How do I manually change a route on Google Maps Mobile?

Taking the Reins: Manually Changing Your Google Maps Route on Mobile

We all know the feeling. You’re cruising along, following Google Maps’ directions, when suddenly you realize you want to detour. Maybe there’s a hidden gem you want to explore, a friend you need to pick up, or even just a sudden craving for that amazing pie at the bakery down the street. You’re not necessarily lost, but the pre-determined route just doesn’t cut it anymore.

While Google Maps on mobile (Android, specifically) doesn’t offer the super-intuitive drag-and-drop functionality some might crave (the ability to simply grab a point on the route and move it!), you’re not completely at the mercy of the algorithm. You can still take control and manually influence your path, albeit with a slightly different approach.

The key lies in understanding how Google Maps recalculates routes: it does so based on your origin and destination. So, to change your route mid-journey, you need to subtly nudge those parameters.

Here’s how you can manually change your route on Google Maps mobile:

1. Identify the Point of Change: Determine where you want to deviate from the current route. This is important because it will influence how you adjust your origin or destination.

2. Adjust Your Destination: This is often the simplest method.

   • Add a Stop: If you want to make a quick stop and then continue on your original route, use the “Add Stop” feature. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the navigation screen, and select “Add stop.” Enter the address of your desired stop. Google Maps will automatically recalculate a route that includes this location.
   • Change the Destination: If you want to abandon your original destination entirely and head somewhere else, simply tap the search bar and enter a new destination. Google Maps will generate a completely new route.

3. Adjust Your Origin (Trickier, but Sometimes Necessary): This is useful when you need to force Google Maps to take a specific road or avoid a particular area before you reach your existing destination.

   • “Fool” the System with a Temporary Stop: Think of this as a strategic pit stop. Find a location slightly off your current route, in the direction you want to go. Add this location as a stop using the “Add stop” feature. Once Google Maps calculates a route to that temporary stop, and you’re heading in the desired direction, you can remove that stop. This will force Google Maps to recalculate based on your current location and your original destination, hopefully incorporating the road you want.
   • For Experienced Users: Coordinate Tweaking: If you’re feeling adventurous and know the area well, you could theoretically search for a nearby address (or even coordinates) that lies just slightly off your intended path. Add this as a stop, and then remove it once you’re heading in the right direction. This is more advanced and not recommended for casual users.

Important Considerations:

• Traffic Awareness: Remember that Google Maps factors in real-time traffic data. Your manual adjustments might be overridden if the system detects significant delays on your preferred route.
• Safety First: Never manipulate your phone while driving. Pull over to a safe location before making changes to your route.
• Experimentation is Key: It might take a few tries to get the route exactly how you want it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your strategies.
• Future Enhancements: Hopefully, Google will eventually implement a more intuitive drag-and-drop route editing feature directly on the mobile app. Until then, these manual adjustments are the best workaround we have.

While not perfect, these techniques allow you to regain some control over your journey and customize your Google Maps experience, even on the go. So, the next time you feel the urge to deviate, remember you have the power to take the reins, and guide your own path.