Use Lens in Google Maps

Discover and navigate places in the real world with the help of Lens in Maps.

Check Lens in Maps availability

You can find Lens in areas Street View covers.

• This feature is only available in select countries.
• Your device must be compatible with ARKit/ARCore.
• The walking area must have good Street View coverage.

Tip: When you use Lens in Maps for the first time, a message shows and asks you to allow camera access.

Ask about places with Lens in Maps

To answer place-related questions with Gemini, you can use Lens in Maps.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
2. In the search bar, tap Lens .
3. Point your device at a shop, restaurant, landmark, or other building.
   • When you use Lens in Maps, make sure you’re outside.
4. Tap Mic .
   • To learn more about the place before you ask a question, tap Search .
5. When “Listening” appears, ask a question, like:
   • “Why is this place popular?”
   • “Do they take walk-ins?”
   • “How tall is the building?”

Learn more about generative AI.

Do more with Lens in Maps

Navigate with Lens

Important: Lens in Maps isn’t intended for use in a moving vehicle.

There are 2 walking navigation views in Google Maps:

• 2D map
• Lens in Maps

With Lens in Maps, you get real-world directions. You can use Lens in Maps navigation for the walking part of any trip.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
2. In the search bar, enter a destination or tap it on the map.
3. Tap Directions .
4. Above the map in the travel mode toolbar, tap Walking .
5. At the bottom, tap Navigate.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to help Maps find your location.
   Tip: Point your phone camera at buildings and signs across the street, instead of trees and people.
7. Once Maps knows where you are, you’ll get directions through the camera view on your screen.
   Tip: For safety and to prolong your battery, we suggest you put away your phone once you know where to go.
8. Your phone vibrates when you reach the next navigation step or destination.
9. To return to Lens in Maps:
   1. Tilt your device to a vertical position.
   2. Tap Navigate.

Switch to the 2D map view

When you tilt your device, you can switch between Lens in Maps and the 2D map view. The tilt feature is on by default.

To change the setting:

1. At the top right, tap your profile picture or initial Settings Navigation settings.
2. Under "Walking options," turn off Live View.

Practice safety while you use Lens in Maps

Use Lens-assisted walking navigation only when necessary, like when you start your journey, reach a turn, or you’re about to arrive at your destination.

Tip: When you no longer need directions, put down your phone.

Orient yourself with Lens

Orient yourself to your surroundings and nearby landmarks with Lens in Maps. You can also find how far away certain landmarks are from you and how to get there. These landmarks can include iconic places, like the Empire State Building in New York City, or easily recognizable places, like local parks and tourist attractions.

To orient yourself in Lens in Maps with the use of landmarks:

1. Search for a place or tap it on the map.
2. At the bottom right, tap View.

When you’re in Lens in Maps:

1. To help Maps find your location, follow the on-screen instructions.
   • Tip: Point your phone camera at buildings and signs across the street instead of at trees or people.
2. When Maps knows where you are:
   • You get the distance to your destination.
   • You can enter walking navigation in Lens in Maps.

Tip: Your place’s info card can let you know if your destination is on an upper floor in a building.

Improve the accuracy of your location with Lens

While you’re outside in an area where Street View is available:

1. On your Android phone or tablet, while you're outside, open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap the blue dot Calibrate.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tips:

• Point your phone camera at buildings and signs around you, instead of trees and people.
• Street View availability determines whether Lens opens in Maps.
• Your position on Maps becomes more accurate as more data is gathered on your location.

Find people with Lens

When someone shares their location with you, you can use Lens in Maps to visualize their location in the real world.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap your profile picture or initial Location sharing.
3. In the list of people who have shared their location with you, tap the person whose location you’d like to find.
4. Tap View.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to help Maps find your location.
5. Point your phone camera at buildings and signs across the street, instead of trees and people.
6. Once Maps knows where you are, you can orient yourself in the direction of the person that shared their location with you. You’ll see a pin that represents their location as well as some additional information on the distance and directional clues.
   • You can also enter walking navigation in Lens in Maps.

Learn what to do if Lens in Maps doesn't work

Make sure to use Lens in Maps:

• Outdoors
• In well-lit areas
• In places where you can point your phone camera at buildings and signs across the street
• In places where Street View is available

Send feedback for Lens in Maps

Share your experience with Lens in Maps.

1. Tap Feedback .
2. Answer the question about the type of issue encountered.
3. Enter your feedback.

Related resources

• Find & improve your location’s accuracy in Google Maps
• Accessibility in Google Maps