Google announced the “glanceable directions” feature way back in February 2023, promising to streamline your navigation experience. After months of waiting (and nearly a year since its initial announcement), it appears the feature is finally rolling out widely.
What Are Glanceable Directions?
This handy feature brings essential trip information straight to your lock screen. This includes your real-time ETA, turn-by-turn directions, and even a route overview – all without having to unlock your phone. If you switch routes or take a detour, glanceable directions automatically update, ensuring you stay on track.
Why It Matters
Glanceable directions are perfect for walking, biking, or driving. They minimize the need to fiddle with your phone while on the go, making navigation simpler and safer. You can easily check your progress, even if you’re just broadly familiar with the area and don’t need full step-by-step guidance.
How to Enable Glanceable Directions
While the rollout seems widespread, the feature is sadly disabled by default. Here’s how to activate it:
- Open Google Maps.
- Tap your profile icon (top right corner).
- Go to Settings -> Navigation settings.
- Scroll down past the “Map Display” section.
- Toggle on “Glanceable directions”.
