This article explains how to start and end voice navigation with Google Assistant, and how to stop navigation entirely.

What to Know

  • First, wake Google Assistant: Say, “OK, Google.“To stop receiving verbal directions, say, “Stop navigation,” “Cancel navigation,” or “Exit navigation.“To silence verbal directions, but continue viewing map instructions, say, “Mute voice guidance.”

How to Initiate Voice Commands for Google Maps

Each Google Assistant task is activated with a voice command, such as “Send text message” or “Set a timer for 10 minutes.” This hands-free control is useful when you’re driving, cooking, or busy with some other task. You can use Google Assistant to stop the voice navigation function when using Google Maps.

Before issuing a command, you must wake Google Assistant by saying, “OK Google.” Once the command is registered, the microphone icon in the upper-right corner of the navigation screen will light up in different colors. This means the device is “listening” for your command.

How to Mute Google Assistant but Keep Navigation On

If you want to silence verbal directions but continue to view the map instructions, say, “Mute voice guidance.” This command mutes the voice component of the navigation function, but you still receive mapped guidance on your screen.

To bring back voice guidance, say, “Unmute voice guidance.”

How to Stop Navigation

If you want to stop receiving mapped instructions as well as verbal directions, say any of the following phrases: “Stop navigation,” “Cancel navigation,” or “Exit navigation.”

You will be brought back to the Google Maps address screen but will be out of navigation mode.

How to Manually Stop Navigation

If your car is stopped and you can safely look at your phone, you can end the navigation function manually by selecting X in the lower-left corner of the screen. Note that you will still be using Google Maps.

You can also stop the navigation by closing out of the Google Maps app entirely.

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