Navigation apps have become an essential part of our daily lives – to the point where it’s hard to imagine how we ever managed without them. But there's still a high chance that you haven’t tried all of the features on offer.
You can now use your phone to check where you parked, for example, or highlight the best cycle routes. Map apps can also let you plan a stair-free journey on foot and show you how to reach your destination via public transport.
Below, our tech experts share some of the lesser-known features on both Apple Maps and Google Maps. Keep scrolling for tips to help you navigate like a pro, plus links through to our expert tests covering attentive dash cams, long-lasting phones and secure phone holders.
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The best map app features
1. Save your favourite locations
Google Maps - favourite locations
If you regularly head to the same addresses or landmarks, you can add them to a list in a couple of taps. You can even share saved lists with friends and family – handy if you’re compiling restaurant options, say, or holiday spots.
On Google Maps Search for a location or press it on the map. Then, in the location details panel, tap Save, choose a list (or create one) and select Done. You can access your favourites by tapping the You tab at the bottom of your screen.
On Apple Maps Search for a location or tap it on the map, then tap More > Add to Library. Access and manage your saved locations by tapping your Profile icon, then Library.
2. Check where you parked
Google Maps parking location
It's easily done – you leave your car in a large carpark, only to have trouble finding it later. Thankfully, you can avoid the stress and time spent wondering around cluelessly by tagging your parking location in your app before you head off.
On Google Maps Tap the blue dot that shows your current location, then choose Save parking. If you tap Search here at the top of your screen, the first option you see should now be Parking location. You can also share your car’s whereabouts with contacts by tapping the parking location > More info > Share.
On Apple Maps You can automatically save your car's parking spot whenever you disconnect your iPhone from your car's Bluetooth or CarPlay. Open your iPhone's mainSettings and tap Maps to make sure Show Parked Location is enabled. To check where you last parked, tap in the Search bar, type Car and tap the Car icon in the list of results.
3. Use voice control while driving
Driving mode on Google Maps
To comply with UK law, you’ll need to make sure you don’t touch your phone while you’re driving unless you pull over safely and turn off the engine.
Plan your route before you start your journey or try using voice commands:
On Google Maps Google Assistant has a special Driving Mode, which enhances voice control and provides hands-free help while you're on the road. Tap your Profile icon, then Settings > Navigation > Google Assistant settings to switch on Driving mode. Then, try saying ‘OK Google, call [contact]’ or ‘OK Google, play [playlist name] on Spotify.’
On Apple Maps Apple supports voice control when your iPhone is connected to your vehicle via CarPlay. While using CarPlay, go to Settings > Accessibility to turn Voice Control on or off.
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4. Share directions with someone
Google Maps directions
Both Apple Maps and Google Maps will let you share directions with a contact, whichis useful if friends or family are travelling separately to the same destination.
On G oogle Maps From the journey overview screen, tap Share (shown above in the bottom-right corner). Start typing the name, phone number or email address of the person you want to share your directions with, then choose your contact.
On Apple Maps You can share directions using AirDrop, which lets you wirelessly send your route to another nearby iPhone, iPad or Mac. Get directions for the location you want, then tap the route you want to use to see its details. At the bottom, tap Share > AirDrop and select the nearby device. If your fellow traveller isn't nearby, tap the location on the map and click the s hare icon – choose whether to send it via text, WhatsApp or email.
5. Download offline maps
Offline maps on Google Maps
If you’re heading somewhere that has a patchy phone signal, we recommend downloading maps in advance – that way, you can get from A to B without relying on mobile data or finding public wi-fi.
On Google Maps In the Search bar, type a location, then tap it in the list of results. Choose More > Download offline map and use the box to select the region. Keep an eye on the download size (in GB) shown below your selection, though, as you’ll need enough free storage on your device. Tap Download when you’re done.
On Apple Maps Tap the Profile icon > Offline Maps > Download New Map. Type the name of a town or city in the region you'd like to download a map for, then tap it in the list of results. Use the box to select an area to save, then tap Download.
Note that downloaded maps will need to be updated periodically. In both Apple Maps and Google Maps, tap profile icon > Offline Maps to update or delete your downloaded maps.
Worried about your phone's battery letting you down? See our pick of thebest power banks
6. Use augmented reality (AR) to navigate on foot
Augmented reality
If you're exploring a new area and need assistance, AR can provide live, on-screen directions to guide you. It works by scanning your surroundings using your phone's rear camera.
On Google Maps From the journey overview screen, tap Live View and point the camera ahead of you. After a couple of seconds, arrows will appear on your screen telling you where to go. Once you put your phone down, you can reactivate the feature at any time by tapping the Live View icon in the bottom-right corner.
On Apple Maps Search for a location, tap Directions and select Walking Mode. Choose Start AR Navigation and, if the feature is available, you'll be asked to Scan Buildings Hold your phone up in front of you and follow the on-screen instructions.
A top-rated dash cam can produce high-quality video footage to help prove what happened in the case of a crash – our guide to the best dash cams reveals top models
7. Set an arrival time
Google Maps arrival time
If you want to arrive at a suitable time for a fancy meal or avoid a last-minute rush to the airport, setting an arrival time can make planning smoother.
On Google Maps From the journey overview screen, tap Options (three dots) and choose Set depart or arrive time. Enter your ideal time of arrival and tap Set. Now, you'll see updated text on the overview screen that tells you when you should set off.
On Apple Maps Enter your destination, choose Directions and then select Leaving Now > Arrive by.
Struggling with a sluggish phone? If you're due an upgrade, see our guide to thebest smartphones
Using map apps in your car
A standalone sat nav can still be useful in certain situations. If you drive an unusually large vehicle, such as a motorhome, or regularly tow a caravan, for example, some sat navs allow you to program in your vehicle’s weight and dimensions, so that suggested routes avoid restricted roads.
There are, however, some factors you’ll need to bear in mind. Ideally, you’ll want to connect your phone to your in-car entertainment unit. The trouble is that not all in-car entertainment devices are compatible with these systems, so you’ll need to check your vehicle’s manual.
Phone holders tested by Which?
If you can't connect to your car's entertainment system, you can still use your phone on its own. However, you'll need a sturdy holder to keep it in place and ensure the audio is loud enough to hear directions.
Our experts have tested a selection of car phone holders to see which options are easy to fit and stay secure against bumpy roads.
The highest-scoring phone holder we've tested has a sturdy grip that keeps your phone firmly in place while driving. Plus, affixing it to the windscreen is a breeze.
The lowest-scoring phone holder we've tested is frustratingly awkward to attach to a windscreen and shakes while you're driving.
Discover which models we recommend with our guide to thebest car phone holders.
Alternative map apps
Apple Maps and Google Maps are the most widely used map apps, but they aren’t the only options. There are several other map and navigation apps worth considering – some of which are free, while others require a subscription.
Citymapper (Android, iOS) Designed to help you navigate a growing number of cities worldwide (100 and counting, ranging from Liverpool to Lille). It’s particularly useful for getting yourself around town by public transport, but is also very helpful for getting about by cycling, walking and more.
Maps.me (Android, iOS) An open-source alternative to Apple Maps and Google Maps that is based on OpenStreetMap data and aimed at travellers who like to go off the beaten track. The core functionality of the app can be used for free, but you need to subscribe (from £4 per month) to unlock all the features or download more than 10 map regions.
TomTom Go Navigation (Android, iOS) TomTom's app provides a way to turn almost any smartphone into a TomTom device, complete with customisable navigation options based on your vehicle type – useful if it’s high, wide or heavy. After a free seven-day trial, the subscription costs from £3.99 per month.
Waze (Android, iOS) This free, community-driven app is primarily designed as a sat nav replacement for users of motorised transport, rather than pedestrians or cyclists. It offers real-time traffic alerts and updates drawn from other Waze users.
Citymapper app
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