10 Hidden Google Maps Features in 2026 Google Never Told You About

Most people think Google Maps is just for directions.
Reality check: Google Maps in 2026 is basically a life assistant.

From planning trips and navigating massive buildings to finding EV chargers, saving parking spots, and even collaborating on travel plans—there are so many powerful features hiding inside the app that most users never touch.

So today, let’s break down 10 hidden Google Maps features you should absolutely start using in 2026 👇

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1. Know Before You Go (Seriously Underrated)

This feature gives you a smart preview of a place before you even reach there.

Just search for any destination in Google Maps and scroll up—you’ll see a section called “Know Before You Go.”

What makes it clutch:

• Discounted ticket info
• Special events happening that day
• Entry tips you won’t find elsewhere

Example:

• Zoo search? It may show interactive exhibits or cheaper tickets
• Airport directions? It might suggest reserving a spot saver or downloading an indoor navigation app

No surprises. No stress. Just better planning.

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2. Indoor AR Navigation (Feels Like Sci-Fi)

Ever got lost inside an airport or mall and felt stupid? Same.

Google Maps AR indoor navigation literally overlays arrows on your screen to guide you through:

• Airports
• Malls
• Stadiums
• Convention centers

How it works:

1. Open Google Maps
2. Enter your indoor location
3. Tap Live View / AR
4. Hold your phone up

Boom—floating arrows guide you like a video game 🎮

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3. Find EV Charging Stations With Real-Time Availability

EV owners, this one’s a game-changer ⚡

Google Maps shows:

• Nearby charging stations
• Charger type (72kW, 150kW, 250kW)
• Pricing
• Live availability (free vs occupied ports)

Just search “charging stations near me.”

Bonus:
Inside Know Before You Go, you’ll also see:

• Best time for lower rates
• Warnings about slow chargers
• Location context (parking lot, mall, restrooms nearby)

Perfect for road trips and daily commutes.

What is the most underrated feature in Google Maps
byu/Effective_Milk_2790 inGoogleMaps

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4. Google Lens Inside Google Maps

This turns your camera into a real-world info scanner.

Tap the Lens icon and point your phone around:

• See restaurant names floating in real life
• Check ratings, reviews, menus instantly
• Discover ATMs, cafes, transit stations nearby

Even cooler:

• Point north, south, east, west—Maps shows what’s in that direction
• Translate signs instantly while traveling abroad

No tapping. No guessing. Just instant info.

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5. Save Parking Spot (Never Lose Your Car Again)

If you forget where you parked—this is your savior.

When you park:

1. Tap the blue dot
2. Select Save Parking

Google Maps pins your exact location so you can walk back without panic-clicking your car keys 😮‍💨

Perfect for:

• Malls
• Concerts
• Stadiums
• Festivals

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6. Share Live Trip Progress

This feature is low-key powerful.

While navigating:

• Share your live location
• ETA
• Route progress
• Real-time movement

Your family or friends know exactly where you are and when you’ll arrive.

How to use:

1. Start navigation
2. Swipe up
3. Tap Share Trip Progress
4. Select contact

Late-night drives? Long trips? Sorted.

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7. Measure Distance Manually

Great for hikers, walkers, cyclists, and planners.

You can measure distance even where no road exists.

Steps:

1. Tap and hold to drop a pin
2. Swipe up → Measure Distance
3. Add points manually

Perfect for:

• Hiking trails
• Morning walks
• Cycling routes
• School routes

Super accurate, super useful.

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8. Add Custom Labels to Places

Tired of typing the same addresses again and again?

You can label places like:

• Gym
• Kids’ school
• Favorite grocery store
• Friend’s house

How:

1. Drop a pin
2. Swipe up → Add Label
3. Name it

Now it shows up instantly in search and suggestions.

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9. Plan Trips With Collaborators

Planning a group trip? This feature slaps.

Create shared lists like:

• “New York Attractions”
• “Miami Food Spots”
• “Florida Trip Plan”

Friends and family can:

• Add places
• Suggest restaurants
• Drop ideas

One shared list. Zero chaos.

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10. One Search = Everything You Need

Search any place—Disney World, Sydney Opera House, Trader Joe’s—and Google Maps shows:

• Photos & reviews
• Busy times
• Wheelchair access
• Parking info
• Menus & popular dishes
• Transit options
• Weather & events
• Closing time alerts

No app-hopping. No confusion. Just scroll and decide.

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Final Thoughts

Google Maps in 2026 is way more than navigation.

These 10 hidden Google Maps features can:

• Save time
• Reduce stress
• Make travel smoother
• Keep you organized

Whether you’re commuting daily or exploring new cities, these tools genuinely upgrade your life.

👉 Which feature are you trying first?
Drop it in the comments—and yeah, start using Maps smarter 😎

FAQs