View Google Maps directions on your lock screen

When you’re using Google Maps to reach an unfamiliar location, you may need to frequently unlock your phone to check the app’s directions. Not only does this slow you down, but it also reduces your device’s battery life and puts it at greater risk of being stolen.

To make navigation easier, Google Maps has introduced a feature called ‘glanceable directions’, which lets you track your progress to your destination from the route overview screen – without having to press the Start button for directions. As you move, your position and estimated time of arrival will be updated on the map, to account for your travel speed and any diversions you take. Best of all, some of this navigation data will appear on your lock screen so you don’t need to waste time unlocking your phone and opening the Google Maps app to see where you should head next.

The new option is currently disabled by default, but you can activate it by tapping your profile picture in the Google Maps app and choosing Settings then ‘Navigation settings’. Swipe down to ‘Glanceable directions while navigating’ and switch the option on

(see screenshot right). You’ll now be able to view Maps directions on the lock screen of your Android phone or iphone, without unlocking the device.