Accessibility in Google Maps

You can use a screen reader, keyboard shortcuts, and other features to make your Google Maps experience more accessible.

Use a screen reader

You can use Google Maps with your iPhone or iPad's accessibility features, including the VoiceOver screen reader.

Use VoiceOver

Important: The precise steps may vary for your device. To find detailed instructions for your iPhone or iPad, go to the Apple support site.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Accessibility  VoiceOver.
3. Turn on VoiceOver.

Use screen reader with Live View

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. In the search bar, tap Lens .
3. Tilt up your phone and point your camera at buildings, stores, or signs around you.
4. To find places near you, browse around with your camera.
5. To know more details about a place, double tap the place.
6. Tap Category chips to search for places like “restaurants,” “cafe,” and more.

 

Tips:

• You can only use the screen reader with Live View if the VoiceOver is on.
• Lens in Maps feature doesn’t support tablet size devices.

Use detailed voice guidance

You can hear detailed audio announcements during walking navigation, such as the distance to your next turn.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap your profile picture or initial   Settings .
3. Tap Navigation settings. Scroll to the bottom.
4. Under "Walking options," turn on Detailed voice guidance.

Change text size

You can adjust the size of the labels on the map to see them more clearly.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
2. Tap General Accessibility.
3. Tap Larger text.
4. Turn on Larger accessibility sizes.
5. Set your preferred letter size.

Zoom in the map

You can zoom in and out of the map with one hand.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. Double tap a spot on the map, and then:
   • Drag down to zoom in.
   • Drag up to zoom out.

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Move the map

You can move around the map with one hand.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. Drag the map with your finger.

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Find accessible transit

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. In the search bar, enter your destination.
3. In the list of results, tap the location you want.
4. Tap Directions  Transit .
5. Tap Options.
6. Under "Routes," tap Wheelchair accessible  Back .
7. Choose your route.