Google Maps is perhaps the first and foremost location based application that most people use for mapping out a particular place. It is one of the most significant Android applications which are chosen by travellers since Google Maps includes all the key locations, spots, and navigation. But sometimes the application fails to respond in most Android devices and desktop and hence stop functioning due to technical issues.
This article focuses on major 2 topics:
- How to solve google maps not working issue in different browsers and android app?
- Know how much data does google maps use
Reasons for Google Maps issue
- The issue can be application based.
- You have denied Google Maps access to your location before.
- Browser errors.
How to fix the ‘Google Maps not loading’ issue?
The Google Maps, not responding issues can occur in a number of systems, including Android or your web browser. Therefore, the troubleshooting options might differ in that case. We have found out the fixes for all the service and hence, we’ll be sharing them with you.
Troubleshooting the “Google Map not working” issue in various browsers
(1) In Google Chrome browser
- Open Google Chrome browser.
- Click on the Menu icon with 3 lines at the top right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Advanced’.
- Now click on ‘Content Settings’ under Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down to ‘Location’ and select the option “Ask before accessing (recommended)”.
- Make sure “https://www.google.com/maps” has a permission to access your physical location.
- Click ‘Done’.
This will allow access to Chrome to track your location from all sites.
(2) In Mozilla Firefox browser
To try this, your Firefox browser should be upgraded to version 3.5 and above.
- Visit the URL maps.google.com.
- Click on the lock icon displayed beside the URL > go to ‘More information’.
- Now click on the ‘Permissions’ tab.
- Under ‘Access you Location’ select ‘Allow’.
For Firefox 3.1 and below,
- Open Firefox browser > click on ‘Tools’ > Gears and Settings.
- Next to the country version of Google Maps, click Remove.
(3) In Safari browser
- Open Safari browser and click on Preferences at the top right corner.
- Click on ‘Privacy’ > ‘Prompt for every website for one time’.
- Go to your country version in Google Maps.
- Click on the ‘GPS-like’ icon on the bottom.
- Check on the prompted option ‘Remember my decision and don’t ask again’.
- Click on ‘Allow’.
(4) In The Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the ‘Settings’ icon in the top right corner > go to Internet options.
- Now click on the ‘Security’ tab > Trusted Sites > Sites.
- Type the version of Google Maps that you use and add it.
- Uncheck the box ‘Require server verification for all sites in this zone’.
- Click Ok.
How to troubleshoot the “Google Maps not working” issue on Android phones?
Before installing any Google Maps alternative on your Android phone, it would be better if you try to fix the application. In Android, there are a number of fixes you can attempt to make Google Maps work again.
(1) Reboot your phone
Restarting your phone can resolve most of the technical issues with your phone. In case, your Google Maps is not functioning then reboot your phone and it will definitely start working.
(2) Clear application cache and data
Sometimes the app cache and data blocks the application from running. In that case, you might need to erase it. To do that, go to your phone Settings > Applications > find Google Maps and tap on Clear data. Then try opening the app and it will probably run.
(3) Reinstall the app
If the problems still persist then you can reinstall the Google Maps update on your device. Try to update Google Maps to its latest version from the Play Store because at times the older version fails to function.
(4) Remove battery
Continuous operation of the phone might obstruct the application from running due to battery consumption. Try removing the battery and place it again. Start your phone after 2 minutes and then open the app.
(5) Factory reset your phone
If the above fixes won’t work then try factory resetting your phone. Factory resetting will clear up all your phone data and files and the installed applications will be gone. So before you attempt this don’t forget to keep a backup of your phone data. To do this, go to your phone Settings > Backup and reset.
I hope above tricks will help you to solve “google maps not working” issue in your browser and also in android app.
Try Google Maps alternatives (if none of the fixes work)
If your Google Maps fails to run even after trying these fixes then it’s better to install any alternative app as mentioned below.
(1) GPS Essentials
GPS Essentials includes all the necessary tools to locate any place in the world. With this app you can navigate, track, manage waypoints, find routes and build your own dashboard from 45 in-app widgets.
(2) Here Maps
Here Maps by Nokia is another way to explore places and is a good alternative app for Google Maps. Here Maps can plan your journey and lead you to the right destination right from your Android phone. With Here Maps, you can avail a voice guide while driving and access the app even when you are offline. Here Maps navigates you to the right path and can easily detect your location automatically.
(3) MapQuest GPS Navigation and Maps
MapQuest, a google maps alternative provides you live maps with GPS and voice navigation so that you can instantly find any route and traffic updates in real-time. MapQuest shows you the accurate routes from any country you are in and offers a number of features like bookmarking location, multi-stop directions, accidents, and search by using your phonebook contacts, and search your places of interest and lots more. MapQuest is used by millions of users and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.
How much data does Google Maps use?
Perhaps this depends on your usage with the app and the distance your cover. A number of users have different ideas on the same and the prediction is that Google Maps uses approximately 1MB data for every 10 miles.
So today you have learnt about the different, yet the most effective processes for troubleshooting your Google Maps application. We assure these fixes with resolve your issue with the app and you can start with it once again.
Tags
why google maps not working
unfortunately maps has stopped
Patricia says
My Google map was working a now it stopped working need to now how to fix it
Nevil Patel says
Please follow the steps mentioned in the article to resolve “google map not working issue” in your browser or in smartphone apps.
Jo says
Google Maps, when wanting to see a location, is mostly covered in black with a few spots visible of the location I want to see.
Marc says
Thanks!! Great help guys!!
Terri says
Route directions comes up but no maps
Thierry says
My Google maps is messing up. It gets confused and looks like lost. Doesn’t recognise the way and the distances. I’m always driving past my locations and it takes me around and around in circles. Any help guys?
Beckie says
Your “(1) In Google Chrome browser” section is outdated. When following the directions to get to Location Settings, it is still correct up to Step.7 – there is no longer a button that allows you to Manage Exceptions, so I could find no way to address the issue of G.Maps not loading properly by following your recommendations. In desperation of clicking whatever I could find that might affect what is displayed, I cleared the cache of everything, and then Google Maps would load properly.
Nevil Patel says
Updated the article which shows how to do it in a newer version of Google Chrome.
Lisa Williams says
My google maps voice recognition is not working. I can turn the speaker on but it always turns off..what the problem here i have tried an tried to fix it but it cant be fixed. I even had my phone provider help with it and they cant fix it either. Does anyone have any suggestions or kbow how i can fix it. .its very annoying.