Google Maps has long been the preferred navigation app for many, but recent changes have stirred some discontent among users. A notable change occurred in April when the Assistant Driving Mode feature was removed, along with its support for music apps.
This was replaced with a floating action button accessible through the “Show media playback controls” toggle found in the app’s settings. However, recent reports indicate that Google may be reconsidering this change.
According to 9to5Google, the toggle for media playback controls has been eliminated from the navigation settings in the Android version of Google Maps. I confirmed its removal on my Pixel 6a, which is running version 25.29 beta of the app.
The absence of this toggle is also present in the stable version (25.28) of Maps for Android. Additionally, the option to set a default media app—choosing between YouTube Music and Spotify—has also vanished from the navigation settings.
It’s uncertain whether this removal was intentional or if it stems from a temporary bug. Interestingly, the toggle for media playback controls still exists in the iOS version of Google Maps, which complicates the situation.
Without adequate media playback options in Android, users are left with only standard app controls for music during navigation. Currently, Android users may need to resort to using another device, such as an iPhone, to regain access to those media controls, though it’s worth noting that iOS does not support YouTube Music.
As this situation unfolds, many users are eager for clarification from Google, especially since the removal could lead to dissatisfaction among regular users. With Google transitioning from Assistant to Gemini on Android, the future of Driving Mode remains uncertain.
Leave a Reply