Use Live View on Google Maps

Discover and navigate places in the real world with the help of Live View.

Live View availability

  • Your device must be compatible with ARKit/ARCore.
  • The walking area must have good Street View coverage.

You can find Live View Maps AR in areas Street View already covers.

Tip: When you try Live View for the first time, a message pops up on your phone to get access to your camera.

Navigate with Live View

Google Maps offers two views for walking navigation: the 2D map and Live View. With Live View, you get directions placed in the real world and on a mini map at the bottom of your screen. You can use Live View navigation during the walking portion of any type of trip.

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps appMaps.
  2. In the search bar, enter a destination or tap it on the map.
  3. Tap Directions Directions Blue.
  4. Above the map in the travel mode toolbar, tap Walking Walking.
  5. In the bottom center, tap Live View Maps AR.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to help Maps find your location.
    Tip: Point your phone camera at buildings and signs across the street instead of trees and people.
  7. Once Maps knows where you are, you'll see directions through the camera view on your screen.
    Tip: For safety and battery, we suggest you put your phone away once you know where to go.
  8. Your phone will vibrate upon reaching the next navigation step or destination.
  9. When you want to return to Live View, simply tilt your phone to a vertical position or press the Live View button.

Important: Live View is not intended for use in a moving vehicle.

Switch to the 2D map view

You can alternate between Live View and the 2D map view when you move your phone from the vertical to the horizontal position. The tilt feature turns on by default, but you can follow these steps to modify the setting:

  1. In the top right, tap your profile picture or initialAccount Circleand then Settings and thenNavigation settings.
  2. Under "Walking options," turn off Live view Maps AR.
  3. Turn off the tilt option.

Improve accuracy of your location with Live View

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps appGoogle Maps.
  2. Enter a destination in the search bar or tap a location on the map.
  3. Tap Your locationMy location and thenCalibrate with Live View.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

  5. Your position on Maps becomes more accurate once more data is gathered on your location.

​​​​​​​Tip: Point your phone camera at buildings and signs around you, instead of trees and people.

How to know whether Live View works

When you tap Live View Maps AR, a message pops up on your screen. The message tells you to point your phone camera at buildings, street signs, or any element of scenery that Google Maps can recognize against Street View data in the area. Once Google Maps recognizes where you are, it displays the navigation instructions on your phone.

If Live View still doesn't work

Make sure that you use Live View:

  • In well-lit areas
  • Outdoors
  • In places where you can point your phone camera at buildings and signs across the street
  • In places where Street View is available

For your safety while you use Live View

We recommend that you use Live View only when needed most, such as when you start your journey, you reach a turn, or you're about to reach your destination.

Important: We suggest you put down your phone when you no longer need directions.

Provide feedback

Tell us about your experience using Live View for walking navigation.

  1. Tap Feedback Feedback Blue Icon.
  2. Answer the question about the type of issue encountered.
  3. Enter your feedback.

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