Set Google Maps as your iPhone's default maps app in Settings

To make Google Maps open automatically when you tap a map link or use Siri for directions, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Maps, then choose Google Maps from the list. This takes about 30 seconds and works on iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later.

Apple lets you pick which maps app handles directions, addresses, and location links across your phone. Once you set Google Maps as default, Safari, Mail, Messages, and other apps will open Google Maps instead of Apple Maps when you click a location.

The setting sticks until you change it again. You can still open Apple Maps directly by tapping its icon on your home screen — setting a default does not delete the other app.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Maps must be installed on your iPhone before you can set it as default; download it free from the App Store if you do not have it yet.
  • The default maps setting lives in Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Maps, and you need iOS 14.5 or later for this option to appear.
  • Once set, Google Maps opens automatically when you ask Siri for directions, click a map link in Safari or Mail, or tap an address in Contacts.
  • Changing your default maps app does not remove Apple Maps from your phone; you can still use both apps by opening them manually.

Make sure Google Maps is installed first

Open the App Store and search for "Google Maps." If you see an Open button instead of a Get button, the app is already on your phone. If you see Get, tap it, then tap Install, and use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm.

Google Maps is free and takes about 50 MB of space. The download usually finishes in under a minute on a normal internet connection. Once it shows Open, you are ready to set it as default.

Open Settings and navigate to Default Apps

Tap Settings on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Apps. Then tap Default Apps — this option only appears on iOS 14.5 and later, so if you do not see it, your iPhone needs an update.

If you do not see Apps in Settings, your iOS version is older than 14.5. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for an update, then try again.

Select Maps and choose Google Maps

In the Default Apps menu, tap Maps. You will see two options: Apple Maps and Google Maps. Tap Google Maps. A checkmark appears next to it, and you are done.

The change takes effect immediately. The next time you click a map link or ask Siri for directions, Google Maps will open instead of Apple Maps.

Test your new default with Siri

Say "Hey Siri, directions to the nearest coffee shop" or "Hey Siri, navigate to [any address]." Google Maps should open with the route ready. If Apple Maps opens instead, go back to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Maps and confirm Google Maps is selected.

Sometimes the setting does not register if you do not wait a few seconds after tapping it. Close Settings completely, wait 10 seconds, then reopen Settings and check that the checkmark is still next to Google Maps.

Switch back to Apple Maps if you change your mind

Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Maps and tap Apple Maps. The change is instant. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want.

Changing your default does not uninstall either app. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps remain on your phone, and you can open either one by tapping its icon directly.

What to do if Google Maps does not open from links

If you tap a map link in Safari, Mail, or Messages and Apple Maps still opens, try closing Google Maps completely and setting it as default again. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones) to open the app switcher, find Google Maps, and swipe it up to close it.

Then go back to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Maps, tap Google Maps again, and wait 10 seconds before testing. If the problem continues, restart your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Google Maps to set it as default?

No. Google Maps is free to download and use. Setting it as default costs nothing and does not require a Google account, though you may want one to save places and get personalized recommendations.

Will setting Google Maps as default remove Apple Maps from my phone?

No. Both apps stay on your phone. Setting a default only changes which app opens automatically when you click a map link or ask Siri for directions. You can still open Apple Maps by tapping its icon.

What iOS version do I need to set a default maps app?

iOS 14.5 or later. If you have an older version, go to Settings > General > Software Update to download the latest version, then the Default Apps menu will appear.

Can I set different default apps for different tasks?

No. You can only pick one default maps app for your entire phone. When you set Google Maps as default, it handles all map links, Siri directions, and address taps across every app.

Why does Apple Maps still open sometimes even after I set Google Maps as default?

Some apps built by Apple (like Calendar or Reminders) may bypass your default and open Apple Maps directly. This is a limitation of how Apple built those apps. For most other apps and Siri, your default setting will work.