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 Android's accessibility features, including the TalkBack screen reader.
Use TalkBack
Important: The precise steps may vary for your device. To find detailed instructions for your phone or tablet, visit TalkBack setup help.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app .
- Tap Accessibility TalkBack.
- Turn on TalkBack.
Use detailed voice guidance
You can hear detailed audio announcements during walking navigation, such as the distance to your next turn.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
- Tap your profile picture or initial Settings .
- Tap Navigation settings. Scroll to the bottom.
- Under "Walking options", turn on Detailed voice guidance.
Use screen reader with Live View
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
- In the search bar, tap Lens .
- Tilt up your phone and point your camera at buildings, shops or signs around you.
- To find places near you, browse around with your camera.
- To know more details about a place, double-tap the place.
- 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 TalkBack is on.
- Lens in Maps feature doesn’t support tablet size devices.
Change text size
You can adjust the size of the labels on the map to see them more clearly.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app .
- Tap Accessibility. From here, you can:
- Change font size: To make words larger, tap Font size, then set your preferred letter size.
- Change display size: To make items on your screen larger, tap Display size, then set your preferred icon size.
Zoom into the map
You can zoom in and out of the map with one hand.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
- Double tap a spot on the map, and then:
- Drag down to zoom in.
- Drag up to zoom out.
Move the map
You can move around the map with one hand.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
- Drag the map with your finger.
Find accessible public transport
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
- In the search bar, enter your destination.
- In the list of results, tap the location that you want.
- Tap Directions Public Transport.
- Tap Options.
- Under 'Routes', tap Wheelchair accessible Done.
- Choose your route.