Yes, you can change the voice on Google Maps

Google Maps lets you pick a different voice for turn-by-turn navigation on both Android and iPhone. You can switch between male and female voices, and on some devices you can choose accents or languages. The setting takes about 30 seconds to change and applies to all your navigation sessions going forward.

The exact voices available depend on your phone's operating system and which language you have Google Maps set to. Android users typically have more voice options than iPhone users, but both platforms offer at least two or three choices.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, then Navigation settings to find the voice option.
  • Android users can usually choose from multiple voices including different genders and accents, while iPhone offers fewer options.
  • The voice you select stays active until you manually change it again — it does not reset between trips.
  • If you do not see voice options in your settings, make sure Google Maps is fully updated through your app store.

How to change the voice on Android

Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears. Scroll down and tap Navigation settings. Look for the Voice selection option — this is where you pick your new voice.

Tap the voice option to see all available voices. Android typically shows you a preview of each voice so you can hear what it sounds like before you commit. Select the one you want and tap the back arrow or the X to close the menu. The change takes effect when ready on your next navigation session.

How to change the voice on iPhone

Open Google Maps and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings. Scroll to Navigation settings and tap Voice selection. iPhone usually offers fewer voice options than Android — often just a choice between one or two voices — but you can hear a sample before you select.

Tap your preferred voice and return to the main screen. The new voice will be active the next time you start navigation. If you do not see a voice option at all, check that Google Maps is updated to the latest version in the App Store.

What voices are actually available

Google Maps voice options vary by device and language setting. On Android, you might see choices like "Google UK English Female," "Google US English Male," or regional accents depending on your language. Some regions offer multiple accent variations of the same language. iPhone users in the United States typically see one or two standard voices, often labeled straightforward as "Default" or with a gender indicator.

If you switch Google Maps to a different language, the available voices change to match that language. For example, if you set Google Maps to Spanish, you will see Spanish-language voices instead of English ones. The voice does not automatically switch back when you navigate in an English-speaking area — you have to manually change it.

Why you might not see voice options

If the voice selection menu does not appear in your Navigation settings, the most common reason is that Google Maps is not fully updated. Open your device's app store — Google Play Store on Android or App Store on iPhone — search for Google Maps, and check whether an update is available. Install any pending update and try again.

Older versions of Google Maps sometimes do not include the voice selection feature. Updating to the current version should restore it. If you have updated and still do not see the option, try closing Google Maps completely and reopening it, or restart your phone.

How to mute the voice entirely

If you want navigation without voice guidance, you can mute it instead of switching voices. In Navigation settings, look for Sound and vibration or a similar option. You can usually toggle voice guidance off while keeping visual turn-by-turn directions on your screen. This is different from changing the voice — it removes voice output altogether.

Some users prefer this for quiet environments or when they are already familiar with their route. You can turn voice guidance back on at any time by returning to the same setting and toggling it back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a celebrity voice on Google Maps?

No. Google Maps does not offer celebrity voices or custom voice options. You are limited to the standard voices Google provides, which vary by region and device. Some navigation apps like Waze offer celebrity voices, but Google Maps does not.

Will changing the voice affect my phone's other apps?

No. The voice change only applies to Google Maps navigation. Your phone's other apps, voice assistants, and system sounds are not affected. Each app manages its own voice settings separately.

What if I want the voice back after I change it?

Go back to Navigation settings and Voice selection, then pick the original voice. Google Maps remembers all available voices, so you can switch back and forth as many times as you want.

Does the voice change work offline?

If you have downloaded an offline map, voice guidance may not work at all because the voice files are not stored locally. Voice guidance typically requires an internet connection. Check that you have a data connection or are connected to Wi-Fi before starting navigation.

Can I change the voice language without changing my phone's language?

Yes. The voice language in Google Maps is separate from your phone's system language. You can change the language Google Maps uses for voice and text without affecting your phone's settings. Go to Settings in Google Maps and look for Language to change it independently.