Don't make that wrong turn in Albuquerque! Use Maps to find your way.
Not so long ago, finding your way involved unfolding giant, nearly incomprehensible, maps — sometimes over your dashboard — or asking strangers for directions. Neither was ideal. Now, though, all the maps you need are right on your iPhone or iPad. All you have to do is look!
How to view overview in Maps on iPhone and iPad
How to select a route in Maps on iPhone and iPad
How to check walking, driving, and transit directions in Maps on iPhone and iPad
How to turn on 3D Maps on iPhone and iPad
How to view written directions on iPhone and iPad
How to start spoken guided directions on iPhone and iPad
How to change the volume of spoken directions on iPhone and iPad
How to end spoken guided directions on iPhone and iPad
How to view overview in Maps on iPhone and iPad
Getting from point A to point B is the simplest and probably most common use of Maps. You can map out any length of directions as long as the locations you are using for your starting point and endpoint are actually addresses, you will be good to go.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Now you will have multiple routes ahead of you to start your adventure! From here you have plenty of options of what to do. You can select a route, view written directions, or even get spoken guided directions.
How to select a route in Maps on iPhone and iPad
When you enter a route into Maps, it will usually give you more than one option of how to get to your destination.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Tap on the blue line of the route you want to see. The dark blue line is the route that is currently selected
Each route will tell you how long the estimated time of travel will be and how much distance you will travel as well.
Note how the image above shows you a different highlighted route in each screenshot.
How to check walking, driving, and transit directions in Maps on iPhone and iPad
When you plan a route in Maps, the default directions are usually for driving. However, you can get walking directions and even transit directions.
Note: Transit directions are not in every city, so if you try it out and it says it's unavailable you are out of luck for now.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Tap on either Drive, Walk, or Transit to see directions for your desired method of travel.
How to turn on 3D Maps on iPhone and iPad
You have probably noticed throughout your experience of using Maps that the little blue dot that tracks your position on your route and the blue line you follow is always an overhead view. That's because you are using a 2D map. There is an option to use a 3D map which is helpful to give you a little bit better perspective on where you are and where you are going.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Tap the info button. It's the button in the bottom right corner of your screen.
Tap on 3D Map.
Just like that you can see the building around you in full 3D glory! If you don't see the effects right away just pinch out on the screen to zoom in.
Just remember this feature is not available in all cities so if you aren't seeing the 3D map at all chances are it just isn't available in your area.
How to view written directions on iPhone and iPad
If you have ever wanted to jot down a quick step by step instructions on how to get somewhere but, don't want to go through the pain of trying to follow that blue line on the on-screen map through each curve and turn, you can always bring up a list of directions at anytime.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Tap on Details button.
Tap Done when you are finished looking at the Written directions.
This list of directions will tell you which way to turn, how much distance is between each turn, and even what side of the street your destination will be on.
How to start spoken guided directions on iPhone and iPad
If you are travelling by car, chances are you don't want to be holding your cell phone looking at your map for every turn. You can easily have your directions spoken to you.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Tap on the Start button.
Siri will now announce your route to you as you travel, letting you know when turns are coming up and when you have finally arrived at your destination.
How to change the volume of spoken directions on iPhone and iPad
If you find yourself unable to hear the directions being spoken to you, or you are worried your ears might explode from how loud they are, you can easily change the volume on the directions at anytime.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Tap on the Start button.
Tap on the volume buttons on the left side of your iPhone to adjust to your desired volume level.
How to end spoken guided directions on iPhone and iPad
Once you have arrived at your desired destination or if you simply don't want Siri's voice to be telling you which way to go anymore, you can end the spoken directions at anytime.
Launch the Maps app from your Home screen.
Tap on the directions button. It's the curved arrow in the top left corner of your screen.
Tap on the location text fields and enter your starting point and your destination.
Tap on the Route button.
Tap on the Start button.
Tap anywhere on the screen to bring up the tabs.
Tap on the End button. It's in the top left corner of your screen.
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