Google Maps: Hidden Features & How to Use Them

Google Maps now offers a feature allowing users to save their parking location, a function increasingly utilized in cities where parking is limited. The capability, accessible through the Android version of the app, enables drivers to pinpoint where they left their vehicle and navigate back to it later.

To save a parking location, users open the Google Maps app on their Android smartphone or tablet, tap the blue dot representing their current location, and select “Save parking.” The app then stores the parking spot until the user manually removes it. Users can also modify the saved location if needed, accessing the “Parked” option within the app’s search bar and selecting “Change parking location.” Deleting the saved location is also possible through the same menu.

Beyond simply saving the location, Google Maps allows users to add notes or photos to their parking spot, useful for remembering details like floor numbers in parking garages or remaining parking time. This feature is accessed by tapping “More info” after selecting “Parked” in the search bar. The app also offers a sharing function, allowing users to share their parking location with others.

The parking location can be easily retrieved by searching “Parked” in the Google Maps app and selecting “Route” to initiate navigation back to the vehicle. Users can also opt to receive notifications regarding their parking location and duration.

While the ability to search for parking near a destination is currently limited to select cities in the United States, the “save parking” feature is more widely available. Google Maps also provides an indication of parking availability at a destination, displaying whether parking is likely to be straightforward or difficult, utilizing previously collected data and displaying the information with a red “P”. This feature is currently available in Darmstadt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Munich, and Stuttgart, with potential expansion to other cities planned.

The functionality builds on Google Maps’ existing navigation tools, offering a more comprehensive solution for drivers. The app continues to evolve, adding features designed to simplify the driving experience, from real-time traffic updates to estimated time of arrival predictions.