With voice navigation, you’ll hear travel alerts, which lane to use, where to turn, and if there’s a better route. Google Maps, however, automatically displays map labels and place names in your country’s local language.
Google Maps also uses your device’s default language as the navigation voice. So, if you want to hear directions in a different language, you’ll need to change the language and voice of spoken directions.
On an Android device, you can change the voice of Google Maps navigation from within the app or via your phone's settings. Here’s how to do both.
How to Change the Voice and Language in the Google Maps App
You can change the Google Maps voice and language via the app’s settings. Here’s how to do it on your Android device:
- Open the Google Maps app and tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and select Settings. Then, tap Navigation settings.
- Select Voice selection and choose your preferred language or accent.
Note that Google Maps supports many languages and dialects. The English language, for example, has several geographical options, as so do other widely used languages, like Spanish.
Want to learn more about Google Maps for Android? Read our mega-guide of tips for Google Maps that’ll change how you navigate.
How to Change the Language Settings on Your Device
You can also change the Google Maps voice and language through your device settings, provided Google Maps uses your device’s language as navigation voice. Remember, this method will also change the language of your Android device as well.
- Launch the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down to the System section and select Language and input. On some devices, you’ll have to tap Additional settings.
- Tap Language and pick your preferred language. You may need to tap Add a language and download one.
Sometimes, Google Maps may face issues like not showing routes or showing wrong locations. Here’s how to fix Google Maps when it’s not working on Android.
It's Easy to Change the Voice Language in Google Maps
One of the easiest ways to find your way to a place is by using Google Maps spoken directions and travel alerts. However, the uttered words won’t help much if the navigation voice is in a foreign language. This guide shows how to change the voice and language of spoken directions via both the Google Maps app and Android device settings.