Use Live View on Google Maps

Google Maps offers two views for walking navigation: the 2D map and Live View. With Live View, you get directions placed in the real world and on a mini map at the bottom of your screen. You can use Live View navigation during the walking portion of any type of trip.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, 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. In the bottom center, tap Live View .
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 see directions through the camera view on your screen.
   Tip: For safety and battery, we suggest you put your phone away once you know where to go.
8. Your phone will vibrate upon reaching the next navigation step or destination.
9. When you want to return to Live View, simply tilt your phone to a vertical position or press the Live View button.

Important: Live View is not intended for use in a moving vehicle. 

Switch to the 2D map view

You can alternate between Live View and the 2D map view when you move your phone from the vertical to the horizontal position. The tilt feature turns on by default, but you can follow these steps to modify the setting:

1. In the top right, tap your profile picture or initial   Settings  Navigation settings.
2. Under "Walking options," turn off Live view .
3. Turn off the tilt option. 

Quickly orient yourself to your surroundings and nearby landmarks in Live View. 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.

There are 2 ways to orient yourself in Live View with the use of landmarks:

• Search for a place or tap it on the map.
  • At the bottom right, tap Live .
• Search for a category, like restaurants or shopping malls.
  1. Tap View map.
  2. Scroll through the selection of places, then select one.
  3. Tap Live .

When you’re in Live View:

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 Live View walking navigation.

While you’re outside:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap the blue dot   Calibrate .
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: Based on Street View availability, Maps may or may not open the Live View calibrator.

Tell us about your experience using Live View for walking navigation.

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