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Navigating Like a Pro: Mastering Route Adjustments on Google Maps

Want to ditch that congested highway or make a pit stop at your favorite coffee shop? Google Maps is your ultimate co-pilot, and learning to adjust your route is key to unlocking its full potential. Let’s dive into how you can become a route-adjusting master.

How to Adjust a Route on Google Maps: The Definitive Guide

The core principle of adjusting a route on Google Maps lies in its dynamic flexibility. You’re not stuck with the first suggestion it throws your way. Whether you’re on your computer or phone, here’s how to bend Google Maps to your will:

1. Before You Start Navigation (Planning Phase):

Adding Stops: The simplest and most common adjustment.
- On Desktop: After entering your start and end points, click the three vertical dots (menu) next to the destination field. Select “Add stop“. You can add multiple stops by repeating this process. Drag and drop the stops to reorder them.
- On Mobile: After entering your start and end points, tap the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen. Select “Add stop“. Add as many stops as you need, and drag them to rearrange.
Choosing Alternative Routes: Often, Google Maps will present multiple route options.
- On Desktop: These alternative routes will be displayed in grey on the map, with estimated travel times. Simply click on the route you prefer, and it will become the primary, highlighted route.
- On Mobile: After entering your start and end points, before starting navigation, alternative routes are typically displayed on the map with estimated times. Tap on your preferred route to select it. Sometimes you may need to look at “steps and more” and find different route suggestions.
Avoiding Tolls, Highways, or Ferries: This provides a broader route change based on your preferences.
- On Desktop: Click the three vertical dots next to the destination field, then select “Route Options“. You can then select the checkboxes to avoid tolls, highways, or ferries.
- On Mobile: Tap the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen. Select “Route Options“. Toggle the options to avoid tolls, highways, or ferries.

2. During Navigation (Real-Time Adjustments):

Finding Alternative Routes (If Available): Sometimes, Google Maps will suggest alternative routes during navigation due to traffic or other factors.
- On Mobile: Look for prompts at the top of the screen suggesting faster routes. Tap the prompt to switch.
Reporting Incidents (Real-Time Avoidance): Although you can’t directly drag the route line, reporting incidents can indirectly adjust your route.
- On Mobile: Tap the “+” icon, then choose “Add a report“. Select the type of incident (e.g., accident, slow down, construction, lane closure). Google Maps might then suggest an alternative route to avoid the reported area for other users.
Searching for Nearby Places (Quick Detours): You can quickly search for gas stations, restaurants, or other points of interest along your route.
- On Mobile: During navigation, you’ll see icons for common categories like gas stations and restaurants. Tap one to see nearby options. Choose one, and Google Maps will temporarily adjust your route to include the detour, and then guide you back to your original path.
Stopping and Rerouting: The most direct method, but requires pausing your current navigation.
- On Mobile: Simply stop the navigation, manually enter a new destination (even if it’s just slightly further down the road), and Google Maps will recalculate a new route from your current location.

Important Considerations:

Real-time traffic: Google Maps constantly analyzes traffic conditions and adjusts routes automatically. Be prepared for suggested detours based on real-time data.
Offline Maps: If you’re navigating in an area with poor or no internet connectivity, you’ll need to download offline maps in advance. Route adjustments will be limited to what’s available in the downloaded map data.
CarPlay/Android Auto: When using Google Maps through CarPlay or Android Auto, the interface is simplified for safety. Adjustments are primarily limited to voice commands and the options presented on the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about adjusting routes on Google Maps:

1. Can I drag and drop the route line directly on Google Maps to create custom routes?

No, unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t currently allow you to directly drag and drop the route line to create completely custom routes like some other mapping software allows. You have to rely on adding stops, avoiding certain features, or reporting issues.

2. How many stops can I add to a route on Google Maps?

You can add up to 10 stops to a single route on Google Maps.

3. How do I reorder the stops I’ve added to my route?

On both desktop and mobile, you can simply drag and drop the stops in the list to change their order. This will recalculate the route based on the new sequence.

4. How do I avoid tolls on my Google Maps route?

Before starting navigation, access the Route Options (through the three vertical dots menu) and check the box that says “Avoid Tolls“. Google Maps will then calculate a route that avoids toll roads, if possible.

5. How do I avoid highways on my Google Maps route?

Similar to avoiding tolls, access the Route Options and check the box that says “Avoid Highways“. This will tell Google Maps to prefer routes that use local roads.

6. Can I save a custom route with multiple stops for later use?

While Google Maps doesn’t have a dedicated “save route” feature, you can share the route with yourself (e.g., via email or a note-taking app). The shared link will open the route with all the stops you’ve added.

7. How does Google Maps determine the “best” route?

Google Maps uses a complex algorithm that considers several factors, including:

Distance: The shortest overall distance.
Real-time Traffic: Current traffic conditions, including congestion and accidents.
Road Closures: Any known road closures or construction.
Road Type: Preference for highways or local roads, depending on your settings.
Estimated Travel Time: The estimated time it will take to complete the route.

8. Will Google Maps automatically reroute me if there’s a traffic jam ahead?

Yes, Google Maps automatically reroutes you if it detects a significant traffic delay on your current route. It will display a notification at the top of the screen suggesting a faster alternative route.

9. Can I use voice commands to adjust my route while driving?

Yes, if you’re using Google Maps with Google Assistant (e.g., on your phone or through Android Auto), you can use voice commands like “Hey Google, find a gas station” or “Hey Google, avoid tolls“.

10. What happens if I miss a turn during navigation?

Google Maps will automatically recalculate a new route from your current location to your destination. It will quickly provide new turn-by-turn directions to get you back on track.

11. How accurate is Google Maps’ traffic information?

Google Maps relies on a vast network of data sources, including user data (aggregated and anonymized), government data, and third-party traffic providers. While generally accurate, traffic information is not always perfect and can be affected by unforeseen events or reporting delays.

12. Why is Google Maps suggesting a strange or illogical route?

Sometimes, Google Maps might suggest a route that seems odd. This can be due to several reasons:

Incorrect Road Data: The map data might be outdated or contain errors.
Real-time Traffic Anomalies: A temporary traffic incident might be affecting the algorithm.
User Preferences: Your settings (e.g., avoiding highways) might be influencing the route.
Connectivity Issues: Intermittent internet connectivity can sometimes lead to routing errors. Try clearing the cache and restarting the application.

By mastering these route adjustment techniques, you’ll transform from a passive navigator into a proactive explorer, tailoring your journey to perfectly fit your needs and preferences. So, go ahead, take control, and make Google Maps your personal road-tripping genie!