Apple Maps comes as the default mapping app on the iPhone, and while many use it, the amount of information and data on Google Maps is generally better. Google Maps is one of the most popular mapping applications.
Unfortunately, there is no way to make Google Maps the default mapping app on your iPhone right now. However, you can circumvent this by making Google Chrome your default browser app. Then whenever you click a link to a location, it will launch Google Maps instead of Apple Maps.
Making Google Chrome your default browser
To learn how you can make Google Chrome your default browser, click here.
After making Google Chrome your default browser, whenever you click on an address or location (regardless of which app), Google Chrome will ask if you want to open the location in Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Note: Chrome will sometimes open the web version of Google Maps instead of asking you which app you want to open. On the browser, there is a notification asking if you want to switch to the Google Maps app. Tap Continue, and it will take you to the app.
Making location links in Gmail always open Google Maps
After changing these settings, clicking on location links on Gmail will automatically open Google Maps:
-
Tap Gmail on the Home Screen.
Tap Gmail. -
Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the menu.
Tap the three lines in the top-left corner. -
Scroll down and tap Settings.
Tap Settings. -
Tap Default apps
Tap Default Apps. -
Under the “Navigate from your location” and “Navigate between locations” menus, tap Google Maps.
Tap Google Maps. -
Disable Ask me which app to use every time if you don’t want Gmail to ask you which app you want to use.
Disable the toggle next to “Ask me which app to use every time.” From now, every time you tap the link to a location in Gmail, it will always open in Google Maps.
