Change this Google Maps setting to always see the fastest route

Enter a destination into Google Maps and the app will suggest different routes to get there, including one that’s quicker than the others. You’ll get directions for different means of travel, such as car, bike, public transport and walking, so you can choose your preferred way to get there. The quickest possible option often involves driving, and this may be the default navigation mode for many users. However, the suggested routes you’ll see in Google Maps won’t necessarily be the quickest. The app doesn’t have a “fastest route” setting to let you see the fastest possible option, but there is a setting you should turn off to improve your ETA. The setting is called “Prefer fuel-efficient routes” and its goal is to help you save money on your next trip, as well as reduce pollution. The downside is that the app may offer you alternatives that are slightly slower than the less fuel-efficient options.

To turn off the fuel efficient route option, you will need to open Google Maps on your iPhone or Android device, tap your profile picturego to Settingsand then Navigation. This menu has a “Route Options” section where Choose fuel-efficient routes the rocker is located. Importantly, the app notes that “Maps will default to suggesting fuel-efficient routes when arrival times are similar.” In other words, turning off the fuel-efficient routes option doesn’t always speed up your next trip.

It might be a good idea to test your destination before changing any settings to see what the shortest estimate is. After that, you can turn off the fuel-efficient route option and see if Google Maps offers a faster option. You may prefer a slightly longer journey if the time difference is negligible.

You may want to check a few other settings that may result in longer routes. Specifically, the “Avoid Highways,” “Avoid Tolls,” and “Avoid Ferries” buttons should all be disabled. You’ll find them in the same navigation menu as the “Prefer fuel-efficient routes” toggle. If one of these is enabled, you won’t always get the fastest route.

Avoiding highways will force Google Maps to suggest potentially slower routes. If you want to save on tolls, like those found on some bridges, tunnels, and highways, Google Maps will find alternatives, but the routes may take longer. Additionally, some journeys may be faster if a ferry is used to cross a body of water, rather than going around it or looking for a bridge. Finally, you may want to enable the “Prefer HOV” option for specific trips, assuming you qualify for HOV driving in that area. Go to Google Maps on your Android or iPhone device, search for a destination and tap Instructions. Select the More menu, press Possibilitiesand activate it Prefer HOVs setting. This setting can further help you reduce the time it takes to complete certain parts of your trip.

It’s also important to understand how Google calculates ETAs for Google Maps. When you start a new navigation experience, the “Leave now” option will be selected and Google will estimate the travel time based on the time and day of the week. Once you’ve customized the app settings as described above, you’ll want to see what ETAs you receive for different departure times. If you only want to reduce the time you spend behind the wheel, you may choose to plan your trip for a time when the highways are less busy.

Google Maps’ routing algorithms take into account historical traffic patterns, current traffic, road quality, speed limits and restrictions, and live information. Accidents, temporary road closures and other incidents can have a significant impact on ETAs. While Google Maps navigation works offline in areas without good cell coverage once you download maps, a continued internet connection will help the app get real-time traffic updates so it can redirect you to a faster option once incidents are detected. You need to enable mobile data and disable Airplane mode on your handset.

Also check that the app can access the precise location of the phone. On Android, go to Settings > Location > App location permissions and search for Google Maps. Activate the Use a specific location setting and make sure the app can access your location while in use. Users can also enable the Improve location accuracy choice in Settings > Location > Location Services. On iPhone, go to Settings application, tap Privacy and securitymake sure that Location Services is enabled, then go to Google Maps to enable the Precise location setting.

The blue dot on Google Maps represents your location. If you see a circle, the app may not be able to accurately locate you. The larger the circle, the less certain Google Maps is of your location. Turning on cellular data and Wi-Fi and ensuring Google Maps has access to your location may resolve issues. You can also try calibrating your phone by holding the device in your hand and moving it in a figure 8 pattern until the blue dot displays a narrow beam pointing in your direction of movement. Areas with poor GPS coverage will impact your experience.