How to Change the Route on Google Maps on Android

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Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: January 28, 2025 Tested

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This wikiHow teaches you how to select an alternate route when looking up directions in Google Maps on your Android.

Steps

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It’s the map icon typically found on the home screen or in the app drawer.
It’s in the blue circle near the bottom-right corner of the map.

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It’s the first box at the top of the screen.
Enter an address or landmark, then tap it in the search results. You can also tap one of the suggestions, tap Your location to input your current location, or Choose on map to tap a map point.
It’s the second box at the top of the screen.
Enter an address or landmark, then tap it in the search results. You can also select a suggested location or tap Choose on map to select a map point. Once selected, a map will appear, displaying the shortest available route in blue, and other routes in gray.
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Tap the route in gray. This switches the route, changing the gray line to a blue one to indicate that its selected.
- There may be multiple alternate routes depending on your location.

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Question

How do I choose a route separate from the route options provided?

Community Answer

Currently, this is not something Google Maps is capable of supporting! If you wish to use a specific route not given, there are a few things you can do: either add a stop along that route or begin driving/walking along that route (Maps will automatically adjust accordingly).

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Question

How do I change the route, if I don't like the given ones?

Community Answer

If you have a specific route in mind, you can add a stop along that route to your trip. Google Maps should then reroute you.

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Question

Is there a way to choose a route of your own choosing as clicking and dragging one the desktop?

Kristofer

Community Answer

Here is a step by step directions on how to use the Google Maps application on iPhone and Android: Open the App. Select your starting destination (enable location services for Google to select your location automatically). Select your ending destination. Select Go. This should recalculate your new route on Google Maps on iPhone and Android.

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