Yes, you can change the voice in Google Maps on most devices
Google Maps lets you switch between different voices for turn-by-turn navigation. The exact steps depend on whether you use an Android phone, iPhone, or the web version. On Android and iPhone, the voice options live in your navigation settings and take about 30 seconds to change. You can pick from multiple languages and accents, and some devices offer a choice between male and female voices.
The voice you hear during navigation is separate from your device's system voice. Changing it in Google Maps does not affect how Siri, Google Assistant, or other apps sound on your phone. You can also mute the voice entirely and rely on visual directions if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- On Android, open Google Maps, tap your profile icon, go to Settings > Navigation settings, and choose your preferred voice under "Voice selection".
- On iPhone, tap the profile icon, select Settings > Navigation settings, and pick a voice from the list of available options.
- Google Maps offers voices in multiple languages and accents, and the available options vary by device and region.
- You can mute navigation voice entirely by tapping the speaker icon during navigation, or turn it off permanently in settings.
- The voice you choose in Google Maps does not change voices in other apps or your device's system settings.
How to change the voice on Android
Open the Google Maps app and tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner. From the menu that appears, select Settings. Scroll down and tap Navigation settings. Under the "Voice selection" section, you will see a list of available voices. Tap the one you want to use.
The voices available depend on your region and the languages installed on your phone. If you want a voice in a different language, you may need to add that language to your device first. After you select a voice, Google Maps will use it the next time you start navigation.
How to change the voice on iPhone
Launch Google Maps and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. Tap Navigation settings, then look for Voice selection. Choose the voice you prefer from the available options and tap it to confirm.
iPhone users typically see fewer voice options than Android users, depending on the iOS version and region. If you do not see the voice you want, check that your preferred language is installed on your device. The change takes effect when ready the next time you navigate.
What voices are available and how they differ
Google Maps offers voices in dozens of languages and regional accents. In English, you might see options like "English (US)", "English (UK)", or "English (Australia)", each with a distinct accent. Some regions offer male and female voice variants. The exact roster changes over time as Google adds and updates voices.
If you select a voice in a language you do not speak, Google Maps will give directions in that language. This can be useful if you are traveling and want to hear local pronunciation of street names, but it means you will not understand the spoken instructions. Test a new voice on a short trip before relying on it for a long drive.
How to mute or disable navigation voice
If you want to turn off the voice temporarily during a trip, tap the speaker icon at the bottom of the navigation screen. This mutes the voice for that trip only. When you start navigation again, the voice will return.
To disable the voice permanently, go back to Navigation settings and look for a "Mute" or "Silent" option, depending on your device. Some versions of Google Maps do not have a dedicated mute setting in the menu—in that case, straightforward tap the speaker icon each time you navigate. You will still see visual directions and turn-by-turn arrows on your map.
Why the voice might not change
If you selected a new voice but still hear the old one, close and reopen Google Maps completely. On Android, swipe up from the bottom to see your open apps and swipe Google Maps away. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom edge to close it. Then reopen the app and start navigation again.
If the voice still does not change, check that you are using the latest version of Google Maps. Open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone), search for Google Maps, and tap Update if one is available. Outdated versions sometimes have bugs with voice settings. If you have updated and the problem persists, try selecting a different voice to confirm the setting is working at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a celebrity voice or custom voice in Google Maps?
Google Maps does not offer celebrity voices or the ability to upload a custom voice. You are limited to the voices Google provides, which are typically professional voice actors. Some third-party navigation apps offer celebrity voices, but Google Maps does not.
Does changing the voice in Google Maps affect other apps on my phone?
No. The voice you choose in Google Maps only applies to that app. Your device's system voice, Siri, Google Assistant, and other apps will not be affected. Each app manages its own voice settings separately.
What if I want directions in a language I do not speak?
You can select any language available in the voice list, even if you do not speak it. This is useful for hearing local pronunciation of street and place names while traveling. However, you will not understand the spoken instructions, so rely on the visual map and turn-by-turn arrows instead.
Can I change the voice on Google Maps on the web?
Google Maps on the web (maps.google.com) does not offer voice navigation or voice selection. Voice navigation is only available on the mobile app for Android and iPhone. If you need voice directions, use the mobile app instead.