In recent times, a large number of users have begun to notice something worrying in their daily experience with Google Maps: The routes suggested by the application They aren't always correct. From completely absurd time estimates to directions that lead drivers to commit traffic violations, navigation errors have led to confusion and even dangerous situations.
This phenomenon isn't isolated, nor does it affect just one type of user or device. Complaints are piling up on social media, forums, and tech outlets, indicating that this is a more widespread problem than it seems. Therefore, in this guide, we'll delve into what's wrong with Google Maps. how you can report these errors to help improve the service, and what solutions are available to you to avoid problems on your daily route.
Recent route errors: the most talked-about case by users
Over the past few weeks, many users have reported that Google Maps shows alternative routes with incorrect time estimatesSome examples include directions that promise 30-minute faster journeys, when in reality the journey takes only 10 minutes. Other users find that the closer they get to their destination, the more inaccurate the system's predictions become.
One user even commented that these differences seem to be related to the moment when the route began, as if the time comparisons were miscalculated based on the starting point. And what's more worrying: Similar errors occur across different mobile phone brands and in different geographical areas., which suggests a widespread failure rather than an isolated problem.
Consequences of inaccurate routes
The most obvious direct consequence is the Confusion of the user, who doesn't know whether to follow the route recommended by Google Maps or trust his intuition. But the issue goes further. Some Wrong routes include illegal turns, entrances to pedestrian streets or access to restricted areas such as private housing estates or government premises. This can result in traffic fines, accidents or dangerous situations for drivers and pedestrians.
Furthermore, the glitches affect users who are looking for safer or faster routes based on their own criteria. Google Maps has been a reliable tool for planning trips for years, so these glitches undermine trust in the platform.
Why Google Maps fails: main causes
Google Maps combines several data sources: users, public bodies, business partners and historical dataHowever, when any of these elements fail, errors arise. These are the most common causes:
- Incorrect real-time traffic data or outdated.
- Errors in cartography, such as improperly assigned unauthorized turns.
- Temporary detours unregistered (works, events, police blockades).
- Device settings that prevent precise access to the location.
- Outdated Street View images that are misleading.
In addition, the system uses anonymous user data to estimate traffic conditions. If many users misreport a route or if there's a massive drop in GPS signal in a specific area, navigation calculations begin to deviate from reality.
How to report errors in routes and maps
Google allows any user report bugs directly from the app, whether it's an address, a business, a road, or an inappropriate Street View image. This is a critical step to keep the platform as accurate as possible.
Steps to report errors on a route
From your computer you can do the following:
- Open Google Maps in your browser.
- Enter an origin and destination, and click How to get to.
- Select the path that contains the error.
- Click on Details and then Post comments.
- Mark the incorrect step and select the error type.
- press Send.
On mobile, the process is similar. Within the active route, look for a button called Post comments or use the three dot menu to find the option report a problem.
What you can report
- Incorrectly assigned prohibited turns on suggested routes.
- Incorrect addresses or that do not exist.
- Fake, duplicate or incorrect companies.
- Errors in satellite images or Street View, including offensive content.
- False data such as incorrect fuel prices or tickets in business.
You can also request to incorporate a new address or correct non-existent streets. From the app, under the “Contribute” option, you will see the option edit map to add or modify elements of the environment.
Common errors and how to fix them
Beyond errors in the map information, there are also faults that are generated from the deviceHere's how to fix them:
Incorrect location issues
- Activate location services- On Android or iOS, make sure the app has permission to access your location.
- Improve accuracy: On Android, enable the option to High accuracy, which uses WiFi, GPS and mobile networks.
- Calibrate the compass: Tap the blue dot of your location and choose “Calibrate compass” by moving your phone in a figure 8.
- Disable mock locations if you have testing apps that use them.
Technical solutions if Google Maps is not responding
- Clear the cache and application data.
- Update the app from Google Play or App Store.
- Turn off power saving mode so that it does not limit the GPS functions.
- Reboot the device if errors persist.
Common errors on the web or browser
- Grant location permissions to your browser so that Google Maps can determine your position.
- Disable VPN or proxy extensions that may interfere with your actual location.
- Update your browser to avoid compatibility errors.
- Change WiFi network if you detect connectivity failures.
- Clear the cache of the browser from time to time.
Tips to avoid making dangerous mistakes
Google Maps sometimes gives directions that can take you there. narrow, pedestrian, wrong-way or restricted streetsTo avoid them, here are some helpful tips:
- Don't blindly follow GPS directions.; always pay attention to road signs.
- Check on Street View the turns or problematic streets before leaving for an unknown destination.
- Check out other users' opinions on problematic routes or restricted access.
- Actively contribute editing the map when you detect errors.
What to do if Google Maps still isn't working properly
If after applying all the fixes and tips your app still shows errors, you can choose use Google Maps Go, a lighter and more stable version for low-power mobile devices. This version maintains essential features and consumes less data.
Another option is to use offline mapsYou can download them from the app and have a local copy of the area you'll be traveling in. This reduces the dependence on real-time GPS.
Are there alternatives to Google Maps?
If the failure is persistent or you need greater precision, you can consider other applications such as HERE Maps, Waze or Apple Maps (if you're using an iPhone). Each has its strengths depending on the context, but none are entirely flawless, as they're all based on collected data that may not be 100% up-to-date.
Errors in Google Maps are not only real, but can also have consequences that affect your safety or the punctuality of your travels. Fortunately, most can be resolved, either by properly configuring your device, reporting errors to the system, or using features like offline maps.
The more users collaborate to detect and correct errors, the more reliable the tool will be on a daily basis. Keeping the app updated and reviewing its settings are key tasks to avoid unpleasant surprises on your routes. Share the information so more people know about routing errors on Google Maps.