Google Maps for Beginners: Directions, Saving Places & More

Last checked: 21 October 2026. Steps follow Google's own Maps Help pages on that date. Google does tweak its menus from time to time, so don't worry if yours looks slightly different.

Remember the road atlas in the car door pocket, with the one page you needed torn out? These days most of us carry something cleverer, and it doesn't need folding back up.

Google Maps can find a place, plan a route, talk you through the turns and let you peek at a street before you get there. This guide covers the basics step by step, pointing out differences between Android phones, iPhones and computers as we go.

What is Google Maps?

Google Maps is Google's map and directions service. You can use it:

On a computer, in your web browser at maps.google.com
On an Android phone or tablet, with the Google Maps app (from Google Play)
On an iPhone or iPad, with the Google Maps app from the App Store

It's free to download and use, though the app does show adverts. You'll want to sign in with your Google Account for things like saving places, offline maps and sharing your location.

Why use it?

Directions for driving, public transport, walking and cycling.
Turn-by-turn navigation with voice directions on a phone, using live traffic information to suggest the best route.
Saved places and lists, so that tea room you liked or the museum you want to visit is easy to find again.
Offline maps for areas with poor signal.
Street View, so you can see the entrance or the car park before you set off.

Before you start

Update the app. Some features only appear in newer versions.
Allow location on your phone if you want navigation. Google says navigation needs GPS turned on and Maps allowed to use your location and speakers.
Find your profile picture. On phones, tapping your profile picture or initial opens settings such as Offline maps and Location sharing.

Step by step: search for a place

Open Google Maps on your phone, or go to maps.google.com on a computer.
Tap or click the search box at the top.
Type a place name, a postcode or a type of place, for example British Museum or Edinburgh Castle.
Choose the right result from the list.
Tap the place name at the bottom of the screen (or look at the panel on the left on a computer) to see photos, reviews and other details, plus buttons such as Directions and Save.

Step by step: get directions

On a phone

Search for your destination, or tap it on the map.
Tap Directions.
Pick how you're travelling: car, public transport, walking or cycling.
The suggested route shows in blue. Other routes appear in grey, and you can tap a grey line to pick it instead.

On a computer

Open maps.google.com and click Directions.
Enter a starting point and a destination.
Choose Driving, Public transport, Walking or Cycle.
Click Details under a route to see every step.

Handy extras on a computer: Options lets you avoid tolls or motorways, and Leave now can be changed to Depart at or Arrive by. You can add up to nine stops (including the destination), though not for public transport.

Google says not every city has public transport directions, because local operators must add their routes first, and cycling routes depend on your area.

Step by step: start navigation (phone)

Get directions as above.
Tap Start. Maps now talks you through each turn.
If you see "Searching for GPS", your phone is trying to find a signal. Tunnels and multi-storey car parks are common culprits.
To finish early: on Android, tap Close at the bottom left; on iPhone, drag up from the bottom and tap Exit.

During navigation, swipe up on the information card at the bottom for extras such as Search along route (handy for a petrol station). The Sound button mutes the voice or plays alerts only.

Safety first: set your route before you drive off, and follow real road signs and traffic rules if they disagree with the app. Google itself says so.

Step by step: save places and create lists

Search for a place or tap it on the map.
Tap the place name at the bottom, then tap Save.
Choose an existing list, or tap New list and give it a name, such as "Days out".

To find your lists later, tap the You or Saved tab at the bottom of the app (the label depends on your phone and app version). On Android, a new list can be Private (only you can see it) or Shared (anyone with the link can see it).

Home and Work: entirely optional

Google lets you set a Home and Work address so you can get directions there quickly and see nearby results. These are stored in your Google Account under Personal info, and Google says only you can see them. You can remove them at any time.

You don't have to set them, though. If you'd rather not store your home address with Google at all, leave it blank and simply type your postcode when you need directions. Google also says Home and Work addresses can be used to show more relevant adverts, which is worth knowing.

Step by step: download an offline map (phone)

While connected to Wi-Fi, search for a town or area, for example York.
Tap the place name at the bottom (on Android you may need to swipe along the buttons under it).
Tap More (three dots), then Download offline map, then Download.

Or tap your profile picture, choose Offline maps, then Select your own map and drag the box over the area you want.

What offline maps can't do: Google says that when you're offline, public transport, cycling and walking directions are unavailable. Driving directions work as long as the whole route is inside your downloaded area, but you won't get live traffic or alternative routes. Offline maps also expire, so they need updating; Maps tries to do this automatically on Wi-Fi when they're within 15 days of expiring. In some countries offline maps aren't available at all.

Step by step: use Street View

Street View shows street-level photos, so you can look around before you visit.

On a phone: search for a place, tap its name at the bottom, then scroll the photos and tap the one labelled Street View.
On a computer: click the little figure Google calls Pegman at the bottom right and drag him onto a blue line on the map.

Drag or swipe to look around, and tap the arrows to move along the street. Not everywhere has Street View, and some imagery may be out of date, so the café you're expecting might now be a phone shop.

Sharing your location safely

Share your trip progress

While navigating by car, on foot or by bike, you can share your destination, arrival time and current location, so someone knows when to put the kettle on.

Start navigation.
Swipe up on the information card at the bottom.
Tap Share trip progress, choose the person, then tap Share.

Sharing stops when you arrive or end navigation. To stop sooner, swipe up again and tap Stop sharing.

Share your real-time location

Tap your profile picture, then Location sharing, then New share.
Choose how long to share for.
Pick the person and tap Share.

Google says people you share with can see your name and photo, your device's recent location (even when you're not using Google apps) and your battery level, and can set alerts for when you arrive or leave somewhere. Choose a time limit unless you really mean "until you turn this off", and only share with people you trust.

Timeline (location history) in brief

Timeline is a diary of places you've been and routes you've taken. According to Google's help pages:

It's off by default. It only switches on if you choose to turn it on.
It's stored on your phone. Timeline data now comes from, and is saved on, each signed-in device, which is why it is no longer available in Maps on a computer.
Backup is optional. You can choose to back up an encrypted copy to Google's servers, for example if you change phones.
You can delete it. You can delete a day, a date range or all of it, or set auto-delete for data older than 3, 18 or 36 months.

To check it, tap your profile picture and look for Your Timeline. Google notes that other settings, such as Web & App Activity, can save some location information separately.

Tips

Download maps on Wi-Fi before a trip. It saves mobile data and helps where signal is patchy. In Offline maps settings you can choose how maps download and whether they update automatically.
Navigation uses battery. Google recommends a charger for trips longer than 30 minutes.

Common problems

"It says Searching for GPS." Move out of tunnels or car parks and check location is on for Maps.
"No public transport directions." Your area's operator may not have added its routes to Google Maps.
"My offline map won't give walking directions." That's expected. Offline maps only give driving directions.
"I can't find Timeline on my computer." Timeline now lives on your phone, so use the Maps app.
"The menus don't match this guide." Labels vary between Android and iPhone and change with updates. Look for similar words nearby.

Security and privacy

Think before saving Home. It's private to your account, but it's still optional.
Share location with time limits and only with people you know. Check Location sharing now and then to see who can still see you.
Be careful with shared lists. Anyone with the link can see them, so keep your own address out.
Protect your Google Account with a strong password and 2-Step Verification.

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Maps free?

Yes. The app is free on Android and iPhone, and the website is free to use. It does show adverts.

Do I need a Google Account?

Signing in is needed for saving places, offline maps and sharing your location, so it's worth using the Google Account you already have.

Is Google tracking everywhere I go?

Timeline is off unless you turn it on, and if you do, it's stored on your device. Location sharing only happens with people you choose. Other account settings can still save some location info, so it's worth checking your Google Account activity settings.

Can I use it abroad?

Generally yes, but features vary by country, and offline maps can't be downloaded in some countries or regions. Check your mobile provider's roaming charges too.

Final thoughts

Google Maps is genuinely useful from day one. Start with searching and directions, save a few favourite places, and download an offline map before your next day out. Leave Home blank if you prefer, share your location only when it helps, and keep an eye on Timeline if you switch it on.

If you get stuck, leave a comment below and I'll do my best to help, but never post your address, passwords or other personal details.

Happy travels — Paul

Made with help from Grok Bot.

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