How to Show Speed Limit on Google Maps

Google’s navigation app, Google Maps, is free, user-friendly, and available to iOS and Android users alike. For years, millions of smartphone users have enjoyed the many benefits of the navigation service. It’s for this reason that Google keeps making improvements and adding new features.

One such feature is Speed Limits. If you’ve ever driven on an unfamiliar road and wondered what the speed limit was, Google put it neatly in the lower corner of the Maps app. This article will teach you how to enable the Speed Limit option on both operating systems.

How to Enable Speed Limit on Android

To enable the Speed Limits option in Google Maps, open the Google Maps app on your phone and follow these instructions:

1. Open the Google Maps app and tap on your profile icon in the upper right corner.
   
2. Tap on Settings.
   
3. Tap on Navigation settings.
   
4. Tap the toggle switch next to Speed limits.
   

Now that your Speed Limits are turned on you should be able to hear Google Maps’ speed trap alerts as well. When you’re in an area where the speed limit drops, Google Maps will let you know that there is a speed trap ahead.

While you’re in the settings, be sure to turn on the Speedometer as well. Coupled with the Speed Limit sign in the bottom left-hand corner of your map, you will also see your own approximate speed. Google states that it does it’s best to show your actual speed, but it’s still a good idea to check the speed on your vehicle as well.

How to Enable Speed Limits on iOS

iPhone users didn’t have the speed limit option for many years. Fortunately, Google’s developers added the nifty function for iPhone users.

If you have an iPhone, follow these steps.

1. Open Google Maps and tap on your profile icon in the upper right corner.
   
2. Tap on Settings.
   
3. Tap on Navigation.
   
4. Tap on the toggle switch next to Show speed Limits.
   
   

Note: If you do not see the Speed Limit toggle switch, update your iOS and the Google Maps application.

Now, you will see the speed limit box in the bottom corner of the map.

Speed Limits Aren’t Working?

Google Map’s speed limit notifications are, unfortunately, not available in all areas. If you’ve followed the instructions above but have yet to see the Speed Limits on your device’s screen it’s likely because the navigation feature is unavailable to you.

Some users have reported success with updating the Google Maps language to English if you aren’t receiving your notifications so it may be worth a try.

Other Useful Features

Google Maps is a genuine navigation powerhouse. There are a bunch of customization options, hidden features, and geospatial search tools. Here are a few you are bound to find useful.

Offline Maps

Like most users, you probably access Google Maps on your smartphone. But what happens if there’s no coverage? No problem, Google’s got you covered.

1. Select your destination and tap the bottom of the screen.
2. Hit Download in the pop-up window and you’ll be able to access the map (directions and businesses included) from the download section.

Ride Sharing

Google Maps allows you to see ridesharing options from Lyft and Uber within the app.

1. Select your destination and tap on the ride-hailing icon or the mass transit icon.

You are immediately shown all the available vehicles in your area including fare and time estimates, though this service may vary depending on your exact location and your internet or data connection.

Time Travel

The massive collection of images in Street View allows you to see how streets have changed over time. Want to see what your neighborhood looked like before? Now you can.

1. This special time machine is now available in all locations, and you can access it by clicking on the stopwatch icon.

Location History

Depending on how long you have been using Google Maps, you may have received an email in January of 2020 with a link to see your location history. Basically, the app can track you throughout the year and during your rides and it reminds you of where you have been.

Some may think that this is a cute way to remember trips, or maybe even a useful way to track gas mileage.

1. You can see this information in the Location History tab in the app.

Waze for Speed Limits

As stated above, Google Maps doesn’t offer the speed limit feature everywhere. Waze is another application available in the Google Play Store that lets users see the speed limit and communicate road hazards with other drivers. You’re probably used to Google Maps, but Waze is a Google-owned navigation apps that is certainly worth checking out.

Once the application is downloaded to your phone, you can set up an account with your familiar places, preferences, and more. Turn on the Speedometer by following these instructions:

1. Open Waze and tap on My Waze at the bottom.
   
2. A sub-menu will pop out. Tap on the Settings cog in the upper left corner.
   
3. Now, tap on Speedometer.
   
4. Tap on Show speed limit.
   
5. Put a blue checkmark next to one of the available options.
   

This application allows you to interact with other drivers. Whether you see debris in the road or a police officer, you and others can update that information and alert other drivers. This app is also available to Android users as well.

Once you’ve set up your account you can earn a crown by warning other drivers and getting waves or thanks! If you’re curious about a traffic jam, you can check or add comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Google Maps is an invaluable resource for anyone who travels or needs to navigate traffic patterns. We’ve included this section to answer more of your frequently asked questions.

I don’t see the option for Speed Limits; what gives?

Speed limits are only available in some regions. If you do not see the option to turn on speed limits, it’s likely that the feature isn’t available.

Which is better Waze or Google Maps?

It really depends on the user. Google Maps has been in use for years, and it’s incredibly reliable. Not to mention, you can Google search a location and immediately pull it up in Maps. Waze is more customizable with the option to communicate with other drivers.

In recent years it has become more reliable, and due to its ability to alert you of debris in the road, cars on shoulders, and law enforcement, it’s definitely an app everyone should at least try once.