Here’s the crux of the matter: Wear OS now supports Google Maps navigating without a smartphone as earlier promised. Google Maps Navigation (turn-by-turn navigation) will be rolling out to LTE watch users so they can access the feature without a paired smartphone.
The Google Maps navigation can be accessed if the LTE watch is connected to the internet or WiFi. The brand notes that the feature is “especially helpful when you’re out for a run or ride and have left your phone behind but want to take a detour or need help finding your way home.”
Availability of the Google Maps navigation on Wear OS
Fortunately, the Google Maps navigation will be rolling out to the Pixel watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 that have cell plans loaded on them. Most probably, the feature will be rolling out to other smartwatches in the coming weeks.
In a nutshell, “if you have enabled mirroring and start navigation on your phone and then leave your phone behind, your watch will take over navigation from your phone.” However, you can start your whole journey with the smartwatch.
- First, launch the Google Maps app.
- Use a keyboard to input your destination, tapping on the map also shows you the location
- Select the mode of transportation you want to use
- Start your trip.
Meanwhile, turn by turn feature is present in the Android smartphone and can also be accessed for iOS. While it’s quite hard to make Google Maps a default app on iOS, simply follow these steps to get it done.
