Here’s How to Add Music Controls to Google Maps

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Q. I use Google Maps on my iPhone to get directions to different places. I also use my phone to listen to music and podcasts on Spotify, and I recently had someone in my car who told me I could control the music from within Google Maps so I don’t have to switch back and forth between two apps. She said that I could set Google Maps on my iPhone so that I could control Spotify without having to leave the Google Maps app.

She showed me how she had Spotify in Google Maps on her phone, but I couldn’t figure out how to get it on my phone.

I know The Wonder of Tech has done articles on using Google Maps. Can you do an article on how to get Spotify controls in the Google Maps app on the iPhone? Thanks for all of your great articles, they’re very helpful to me!

A. You’re welcome, and you’re correct. You can get music controls to appear in the Google Maps app for Spotify, as well as for Apple Music and YouTube Music. You can use these music controls in the Google Maps app so you don’t have to switch between two apps as you’re navigating and listening to music.

By taking a few minutes to enable music controls in Google Maps, you can make listening to music and podcasts while navigating easier and safer.

Adding Music Controls to the Google Maps App

Google Maps lets you add music controls to its app so you don’t have to switch between apps to control your music while you’re navigating. Having music controls in Google Maps can mean listening to your music and podcasts can be more enjoyable when you’re walking, biking, or driving to a destination.

This feature isn’t available by default, you have to turn it on in Google Maps app settings to have music controls appear when navigating.

Google Maps app music controls are currently available for these music streaming services:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• YouTube Music

If you use any other music services, you won’t be able to add their music controls to Google Maps (unless a future update to the Google Maps app includes more music services).

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To add music controls to Google Maps, make sure you have the Google Maps app and your music app on your phone and that you’re logged into your accounts.

Open the Google Maps app and go to Settings. Tap your profile photo, then tap Settings in the menu that appears. Tap Navigation then Music playback controls.

The next screen will show you the music streaming apps on your phone that you can connect to Google Maps. Choose the one that you’d like to use with Google Maps.

You may see a confirmation pop-up, depending on the app you’re connecting.

With Spotify, you are asked to confirm that you want to open the Spotify app:

Spotify will then confirm that you want to connect Google Maps to your account, explain the access Google will have to your account, and provide a link to change your preference later:

Using Music Controls in Google Maps

To use music controls in Google Maps, first open the music app you’ve connected to Google Maps and start playing a song or podcast. Next, open the Google Maps app, enter your destination, and begin navigation.

The music controls should appear under the map:

You can play, pause, fast-forward to the next song, and rewind to the previous song. There’s a Browse button that lets you choose different music and/or podcast selections.

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What Else You Need to Know About Music Controls in Google Maps

Adding music controls to Google Maps is intended to reduce distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid staring at your phone’s screen while driving.

You can use these music controls in Google Maps with both podcasts and music. (Note, Spotify includes podcasts but Apple Music and YouTube Music currently do not).

These music controls work with both downloaded and streaming music.

Music controls appear in Google Maps only when the app is navigating. If you use Google Maps without navigating you won’t see the music controls.

Google Play Music can also be controlled in Google Maps, but that music service is being shuttered by Google later this year. Google has recently added YouTube Music controls to Google Maps to ease the transition from Google Play Music to YouTube Music.

Note => Here’s a helpful link to transfer your music from Google Play Music to YouTube Music.

Music controls appear in Google Maps in both portrait and landscape views. In portrait view, music controls appear at the bottom of the screen. In landscape view, music controls appear in the lower right corner of the screen so may block information such as the next turn.

On Android devices, you may have to tap the up arrow ∧ to reveal the music player controls in landscape mode.

If you prefer to use Google Maps in landscape view, be sure you’re okay with the placement of the music controls before leaving on your trip.

If you find you don’t need music controls on Google Maps while you’re navigating, or want to see more of the map, you can easily hide them, then reveal them later when you need them.

Your Thoughts

Have you ever been frustrated at switching back and forth between a music app and Google Maps when navigating? Do you like the idea of having music controls in Google Maps? Do you think having music controls in Google Maps is more or less distracting?

Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!