Android Auto breaks Google Maps on your smartwatch, and Google has known for years
Android Auto breaks Google Maps on your smartwatch, and Google has known for years
https://autos.yahoo.com/general/articles/android-auto-breaks-google-maps-120018261.html
Publish Date: 2026-05-23 08:00:00
Source Domain: autos.yahoo.com
Google Maps on Wear OS can automatically launch and give helpful nudges when you start navigating from your phone. This is particularly useful when walking or biking, but it could be just as valuable while driving. Unfortunately, it gets all messed up when Android Auto is involved, and Google has known about it for years
If you have a Pixel Watch or Galaxy Watch on your wrist, there’s a pretty good chance you also use Android Auto in your car. Since Android Auto is just an extension of your phone, you’d assume that a Wear OS watch would continue working just the same while you’re driving. The functionality seems to be there, but it’s frustratingly broken. Allow me to explain.
Google Maps with Android and Wear OS
When everything works as it should
Okay, let’s start by establishing a baseline. In order to get Google Maps on your Android phone and Wear OS watch to work together, there are a couple of things to check. Open the Maps app on your watch and scroll down to “Settings.” Hop into “Auto-launch on watch” and make sure “Driving” is toggled on. Also, make sure to enable “Show on phone.”
Screenshot_20260520_164955_One UI Watch Home
Now, when you start navigating in Google Maps on your phone, it will automatically open on your watch as well. You may not need to see the instructions on a second screen, but your watch will vibrate when directions are approaching. It’s a nice little feature to ensure you don’t miss a turn, and the same thing happens if you start directions from your watch.
Google Maps with Android Auto and Wear OS
An invisible wall between your devices
Here’s where things get frustrating. Naturally, you would expect the same functionality explained above if your phone is connected to Android Auto. Google Maps is still running on your phone, and your watch is still connected to your phone as well. Haptic feedback while driving would be useful, right?
Advertisement
Advertisement
Android Auto is like an invisible wall between Google…
