Accessibility in Google Maps

You can use a screen reader, keyboard shortcuts and other features to make your Google Maps experience more accessible. To find wheelchair-accessible public transport and places, adjust your accessibility settings.

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 Lens in Maps

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, shops 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 Lens in Maps 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. Swipe 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 into 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 public transport

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 that you want.
4. Tap Directions Public transport .
5. Tap Options.
6. Under 'Routes', tap Wheelchair-accessible Back .
7. Choose your route.

Find wheelchair-accessible places

Important: You can find wheelchair-accessible places on Google Maps in certain countries only.

Wheelchair accessibility attributes on Google Maps show if people in wheelchairs can access a business’s entrance, toilets, seating, parking and lift.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap your profile picture or initial Settings App and display.
3. Turn on Emphasise accessibility info.
4. In the Maps search bar, enter any location, such as a restaurant or business.
5. In the results, tap a place that displays a wheelchair icon .
   • You’ll find a summary of the location’s accessibility attributes.

Update a business's accessibility attributes

For wheelchair accessibility, if a location has a missing or incorrect attribute, you can suggest the correct attribute:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. Search for a place or tap it on the map.
3. Tap About Update this place .
4. Tap an attribute to change it.
   • To check for additional attributes, you can tap More .
5. Tap Submit.

Submit accessibility info through reviews

To submit accessibility info about a recent visit to a business, write a review:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. Search for a place or tap it on the map.
3. Tap Reviews Rate and review.
4. In 'Wheelchair accessibility', add any relevant accessibility information.
   • You can also write additional details in the text box.

Understand wheelchair accessibility

You can edit a business's accessibility attributes. Learn more about it below:

Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Add this attribute if the entrance to the business is approximately 3-feet wide and doesn’t have steps. Three feet (one metre) is about the width for two people to stand comfortably side by side. If there’s one or more steps, there should be a permanent ramp, or at least a moveable ramp. Entryways with only revolving doors should be marked 'No' for this attribute.

Wheelchair-accessible toilets

Add this attribute if the entrance to the toilets is at least one metre wide and can be reached without any steps up or down. If a person in a wheelchair wants to enter a toilet cubicle, the cubicle’s entrance also needs to be one metre wide. Remember, one metre is about the width of two people comfortably side by side.

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Add this attribute if the main area of the business can be accessed without stairs. There should also be enough space for someone in a wheelchair to navigate to and sit at a table. If all the tables are high (for example, at standing level), the business isn’t wheelchair friendly.

Wheelchair-accessible parking

Add this attribute if there’s a parking spot specifically marked for those with accessibility needs. These spots are often marked with specific markings on the ground, placards or signs, depending on your country and region.

Wheelchair-accessible lift

Add this attribute if a place has multiple floors and there’s a lift large enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Get more help

For more Accessibility help, contact the Disability Support team.