings > Maps (or whichever app you currently have set as default) and look for the Default Maps App setting. Tap it and select Apple Maps, or choose "Don't Change" or "Use Apple Maps". Apple Maps will become your default again.

Does changing my default maps app work with CarPlay?

Yes. If you have CarPlay set up in your car, your default maps app will open when you ask Siri for directions or tap a location link while connected to CarPlay. The same app that is default on your phone will be used in the car.

Can I change my default maps app on iPad?

Yes, if your iPad is running iPadOS 15 or later. The process is identical to iPhone — go to Settings, find your chosen maps app, and set it as the default. iPads running iPadOS 14 or earlier cannot change the default maps app.