Google Maps has over one billion users every month from all over the world. But sometimes, you may find the Maps app stops working. Let’s look at what you can do if this happens.
Whys is Google Maps not working?
If your Google Maps app is not working properly, there could be several reasons behind it. Here’s a list of potential issues that might be causing the problem:
- Outdated App Version:
- The app may not function correctly if it hasn’t been updated to the latest version.
- Insufficient Permissions:
- Google Maps requires various permissions (like location, storage, etc.) to operate properly. If these are denied, the app might not work as expected.
- Poor Internet Connection:
- Maps rely heavily on a stable internet connection to load data and maps.
- Corrupted Cache/Data:
- Sometimes the local cache stored by the app can become corrupted, leading to performance issues.
- GPS Signal Issues:
- If your device’s GPS isn’t working correctly or is disabled, it can affect the app’s ability to provide navigation.
- Outdated Device Software:
- The app may not be compatible with older versions of your device’s operating system.
- App Conflicts:
- Other apps or services running on your device might conflict with Google Maps.
- Device Overload:
- If your device has limited resources (RAM, CPU) and is running many apps at once, Google Maps might struggle to function.
- Server Outages:
- Occasionally, the problem could be on Google’s end with their servers, causing the app to malfunction.
- Incorrect Date and Time Settings: If your device’s date and time settings are incorrect, it can prevent Google Maps from operating correctly.
- Location Services Disabled: Google Maps needs location services to be turned on for full functionality.
- Disabled App: The app might have been accidentally disabled on your device, preventing it from operating.
- Full Storage: If your device’s storage is full, the app might not be able to store or process data properly.
- Third-Party Apps: Sometimes third-party apps (like security or battery saver apps) can interfere with Google Maps.
- Overheating: If your device is overheating, it may throttle performance and affect apps like Google Maps.
- Account Issues: Issues with your Google account can also affect the performance of Google Maps.
- Restrictions in Place: Certain areas or countries might have restrictions that affect how Google Maps operates.
- Rooted or Jailbroken Device: If your device is rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS), this might affect the functionality of apps like Google Maps.
- Hardware Issues: Problems with your device’s hardware, like a failing GPS module, could affect performance.
- VPN or Proxy Services: Using a VPN or proxy might cause issues with location accuracy or app functionality.
If you encounter problems with Google Maps, it’s often helpful to start with basic troubleshooting steps such as checking your internet connection, updating the app, clearing the cache, and ensuring that all necessary permissions are granted.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, further investigation into the specific error messages or behaviors can help narrow down the cause. Let’s run through some of the best fixes in more detail.
Update the Google Maps app
It is however crucial to update whenever a new software update becomes available to us.
On Android and iPhone, the process of updating Google Maps is slightly different but very easy to do, the methods below work when needing to update any app so it is best to remember how to do it for future use.
If you have an Android phone the user should do the following;

- Go to the Google Play Store app.
- Select your account icon in the top right-hand corner.
- In the drop-down select ‘Manage Apps and Device.’
- Under ‘Updates Available’ it will state how many apps you need to update.
- Select the ‘Updates Available’ option.
- Find Google Maps in the list.
- Select Update.
To update on iPhone;

- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon at the top of the screen.
- Then scroll to see if any impending updates are waiting and release notes about the software.
- Tap ‘Update’ next to the Google Maps app.
Why does Wi-Fi affect the app?
It seems like I am stating the obvious but you would be surprised how these fixes are skipped over, the next one you should try when Google Maps isn’t working is to check your WIFI signal.
If you don’t have decent or any WIFI signal this app will not work, your network provider data will also need to be used if WIFI isn’t available to you.
Try connecting to a Network by tapping the WIFI icon, alternatively try turning your WIFI on and off again by tapping the same Icon.
If you do not have access to data, this can be remedied when out travelling by downloading the map you need offline before you leave, that way you can still reference the map without any signal.
How to turn on your location services?
iPhone and Android users need to make sure when using Google Maps that their location services are on for Google Maps to work accurately.
To turn on location for Android users you can take the following easy steps;
- From the Home Screen go Apps > Settings > Location.
- Tap Location.
- Make sure the Location switch is set to ‘On.’
- Or Scroll down from the top of the Home Screen.
- Tap the location on the shortcut icon.
On iOS;
- On your iPhone or iPad open the settings app.
- Tap privacy> Location Services.
- Make sure Location Services is switched on.
- Scroll to Google Maps and select it.
- Choose ‘Always On’ while using this app to prevent having to do it manually every time.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why Google Maps as an app might not be working and the above addresses some of the quickest and most simple fixes available that are most common amongst users.
When fixed, you can easily plan out your next trip abroad and add multiple destinations in Google Maps.
By doing these things you can ensure that the app works efficiently to get you to your destination each time when you need it most.