Mastering Route Alteration: Your Definitive Guide to Changing Routes in Google Maps

So, you’re not happy with the suggested path Google Maps is offering? Perhaps you want to avoid a toll road, explore a scenic detour, or stop by that quirky roadside attraction you heard about. You’re in luck! Changing a route in Google Maps is simpler than you might think. Whether you’re using the mobile app or the desktop version, Google Maps offers a plethora of options to customize your journey. The ability to modify your route is key to controlling your travel experience.

How to Change a Route in Google Maps: The Nitty-Gritty

Let’s get straight to the point. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to change a route in Google Maps on both mobile and desktop:

On Mobile (Android & iOS):

1. Start Your Navigation: First, enter your destination and tap “Directions.” Choose your preferred mode of transportation (car, public transit, walking, etc.) at the top.

2. Access Route Options (if available): Before starting navigation, look for a three-dot menu (usually in the upper right corner). Sometimes, options like “Route Options” or “Avoid tolls” are available directly here. If not, proceed to the next step.

3. Start Navigation: Tap “Start” to begin the navigation. This is crucial because many customization options become available after the navigation has commenced.

4. Explore Alternative Routes (if offered): Google Maps often displays multiple route options on the map before you start. These are usually highlighted in different shades of blue. Simply tap on the route you prefer. If no alternatives are visible, move on to the rerouting methods below.

5. Rerouting by Adding Stops: This is the most powerful method. Tap the magnifying glass icon (search) at the top of the screen while navigating. Search for a new location you wish to add to your route.

6. Add the Stop: Once you’ve found your desired stop, tap on its name or address. Then, tap “Add stop.” Google Maps will automatically recalculate your route to include this new destination. You can add multiple stops in this way. To reorder stops, tap the three dots (usually next to your destination) and select “Edit stops.” Then, drag and drop the destinations to your preferred order.

7. Avoiding Specific Areas (Limited): Google Maps doesn’t offer precise area avoidance. However, you can achieve a similar effect by adding a stop just before the area you want to avoid and another stop after it. This forces the route to detour around the specified region.

On Desktop:

1. Enter Destination and Get Directions: In the search bar, type your destination. Click “Directions.” Enter your starting point (if it’s not your current location) in the “Choose starting point” field.

2. Explore Alternative Routes: Similar to the mobile app, Google Maps will often display several route options on the map. Click on the route you prefer. The highlighted route indicates the active path.

3. Drag and Drop the Route: This is the key to desktop route customization. Hover your mouse cursor over the blue route line. Your cursor will change to a hand icon. Click and drag the route line to a new road or point on the map. Google Maps will recalculate the route to incorporate your changes. You can drag and drop the route multiple times to create the desired path. This gives you granular control over your journey.

4. Add Destinations: Click the “+” button below the destination fields to add multiple stops. Drag and drop these stops to reorder them.

5. Send to Phone: Once you’ve crafted your perfect route on the desktop, you can send it to your phone. Make sure you’re logged into the same Google account on both devices. Click the “Send directions to your phone” icon (usually looks like a phone icon with an arrow). You can then choose to send it via email, SMS, or directly to your Google account.

Pro-Tip: Offline Maps

Remember to download offline maps for areas where you anticipate limited or no internet connectivity. This is particularly important when venturing into remote areas. To do this, search for the area you want to download, tap the three dots, and select “Download offline map.”

FAQs: Your Google Maps Route Alteration Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of route modification in Google Maps:

1. Can I avoid toll roads or highways in Google Maps?

Yes, absolutely! Both the mobile and desktop versions allow you to avoid tolls and highways. On mobile, before starting navigation, look for the three-dot menu and choose “Route options.” Select the appropriate boxes to avoid tolls or highways. On desktop, after entering your start and end points, click the three dots to reveal the “Route options” menu.

2. How do I add multiple stops to my Google Maps route?

Adding multiple stops is a breeze. On mobile, while navigating, tap the search icon and find your desired stop, then tap “Add stop.” Repeat this process for each additional stop. On desktop, click the “+” button below the destination fields to add more stops. Don’t forget you can reorder these stops!

3. Can I change the order of my stops in Google Maps?

Yes, reordering stops is possible. On mobile, tap the three dots (usually next to your final destination) and select “Edit stops.” Then, drag and drop the destinations to your preferred order. On desktop, simply click and drag the stops in the left-hand panel to rearrange them.

4. Is it possible to avoid specific areas or neighborhoods in Google Maps?

Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t offer a direct “avoid area” feature. However, a workaround involves adding waypoints just before and after the area you want to bypass, forcing the route to detour.

5. How can I find alternative routes in Google Maps?

Google Maps often presents multiple route options, displayed as different colored lines on the map. Before starting navigation, simply tap on the alternative route you prefer. If these aren’t initially visible, try dragging the route line (on desktop) or adding strategic waypoints.

6. Can I save a custom route that I created in Google Maps?

No, Google Maps doesn’t natively allow you to save a custom route for future use directly within the app. However, you can share the route with yourself or others via a link. The recipient can then open the link and use the route. Also, many users suggest creating a “My Map” in Google My Maps and then opening that map in the Google Maps app.

7. How do I send a route from my desktop to my phone?

Ensure you’re logged into the same Google account on both your desktop and your phone. On the desktop version of Google Maps, after creating your route, click the “Send directions to your phone” icon (phone icon with an arrow). Choose your preferred sending method (email, SMS, or directly to your Google account).

8. Can I change the route while I’m already navigating?

Yes, you can change the route mid-navigation. On mobile, tap the search icon and add a new stop. Google Maps will recalculate the route on the fly.

9. How do I get the most accurate traffic information on Google Maps?

Ensure your location services are enabled and that you have a strong internet connection. Google Maps uses real-time traffic data to provide the most accurate estimates. Look for the color-coded traffic overlays (green, yellow, red) on the map to identify congested areas.

10. Does Google Maps consider elevation changes when suggesting routes?

While Google Maps doesn’t explicitly prioritize routes based solely on elevation, it does factor in various parameters like road type, speed limits, and real-time traffic conditions, which can indirectly influence route selection in hilly or mountainous areas.

11. Can I use voice commands to change my route in Google Maps?

Yes, Google Assistant integration allows you to use voice commands to change your route. For example, you can say, “Okay Google, add [location name] to my route,” or “Okay Google, avoid tolls.”

12. Why does Google Maps sometimes suggest strange or inefficient routes?

Several factors can contribute to this, including outdated map data, inaccurate traffic information, or Google Maps prioritizing speed over other factors (like avoiding residential areas). Experimenting with alternative routes and adding waypoints can often resolve these issues. Sometimes, simply restarting the app can help refresh the routing algorithm.

By mastering these techniques and understanding the nuances of route modification, you can take full control of your navigation experience and tailor Google Maps to your specific needs and preferences. Happy travels!