How to Change Voice on Google Maps in Seconds

Picture this: You are an avid traveller who wants to set out on a fun road trip to a new place with friends. The only hitch: How do you get there? 

If only there were a tool that would help you get from point A to point B without taking wrong turns, provide the most suitable routes, and give real-time traffic updates!

For most of us, this isn’t a matter of concern anymore, thanks to Google Maps.

But what makes Google Maps the go-to navigation app for people? Let’s take you a little back in time.

February 2005 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the world of digital maps: The Google Maps app was launched as a basic online mapping tool. Fast forward to 20 years later, the tool has become a sophisticated digital navigation platform driven by AI and real-time data. 

The modern-day Google Maps app is equipped with key features that help you reach your destination with as few surprises as possible. From local commuters to global travelers, Google Maps helps each user navigate the roads effortlessly. And correctly.

Now picture another scenario: You receive navigational  guidance from your favorite celebrity or a funny fictional character. 

That’s Google Maps for you! It ensures that as you head towards your destination, every turn you make is an enjoyable adventure.

In this article, we will explore why and how to change Voice on Google Maps. 

Why Change the Voice on Google Maps?

A simple voice change on Google Maps can lead to enhanced navigational experiences. Mentioned ahead are a few reasons why you might want to give it a go.

Accessibility

Ever heard voices with hard-to-understand accents/dialects? Or maybe the voice is distracting, taking your focus off of the road. Fortunately, you can choose a voice or accent with specific characteristics that are easy to understand and offer clear pronunciation, improving navigation accessibility.

Personalization

With personalization becoming the buzzword in almost every aspect of our lives, why not extend it to your journeys as well? Wouldn’t you like being navigated by the voice you personally prefer? Go for a more soothing voice for daily commutes or opt for an energetic tone for adventurous road trips. The choice and power are yours.

Entertainment

With the right integrations, you can change Google Maps voice to sound like a celebrity,  fictional characters, and themed voices. This can make even the most boring road trip entertaining and exciting. 

Variety and fun

Listening to the same old navigational voice can become monotonous. A change in voice can be just the thing you need to feel refreshed, making your drives more memorable. 

How to Change Google Maps Voice on Android

Changing the voice on the Google Maps app is simple and straightforward for Android phone users.

Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1

Open the Google Maps app. In the Navigation settings, find the option that says Voice selection or Voice settings.‍

Step 2

Once you see a list of different voice options, accents, and languages, tap iPhone languages to change the default language from English to French or any other language on the list. You can also switch between a female or male voice.‍

Step 3

Tap Preview voice to hear what the selected Google Maps navigation voice sounds like. Click Save or Done at the bottom of the menu to complete the process.

Alternate Method:

Another way to change the Google Maps suggested voices by using Google Assistant. Once you’ve installed and enabled it on your Android device, open it by saying “Hey Google” or by tapping and holding the home button. Next, click on your avatar on the top right corner of the screen and choose Assistant Settings from the menu. Tap Assistant voice under the All Settings section and take your pick from the available voice options. Google maps navigation voice done easy!

That’s it, you’re set. Time to close the menu and go back to the main app.

How to Enable Google Maps Voice Change on iPhone

For iPhone users, changing the voice on Google Maps can be a tad tricky. It can be done by changing the iPhone language. However, this will also change the default language of other apps and features on your device, so it may not suit every user. If you’re okay with it, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1

Open Settings on your iPhone. Go to General and choose Language & Region

Step 2

Select Add Language from the menu.‍

Step 3

Now, search and select your preferred language from the list.‍

Step 4

Once you’ve selected your language, tap Continue or Done to confirm the change.

And you’ve successfully changed the voice on your iPhone! Next, just restart your phone, launch the Google Maps app, search for your destination, and enjoy the instructions in the voice of your choice.

Or, you can use Apple Maps instead of Google Maps app and ask Siri to guide you. Then, you can easily change Siri’s voice options by going to Settings and tapping Siri & Search. In the search bar, Select Siri Voice under Ask Siri. Choose your desired voice from among different genders and in different accents , such as American (female), Great Britain or UK (male), Australian (female), and so on. Close the apps and open Apple Maps again. You will now hear the selected voice services for Siri. 

Google Maps Voice Changes: Issues and How to Solve Them

As you can see, changing Google Maps voice is a breeze. However, there may be times when certain common issues will potentially crop up. Let’s find out what these are and how to work around them. 

The voice doesn’t change

There can be several reasons behind this issue. The most common one is that you may not have saved the changes. It is important to always tap on the “Save” or “Confirm” button to apply and save the changes you make to your voice selection.

Conflicts with Google Assistant settings

In devices where Google Assistant is enabled, its voice settings might interfere with those of Google Maps app. In such cases, you’ll need to go to your Google Assistant voice settings and tweak them to be in line with your Google Maps voice preferences.

You’ve tried the above but the issue persists

If this happens, go through Google Maps support articles for step-by-step solutions for various issues. Also, if the problem is technical, you’ll need to clear the app’s cache or even uninstall and reinstall it. 

How to Improve Voice Navigation: Open Google Maps & Find out!

Voice navigation provides spoken directions to guide users to their destination while driving, walking, or biking. Here are a few tactics to take your navigational experience notches higher with Google Maps app.

Adjust volume settings

This might seem like a no-brainer, but cannot be emphasized enough. The optimal volume level can make a huge difference to the output quality. You can hear and understand the navigation voice much more clearly, especially in a noisy environment.

Use headphones

Because the navigation voice is closest to your ears when you wear headphones, it becomes easier to hear and understand the instructions provided by Google Maps app. But make sure to exercise safety and cautions when using this option, especially when driving/walking on a busy road.

Adjust settings for more personalization

Apart from changing Google Maps voice, you can use other settings for more personalized results. Text-to-speech settings, for example, can be used to slow down or speed up the voice according to your personal preference. Further, if English isn't your first language, simply change the navigation voice to that language to make the learning experience more fun.  

Use third-party integrations

Google Maps can integrate with third-party apps, like Waze, to change the default navigation voice. Download and install Waze on your device. Go to Settings and select your desired voice from the range of voice and accent options. 

To integrate this new voice with your Google Maps app, open the settings menu. Find the option that permits third-party integrations or voice settings. Just follow the prompts to complete the integration and you're done!

For Everything Else, There's Murf

Changing the voice on Google Maps personalizes your navigation, but Murf takes this concept to the next level. With our Voice Changer tool, you can upload any audio or video, transcribe it, and swap the original voice with a professional AI voice from a library of 200+ options in 20+ language settings. It’s like choosing your GPS voice, but for podcasts, training videos, or marketing content. No fancy mic, no voiceover skills; just studio-quality sound with more voice options. If Google Maps has changed the way you’re guided, Murf is changing how you're heard.