Apple’s native Maps app is the default navigation tool on the iPhone. While it has improved over the years, many users still prefer Google Maps, Waze, or other third-party apps for accuracy, user interface, or real-time traffic data. If you’re wondering whether you can set one of these apps as your default navigation app on iOS, the answer is a bit nuanced.
This guide explains whether it’s possible to change the default maps app on your iPhone, what workarounds exist, how other apps like Gmail or Chrome interact with maps, and what Apple currently allows in terms of default app customization.
📍 Can You Change the Default Maps App on iPhone?
❌ Officially: No
As of iOS 17, Apple does not allow users to change the default navigation or maps app system-wide. That means links to addresses (like from Messages or Calendar) and commands like “navigate home” with Siri will continue to open Apple Maps by default.
This is different from Mail and Browser apps, where Apple does allow default app changes.
✅ Apps That Do Allow Maps Customization
While iOS doesn’t let you globally set Google Maps or Waze as default, some third-party apps give you the option to choose which navigation app to use.
Examples:
- Google Chrome: Lets you open address links in Google Maps instead of Apple Maps.
- Gmail: Can be configured to open addresses in Google Maps.
- WhatsApp: When tapping an address, it may prompt you to choose between Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze.
How to Change Map Preference in Chrome:
- Open Chrome on your iPhone.
- Tap the three dots (menu) > Settings.
- Tap Google Services (or “Content Settings”).
- Look for Default apps or similar.
- Set Google Maps as the default navigation app.
Note: Options vary based on app version. If you don’t see it, update Chrome or Gmail from the App Store.
🗺 Workarounds to Use Google Maps or Waze by Default
Use Third-Party Apps Directly
Open Google Maps or Waze directly when needing directions. You can pin favorite locations like home and work for quick access.
Use Siri Shortcuts
Create custom Shortcuts to launch navigation in Google Maps or Waze.
Example: Siri Shortcut for Google Maps Navigation
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap + > Add Action.
Choose URL and enter:
cpp
CopyEdit
comgooglemaps://?daddr=Home&directionsmode=driving- Add another action: Open URLs.
- Tap Next, name the shortcut (e.g., “Navigate Home”), and tap Done.
- Now say: “Hey Siri, Navigate Home,” and it will launch in Google Maps.
You can change daddr=Home to any location or variable.
Use Contacts with Map App Links
In your Contacts app, manually add a Google Maps or Waze URL in the Notes section or as a web link. Example:
Google Maps link:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Statue+of+Liberty
Waze link:
waze://?q=Statue+of+Liberty&navigate=yes📬 How Gmail and Other Apps Handle Maps
Many apps are optimized to respect user preferences and allow map app choices.
In Gmail:
- Tap a location or address.
- If prompted, choose Google Maps as default.
- Gmail will remember your choice moving forward.
In WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger:
- Tapping an address may prompt a list of compatible apps.
- You can choose Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze.
These app-specific settings are not system-wide and must be configured individually.
🔐 Why Doesn’t Apple Allow Default Maps Customization?
Apple cites system integrity and privacy as reasons for limiting default app changes. Since Maps is deeply integrated with:
- Siri
- Calendar event locations
- Apple Watch directions
- CarPlay
- Weather and Spotlight Search
Apple prefers to keep the experience unified across its ecosystem.
🧭 Alternative Navigation Apps for iPhone
Here are top-rated third-party navigation apps you might prefer:
| App | Key Features |
| Google Maps | Best for accuracy, Street View, multi-mode routing |
| Waze | Real-time traffic alerts, police and hazard reports |
| HERE WeGo | Offline maps, public transit integration |
| Sygic | 3D maps, offline GPS navigation |
| Citymapper | Best for public transport in major cities |
All of these are free to download and can be launched manually or via Shortcuts.
📋 Summary Table
| Task | Possible? | How |
| Change default maps app system-wide | ❌ | Not allowed by iOS |
| Use third-party app for navigation | ✅ | Open manually or use Shortcuts |
| Set Google Maps as default in Chrome/Gmail | ✅ | Through app settings |
| Siri uses Google Maps | ❌ | Siri always uses Apple Maps |
| Create shortcut to Google Maps | ✅ | Use Shortcuts app with URL schemes |
✅ Final Thoughts
While Apple doesn’t currently let users change the default maps app system-wide on the iPhone, there are effective workarounds using third-party apps, Siri Shortcuts, and app-specific preferences in apps like Chrome and Gmail. If you prefer Google Maps or Waze, you can still enjoy a customized navigation experience with a little setup.
Until Apple expands default app customization to include Maps, these techniques offer the best of both worlds—Apple’s interface with your preferred navigation.
Meta Description:
Can you change the default maps app on iPhone? Learn how to use Google Maps or Waze instead of Apple Maps with smart workarounds, shortcuts, and app settings.
