Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
7
votes
5
answers
41438
views
How can I open a Google Maps URL in Apple Maps?
Is there a way for me to convert a Google Maps URL to an Apple Maps-friendly format so it opens in the correct place? I might be in the minority, but where I am, Apple Maps offers vastly superior driving directions.
Is there a way for me to convert a Google Maps URL to an Apple Maps-friendly format so it opens in the correct place?
I might be in the minority, but where I am, Apple Maps offers vastly superior driving directions.
Redandwhite
(3147 rep)
Mar 26, 2015, 09:17 PM
• Last activity: Jun 6, 2025, 11:04 PM
3
votes
1
answers
639
views
How do I choose which Subway line maps uses?
If I use Apple Maps for transit directions, oftentimes one of the steps will say something like this: > [![enter image description here][1]][1] If you then tap on the row that says to take the A, C or E trains, you'll be taken to a screen like this: > [![enter image description here][2]][2] Notice h...
If I use Apple Maps for transit directions, oftentimes one of the steps will say something like this:
> 
If you then tap on the row that says to take the A, C or E trains, you'll be taken to a screen like this:
> 
Notice how the previous screen mentioned I could take A, C, or E trains, but this screen only shows me information about a random train it chose, the E train.
How do I change which train it's displaying information for?
For example, I'd like the same level of info about "Upcoming departures" for the A or C trains. However, no matter which element I tap on, or what swipe gestures I try, I can't seem to find a way to get information about one of the other trains.
Is there any way to do this in Apple Maps, or are we stuck with whatever Apple randomly chooses when there are multiple trains that can take you somewhere?
---
**Update**: To be clear, my question should not be confused with the initial screen showing you which route to take. I do see an option to choose many different routes:
> 
My question is about once I hit "go" next to the first route in this list, which has options to take 3 different trains, how do I see information about the other 2 trains?
If you then tap on the row that says to take the A, C or E trains, you'll be taken to a screen like this:
>
Notice how the previous screen mentioned I could take A, C, or E trains, but this screen only shows me information about a random train it chose, the E train.
How do I change which train it's displaying information for?
For example, I'd like the same level of info about "Upcoming departures" for the A or C trains. However, no matter which element I tap on, or what swipe gestures I try, I can't seem to find a way to get information about one of the other trains.
Is there any way to do this in Apple Maps, or are we stuck with whatever Apple randomly chooses when there are multiple trains that can take you somewhere?
---
**Update**: To be clear, my question should not be confused with the initial screen showing you which route to take. I do see an option to choose many different routes:
>
My question is about once I hit "go" next to the first route in this list, which has options to take 3 different trains, how do I see information about the other 2 trains?
Senseful
(24445 rep)
Aug 18, 2021, 12:24 PM
• Last activity: Jun 1, 2025, 09:02 AM
4
votes
1
answers
8075
views
Transferring favorites from Apple Maps to Google Maps
Is there a way to transfer favorites (bookmarks) from Apple Maps to Google Maps? I understand why I can't, but has anyone found a workaround?
Is there a way to transfer favorites (bookmarks) from Apple Maps to Google Maps? I understand why I can't, but has anyone found a workaround?
Marc Robinson
(41 rep)
Jan 17, 2012, 05:53 PM
• Last activity: May 13, 2025, 10:07 PM
0
votes
0
answers
28
views
How to plot a pair of nearby stores in Apple Maps
I am visiting Dunwoody, GA 30360: I would like to plot nearby T-Mobile and UPS stores for tomorrow’s errands on Apple Maps. What is the command syntax: 1) via Siri 2) input via command line (typing) Inputting T-mobile UPS only returns t-Mobile stores
I am visiting Dunwoody, GA 30360: I would like to plot nearby T-Mobile and UPS stores for tomorrow’s errands on Apple Maps. What is the command syntax:
1) via Siri
2) input via command line (typing)
Inputting T-mobile UPS only returns t-Mobile stores
gatorback
(3403 rep)
May 11, 2025, 12:07 AM
2
votes
0
answers
27
views
Travel time intelligently calculated based on walking/driving
Currently, I get a notification before each event in my calendar with a location, telling me when it is time to leave for that event. I can configure this "time to leave" notification based on an assumption that I drive to all events, or an assumption that I walk to all events. I would prefer for th...
Currently, I get a notification before each event in my calendar with a location, telling me when it is time to leave for that event. I can configure this "time to leave" notification based on an assumption that I drive to all events, or an assumption that I walk to all events.
I would prefer for the "time to leave" be calculated with a more sophisticated rules: if the walking distance is less than 20 minutes, assume I will walk, otherwise assume I will drive. Is there a way to configure Calendar, Maps, or notifications to provide this functionality?
D.W.
(4097 rep)
May 4, 2025, 08:27 AM
16
votes
5
answers
169672
views
Open addresses in google maps instead of apple maps
Street addresses in Messages, Calendar, etc appear as links to click. But when I tap on these links, they open in Apple maps. I prefer to use google maps (or citymapper, where available). How can I configure my iPhone so that it's opening addresses in the maps application of my preference?
Street addresses in Messages, Calendar, etc appear as links to click. But when I tap on these links, they open in Apple maps. I prefer to use google maps (or citymapper, where available).
How can I configure my iPhone so that it's opening addresses in the maps application of my preference?
wim
(1452 rep)
Feb 25, 2016, 08:21 PM
• Last activity: Apr 24, 2025, 09:07 AM
4
votes
3
answers
2625
views
Alternatives to Google Earth that can consume KMZ
I'm trying to eliminate Google software from my OS X experience. I would like to eliminate Google Earth. Are there OS X tools that can consume or work with KMZ files? Are there good online tools that can work with these files? I'm keen to visualise points of interest on maps, but while OS X Maps pro...
I'm trying to eliminate Google software from my OS X experience.
I would like to eliminate Google Earth. Are there OS X tools that can consume or work with KMZ files? Are there good online tools that can work with these files? I'm keen to visualise points of interest on maps, but while OS X Maps provides a great user experience, it does not seem to import or show externally provided data.
davemee
(43 rep)
Jun 23, 2015, 06:44 PM
• Last activity: Jan 31, 2025, 12:37 PM
4
votes
2
answers
10237
views
How do I use Apple Maps' "Look Around" feature on Linux or Windows?
Apple recently released wonderful street view style look around photos. Is there a way to show these on non-Mac-hardware? Like in a Browser? * Opening https://maps.apple.com does not work on non-Macs. * I thought I could use an iPad on Browserstack.com App live - but I cannot start the Maps app ther...
Apple recently released wonderful street view style look around photos.
Is there a way to show these on non-Mac-hardware? Like in a Browser?
* Opening https://maps.apple.com does not work on non-Macs.
* I thought I could use an iPad on Browserstack.com App live - but I cannot start the Maps app there.
* https://duckduckgo.com/ uses Apple maps, when you search for a location and switch to maps, but there the Look Around feature is missing
Alex
(145 rep)
Jan 4, 2023, 06:09 PM
• Last activity: Dec 11, 2024, 07:48 PM
0
votes
1
answers
248
views
Identifying toll roads on Apple Maps
Using Apple Maps on my Mac, I’m trying to plan a driving trip interstate. I’ve entered all the stops. The only thing is that there will be a few toll roads on the way. No problem, but I would like to know where these toll roads will be so that I can organise toll payment options. I can’t find anythi...
Using Apple Maps on my Mac, I’m trying to plan a driving trip interstate. I’ve entered all the stops.
The only thing is that there will be a few toll roads on the way. No problem, but I would like to know where these toll roads will be so that I can organise toll payment options.
I can’t find anything on either the map or directions which specify where the toll roads are. It just mentions that there are tolls somewhere.
Is there a way of identifying the actual toll roads?
Manngo
(3713 rep)
Nov 5, 2024, 12:07 AM
• Last activity: Dec 5, 2024, 01:03 AM
9
votes
1
answers
1907
views
Adjust “home” address in Apple Maps without affecting Autofill, etc
When I ask Siri to “direct me home,” I really mean that I want her to take me to my parking spot, which is about a block away from what Maps considers to be the location of my building. Due to one-way streets this can actually make a significant difference to the resulting navigation directions. I c...
When I ask Siri to “direct me home,” I really mean that I want her to take me to my parking spot, which is about a block away from what Maps considers to be the location of my building. Due to one-way streets this can actually make a significant difference to the resulting navigation directions.
I considered updating my contact card “home” address to the address of my lot, so I am able to continue to ask Siri to “direct me home,” use the “Home” button on CarPlay, etc. But I still want any non-maps-related services (such as Safari AutoFill) to know my real residential address.
Is there a way iOS can distinguish these two concepts?
thecommexokid
(213 rep)
May 16, 2021, 11:16 PM
• Last activity: Nov 16, 2024, 03:16 PM
1
votes
2
answers
335
views
How to map one album in Photos?
In Photos, I can press the 'Places' button and see a map with all my photos. How do I get the map to show the photos of only one album?
In Photos, I can press the 'Places' button and see a map with all my photos.
How do I get the map to show the photos of only one album?
MastaBaba
(217 rep)
Oct 19, 2020, 11:46 PM
• Last activity: Nov 3, 2024, 09:56 AM
2
votes
1
answers
176
views
How to access maps.apple.com on MacOS
Before sending https://maps.apple.com/lat,long to someone who may not have a Mac, I tried to view it myself. But Safari, DuckDuckGo, and Firefox all asked me if I wnted to open Maps.app When I declined, it refreshed the previous page. Is there a way around this short of traveling to a place that has...
Before sending https://maps.apple.com/lat,long to someone who may not have a Mac, I tried to view it myself.
But Safari, DuckDuckGo, and Firefox all asked me if I wnted to open Maps.app
When I declined, it refreshed the previous page.
Is there a way around this short of traveling to a place that has Windows?
WGroleau
(5370 rep)
Oct 14, 2024, 07:33 AM
• Last activity: Oct 15, 2024, 05:48 AM
0
votes
0
answers
19
views
How can I automatically change measurement system based on country?
I’d like Maps to change measurement systems automatically when I drive across the border. Specifically, I’d like it to use miles in the US and km in Canada. The best way would be an option in Settings to use the measurement systems based on location. But since Apple hasn’t chosen to (re-)implement t...
I’d like Maps to change measurement systems automatically when I drive across the border. Specifically, I’d like it to use miles in the US and km in Canada. The best way would be an option in Settings to use the measurement systems based on location. But since Apple hasn’t chosen to (re-)implement that (I *think* it was possible in the very early days of Maps but hasn’t been possible for a very long time if ever) is there a way to do that, perhaps using location-based automation?
I’ve tried in Shortcuts, but I can’t see a way to either get it to trigger based on being in a country or to change the Measurement System (**Settings > General > Language & Region > Measurement System**).
Alex Hill
(1 rep)
Sep 30, 2024, 02:23 PM
• Last activity: Sep 30, 2024, 02:39 PM
5
votes
7
answers
10381
views
Add GPS Coordinates to iPhone Contact
I like to hike (with dogs). Please how can I add GPS coordinates to an iPhone contact address field or otherwise like "the lodge near Au Sable Falls, NY" at 44.181430, -73.965213. There is no road within 2 miles. I can add it into the Notes field but minor pain to copy/paste each time I need the inf...
I like to hike (with dogs). Please how can I add GPS coordinates to an iPhone contact address field or otherwise like "the lodge near Au Sable Falls, NY" at 44.181430, -73.965213. There is no road within 2 miles.
I can add it into the Notes field but minor pain to copy/paste each time I need the information.
wschloss
(51 rep)
Jul 2, 2015, 12:43 AM
• Last activity: Sep 10, 2024, 06:51 PM
1
votes
0
answers
28
views
Why does the necessary key combination to zoom in/out change while using Apple Maps?
When using Maps on my iMac, I'm able to zoom in/out using only +/- when I first open the app. However, after requesting directions to a location, I need to use CMD-(+/-) to zoom in/out, even after I close out the directions. Why do the controls change, and what can I do to change this behavior?
When using Maps on my iMac, I'm able to zoom in/out using only +/- when I first open the app. However, after requesting directions to a location, I need to use CMD-(+/-) to zoom in/out, even after I close out the directions.
Why do the controls change, and what can I do to change this behavior?
LinusHasaWalkingDesk
(41 rep)
Sep 1, 2024, 07:06 PM
• Last activity: Sep 1, 2024, 07:16 PM
3
votes
1
answers
1145
views
How to publish Guides for Apple Maps
I’m noodling around Apple Maps in iOS and came across this section about exploring guides. Nothing there really interested me but I could imagine such a guide from a particular publisher of interest would. How are publishers chosen to be featured in Apple Maps? I presume it’s like search engines onl...
I’m noodling around Apple Maps in iOS and came across this section about exploring guides. Nothing there really interested me but I could imagine such a guide from a particular publisher of interest would.
How are publishers chosen to be featured in Apple Maps? I presume it’s like search engines only a blessed finite few are selected to play this role. Is that the case with featured guides as well?
Is there a way to share guides offline to a file or an iCloud link or something of the like?
jxramos
(1015 rep)
Oct 10, 2022, 04:24 AM
• Last activity: Aug 20, 2024, 01:06 AM
1
votes
1
answers
2646
views
Does Google Maps iOS have voice navigation
I have been using Google Maps iOS (Australia) and i have never received voice navigation. Is this supported? And if so is it supported in Australia? And if so once again, where should I check to get this working. I am using an iPhone 6Plus.
I have been using Google Maps iOS (Australia) and i have never received voice navigation. Is this supported? And if so is it supported in Australia? And if so once again, where should I check to get this working. I am using an iPhone 6Plus.
pnizzle
(249 rep)
May 24, 2016, 01:57 AM
• Last activity: Jun 8, 2024, 07:42 PM
4
votes
0
answers
1433
views
Where does Apple store Maps Guides data? Is there a way to back it up?
Does anyone know if there is a way to create a backup of one's Guides? Or, at the very least, where the Guides file/files are stored? I've now had an update to iOS 15 and a test installation of macOS Monterey (12.1, no less) bork my list of Guides in Apple Maps. I was lucky enough that, both times,...
Does anyone know if there is a way to create a backup of one's Guides? Or, at the very least, where the Guides file/files are stored?
I've now had an update to iOS 15 and a test installation of macOS Monterey (12.1, no less) bork my list of Guides in Apple Maps. I was lucky enough that, both times, I was able to reconstruct them from a device that was offline but still had the guides cached.
I would like to upgrade to Monterey at some point, but I don't want to go through the pain of recreating my Guides again, one item at a time. I have several Guides, many of which have 50+ entries, so it would be a considerable pain to do this.
It occurred to me that Apple must be storing the data somewhere in iCloud in order to sync the Guides, but I can't find it. I've looked through
~/Library/Mobile Documents/
user67197
(41 rep)
Jan 26, 2022, 11:54 PM
• Last activity: May 9, 2024, 09:17 PM
2
votes
1
answers
841
views
Maps: avoiding unpaved roads?
Is there a way to get Maps (iPhone 17.2) to avoid unpaved roads? I don’t see anything relevant in Settings. I recently visited my parents, and my phone kept insisting on taking me down various dirt roads (in the rain!) when there was a completely paved option that added less than a mile to my -300 m...
Is there a way to get Maps (iPhone 17.2) to avoid unpaved roads? I don’t see anything relevant in Settings.
I recently visited my parents, and my phone kept insisting on taking me down various dirt roads (in the rain!) when there was a completely paved option that added less than a mile to my -300 mile trip.
StephenS
(123 rep)
Dec 29, 2023, 04:40 PM
• Last activity: Dec 30, 2023, 03:56 PM
1
votes
2
answers
12621
views
How can I get Apple Maps and Google Maps to *always* show speed limits?
I'm on iOS 15.2.1, and I've enabled the display of speed limits in both Apple Maps and Google Maps. Both apps show the speed limit if I'm using them to navigate somewhere, but if I'm just using them to show me where I am while I'm driving around, neither shows me the speed limit. How can I get them...
I'm on iOS 15.2.1, and I've enabled the display of speed limits in both Apple Maps and Google Maps. Both apps show the speed limit if I'm using them to navigate somewhere, but if I'm just using them to show me where I am while I'm driving around, neither shows me the speed limit. How can I get them to show me the current speed limit, regardless of whether I'm using them to navigate to a destination?
KnowItAllWannabe
(475 rep)
Jan 30, 2022, 03:58 AM
• Last activity: Dec 12, 2023, 01:42 PM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions