Alex Ruben
How To Increase Volume on Google Maps
So, the voice directions from Google Maps are way too quiet, and you keep missing turns or having to strain to hear what’s coming. This is pretty common, especially if you’ve got your device’s media volume down or if Google Maps’ own guidance volume isn’t cranked up enough. The good news is, there are a few ways to bump that volume up without much fuss. The goal here is to make sure the voice guidance is loud and clear, whether you’re navigating in the car or just walking around. Once you tweak these, you’ll wonder how you ever put up with that whispering voice.
How to Fix Low Voice Guidance Volume in Google Maps
Method 1: Adjust Google Maps’ Volume Settings Inside the App
This helps because Google Maps has its own guidance volume control, separate from the device’s main volume. If you notice the directions are quiet even when your phone is loud, chances are it’s just set too low here. It applies anytime your navigation voice is hard to hear, especially if you’ve already maxed out your media volume.
Expect to see a noticeable increase in the guidance volume after adjusting. On some setups, it might take you reopening the app or resetting the volume sliders a few times—it’s kinda weird, but sometimes Google Maps just doesn’t remember your last setting immediately.
- Open Google Maps. Tap your profile icon at the top right, then select Settings.
- Scroll down to find Navigation Settings.
- Look for the Guidance volume slider. Move it all the way to the right or set it to Unmute if that option is visible.
- Adjust the slider to a level that’s loud enough for you. On some phones, this adjustment only affects voice guidance volume, separate from your media or ringtone volume.
Tip: Sometimes, changing this setting and then rebooting your phone can help it stick. Because of course, Android and iPhone have to make it harder than necessary.
Method 2: Use Your Device’s Physical Volume Buttons
This is kind of the most straightforward fix, especially if you’re in navigation mode and need a quick boost. Your phone’s volume buttons control all media sounds, so if Google Maps’ guidance isn’t loud enough, just crank up the volume here. On the iPhone or Android, press the Volume Up button while navigation is active. If the volume isn’t increasing, double-check that your media volume isn’t muted or turned down.
Pro tip: On some devices, the volume control overlay might be separate from media volume—so you might be adjusting ringers or notifications instead of media. Make sure to tap or slide to adjust media volume specifically.
Method 3: Check Your Device’s Sound Settings and Do Not Disturb Mode
If everything seems fine in Google Maps, but the guidance is still whispering, then it’s time to peek at your core settings. Maybe you’re in Do Not Disturb mode, which can mute notification sounds—including your turn-by-turn directions. Navigate to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Do Not Disturb on Android or Settings > Focus on iPhone, and disable it temporarily.
Also, make sure your media volume is fully up, and check if your phone has any sound profiles or app-specific volume controls that might be cranking down the guidance volume. Sometimes, in a rush, you’ve got background volume settings that interfere, so it’s worth a quick peek.
Expect that restoring those settings should make the guidance louder. On some devices, toggling these options even requires a quick restart.
Extra: Update Google Maps and Reset App Preferences
Because Google Maps updates often include bug fixes for issues like this, ensure your app is on the latest version. Also, if settings seem buggy or not applying properly, clearing cache or resetting app preferences might help. For Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Google Maps > Storage & Cache, then tap Clear Cache. For iPhone, just delete and reinstall.
Summary
- Adjust the Guidance volume inside Google Maps settings.
- Use physical volume controls during navigation.
- Check that your device isn’t in Do Not Disturb mode and media volume is maxed out.
- Make sure Google Maps is up to date and consider reinstalling if it’s still wonky.
Wrap-up
Sometimes it’s the little things—like accidentally muting your media volume or forgetting to tweak the app settings—that mess with navigation voice clarity. Thankfully, most of the time fixing this is just a matter of a couple of tweaks. If it’s still stubborn, restarting your device or reinstalling Google Maps might do the trick. Works on most setups, but hardware or OS quirks can throw curveballs. Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone.