Open Google Maps settings and find the voice option

Google Maps lets you switch between different voices for turn-by-turn navigation. The voice settings are in the app itself, not in your phone's general settings. On Android, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap Settings. On iPhone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, scroll down, and tap Settings.

Once you're in Settings, look for Navigation settings — this is where Google Maps keeps all the audio options. The exact location varies slightly between Android and iPhone, but it's always in the main Settings menu. If you don't see it immediately, scroll down; it's usually near the top of the list.

Select a different voice language and accent

Tap Voice and sound or Voice selection (the name depends on your phone type). You'll see a list of available voices. Google Maps typically offers multiple options for each language — for example, English might include a US accent, a British accent, and others. The number of voices available depends on your phone's operating system and your region.

Tap the voice you want to hear. Most phones will play a short sample so you can hear what it sounds like before you commit. If you don't like it, go back and pick another one. Your choice saves automatically, and the new voice will be used the next time you start navigation.

Key Takeaways

  • Voice settings are in Google Maps itself, not in your phone's system settings — open the app and tap your profile picture or the menu icon to find them.
  • Google Maps offers multiple voices and accents for most languages, and you can hear a sample before choosing.
  • Your voice choice saves automatically and applies to all future navigation in Google Maps.
  • If you want to turn off voice guidance entirely, the same menu usually has a mute or sound toggle.

Mute or disable voice guidance completely

If you want navigation without hearing turn-by-turn directions, you can turn off voice guidance in the same Voice and sound menu. Look for a toggle or switch labeled Voice guidance, Sound, or Mute. Turning this off means you'll still see directions on your screen, but you won't hear them spoken aloud.

You can also control volume separately in some cases. If you have voice guidance on but want it quieter, check whether your phone's volume buttons or system volume settings affect navigation audio. On most phones, the volume you set for navigation is independent of your call volume or media volume.

Troubleshoot if voices aren't showing up

If you see very few voice options or none at all, your phone may not have downloaded the voice files. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Storage and tap Clear Cache. This doesn't delete your saved places or settings — it just clears temporary files. Then restart Google Maps and check the voice menu again.

On iPhone, the number of available voices depends on what your device has downloaded. If you want more options, make sure you have enough storage space on your phone and that you're connected to Wi-Fi or a strong data connection. Some voices download on demand the first time you select them, so a weak connection might prevent them from loading.

Understand what happens when you update Google Maps

When you update Google Maps, your voice choice usually stays the same. However, Google occasionally adds new voices or removes old ones, so the specific options available may change. If your preferred voice disappears after an update, you'll need to pick a new one from whatever options are currently available.

If you're using an older version of Google Maps, you may have fewer voice choices than someone with the latest version. Keeping the app updated through your phone's app store gives you access to the widest range of voices and the most recent navigation features.

Use different voices for different languages

If you navigate in multiple languages, Google Maps remembers your voice choice for each language separately. When you switch the app's language, the voice automatically switches too. This means you can have a US English voice for navigation in the United States and a Spanish voice for navigation in Mexico, and the app will use the right one based on the language you're using.

To change the app's language itself (not just the voice), go to your phone's system settings, find Google Maps, and change the language there. The voice will follow the language you've set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a celebrity voice or a custom voice in Google Maps?

Google Maps does not offer celebrity voices or the ability to upload custom voices. The voices available are the ones Google provides in your region. Some navigation apps offer celebrity voices, but Google Maps does not.

Why does my voice sound different than it did before?

Google occasionally updates the voices in Google Maps to improve quality. If your familiar voice sounds different, it may have been updated. You can switch to a different voice if you prefer, but you cannot revert to an older version of the same voice.

Does changing the voice affect navigation accuracy?

No. The voice you choose is purely audio — it doesn't change how Google Maps calculates routes, timing, or turn-by-turn directions. All voices provide the same navigation information.

What if I want voice guidance in a language Google Maps doesn't offer?

Google Maps supports dozens of languages, but not every language has voice guidance. If your language isn't available, you can use text-only navigation or switch to a language that does have voice support. Check the voice menu to see what's available in your region.