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Genius Google Maps tricks you need to know – including making your journey CHEAPER

LOTS of us use Google Maps everyday without realising it has some great features to make our journeys easier and safer.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Google Maps tricks – including a way to make your trip cheaper.

GoogleThe Google Maps “Avoid tolls” feature is easy to access[/caption]

Avoid tolls on Google Maps

If you’re hoping to make a car journey as cheap as possible, Google Maps has an easy way to avoid tolls on your route.

Simply type in your destination to the Google Maps app and tap “Directions”.

Then, click the three vertical dots next to “Your Location” and then click “Route options”.

Here you’ll find a section called “Avoid tolls” which you can toggle on or off.

Turn “Avoid tolls” on and then go back and click “Start”.

Share Google Maps location on iPhone and iPad

Sharing your Google Maps location is useful if you’re meeting a friend or if you just want a close contact to know exactly where you are.

If you want to share with someone who has a Google account, add their Gmail address to your Google Contacts.

Then open Google Maps on your device, tap your profile picture, and then choose Location Sharing.

Next choose Add People, decide how long you want to share your location for, and then tap one or more contacts.

You might need to grant permission to share contacts with Google Maps at this stage.

Then tap Share.

If the person doesn’t have a Google account, you can share a location link from the Add People part of the above process.

You can send this link via iMessage or a different chat app.

How to share Google Maps location on Android

To share your location with a Google Contact, go to Google Maps and tap your profile picture.

Then choose Location Sharing, Add People, set a sharing time, and then choose a contact.

If the other person doesn’t have a Google account, you’ll need to choose Location Sharing Link from the Add People section.

You can tap Copy To Clipboard and send this link via a messaging app or over email.

Use augmented reality Google Maps directions

Google Maps supports augmented reality directions in certain locations.

This includes big cities like London and New York.

The feature is only advised for pedestrians and layers additional directions on your phone screen so you can look through your phone camera for some helpful tips.

If your location has the AR feature avaliable you’ll see a “Live View” option pop up once you’ve started on your route.

Click it and your phone will show the street as if you’re viewing it through your phone camera but with relevant information on top.

You’ll need a relatively new smartphone to use this feature as it needs ARCore support on Android and ARKit support on iPhones.


In other news, Facebook has launched new ‘prayer tools’ which offer US megachurches the chance to raise funds and listen to prayer requests.

Samsung has teased a glimpse of the design for its highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 3 smartphone.

And, the next iPhone will come in a new pink colour and start at just under £800, according to recent rumours.

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