How to Make Google Maps Your Go-To Navigation App in Apple CarPlay

Dear Apple Tech Talk; thanks for your article on Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze (you can read that article here). While I do use all three apps from time to time, my preferred app is Google Maps. My problem is, if I have an appointment in my calendar, and I open the Calendar in CarPlay and select the appointment address, CarPlay always opens Apple Maps. How can I make CarPlay default to Google Maps?

Thanks for your question, and it’s one that we have heard from other readers.

If you prefer Google Maps’ traffic data, rerouting, and place info, you’re not alone. While Apple Maps has improved a lot, many drivers still trust Google Maps more — especially in busy or unfamiliar areas.

The short answer is, you can’t fully set Google Maps as the system-wide default navigation app in Apple CarPlay (yet) — but you can make it behave like the default in everyday use.

Here’s the reality of where Apple CarPlay stands today, and how to get as close as possible to making Google Maps your default.

The Apple CarPlay Limitation (The Fine Print)

Apple does not currently allow third-party apps like Google Maps to be set as the true system default for CarPlay navigation, at least not in the US.

That means:

• Siri defaults to Apple Maps for generic commands like

“Hey Siri, take me home”

• Some system suggestions and widgets still open Apple Maps automatically

This is an Apple restriction, not a Google one.

That said — you can override Apple Maps almost every time with a few smart tweaks.

Step 1: Install and Enable Google Maps for CarPlay

Before anything else, make sure Google Maps is fully enabled.

1. Install Google Maps from the App Store on your iPhone
2. Go to Settings → General → CarPlay
3. Select your car
4. Tap Customize
5. Make sure Google Maps is listed under included apps

Tip: If it’s missing, unplug CarPlay, restart your iPhone, then reconnect.

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Step 2: Move Google Maps to the Front of Your CarPlay Home Screen

This is the single most effective “default” workaround.

1. In CarPlay → Customize
2. Drag Google Maps to the top of the app list
3. Place it next to Phone or Music if possible

Why this matters:

• CarPlay opens apps in order of priority
• Google Maps will be the first navigation app you see
• Fewer taps = it feels like the default

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Step 3: Tell Siri to Use Google Maps (Every Time)

Siri will use Google Maps — but only if you explicitly ask.

Say:

• “Hey Siri, navigate to 123 Main Street using Google Maps”
• “Hey Siri, get directions to Joe’s Restaurant using Google Maps”

After a few uses, Siri often remembers your preference for that session, but it won’t permanently override Apple Maps.

Pro tip: Shorten your phrasing — Siri responds faster when “using Google Maps” is at the end.

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Step 4: Disable Apple Maps Suggestions (Optional, but Helpful)

You can’t delete Apple Maps from iOS, but you can quiet it down.

On your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Maps
2. Turn off:
   • Siri Suggestions
   • Show in CarPlay (if available on your iOS version)
3. Go to Settings → Siri & Search → Maps
4. Disable:
   • Learn from this App
   • Show on Home Screen
   • Suggest App

This reduces the odds that Apple Maps pops up uninvited.

Step 5: Use Google Maps Widgets and Recents

Google Maps remembers:

• Recent destinations
• Frequently visited places
• Ongoing trips

Opening Google Maps first often:

• Auto-suggests your destination
• Launches navigation immediately
• Prevents Apple Maps from stepping in

What Apple Might Change in the Future

Apple has already allowed:

• Third-party music apps as defaults
• Limited default browser and email changes

Navigation defaults are widely requested, and many expect Apple to loosen restrictions in a future iOS update — but as of now, Apple Maps still has priority system access in CarPlay.

For users inside the European Union

With iOS 18.4 and later, Apple introduced a new Default Navigation App setting in iPhone Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Navigation that does let you choose Google Maps (or Waze) as the default instead of Apple Maps — but only in the EU due to regional regulatory requirements (Digital Markets Act).

The Bottom Line

You can’t officially replace Apple Maps as the system default in CarPlay — but you can make Google Maps your practical, everyday default by:

• Prioritizing it on the CarPlay home screen
• Using Siri with “using Google Maps”
• Reducing Apple Maps’ system suggestions
• Launching Google Maps first, every time

For most drivers, that’s close enough that Apple Maps barely gets a look in CarPlay.

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