If you use the mobile as GPSYou may have noticed that we are becoming increasingly dependent on Google Maps for getting around by carWhat many people don't know is that, in addition to guiding us on the route, the app can show us our speed and the speed limit, which is very useful for avoiding speeding and fines.
For years it was necessary to resort to third-party applications to see the speed on screen, but that's history. Now we have a speedometer integrated into Google Maps It works on both mobile devices and Android Auto. The problem is that the option is somewhat hidden and in some cases is disabled by default, so it's helpful to know where to tap to configure everything correctly.
What is the Google Maps speedometer and what is it used for?
The Google Maps speedometer is a small circular indicator that appears on the screen when you start car navigation and shows the speed at which your vehicle is movingThis is supporting information, designed to show you both the route and the speed in kilometers per hour without having to keep looking from the car's instrument panel to your mobile phone or the dashboard screen.
Alongside this circle, in many countries it is also shown the speed limit of the road which you're driving on. This way, you not only know your speed, but also the maximum speed limit for that section. If you exceed that limit, Google Maps changes the speedometer color (it turns red) and, if you configure it, can also provide an audible warning.
It is important to be clear that this data is purely informativeGoogle makes it very clear: the primary reference point should always be the vehicle's speedometer and traffic signs. Maps is intended as an additional tool, not a replacement for the car's dashboard.
In addition, the speed limit function and some warnings depend on the Availability by country or regionOn many Spanish roads it works without problems, but there may be sections where the maximum speed limit does not appear or where not all the warnings you would expect are shown.
Another important detail: the Maps speedometer only activates when you start a route in driving mode, that is, when you choose a destination and press on StartIf you are only viewing the map without navigating, you will not see the speed indicator on the screen.
How to activate the speedometer in Google Maps step by step
The option to display speed isn't usually immediately obvious. Google has added sections and submenus over the years, and finding the specific setting can be a bit confusing if you don't know where to look. Even so, the process is simple once you know how. the exact path within the settings.
To activate the speedometer in Google Maps from your Android mobile, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Maps application on your smartphone.
- Click on your profile photo or initial in the upper right corner.
- In the menu that appears, enter the option «Settings».
- Within Settings, scroll down until you find "Navigation" and play it.
- Go down to the block called "Driving options".
- Flip the switch "Speedometer".
Once you've done this, when you start a driving route you'll see a circle at the bottom of the screen indicating the current speed at which you are travelingIf speed limits are also available in your area, the maximum permitted speed will appear next to or integrated into the same indicator.
Keep in mind that Google rolls out these new features gradually and sometimes by region. This means that a friend might already have the speedometer option, but you don't. In that case, the best course of action is... Check that you have the latest version installed Download Google Maps from Google Play and even sign up for the app's beta tester program if you want to receive new features early.
If you don't see the speedometer section when you go into the Navigation settings, or if it appears but the speed limits are not available, it's most likely that Google has not yet fully activated the feature in your account or regionThere's no magic trick to speed it up: you'll have to be patient until it reaches all users.
Activate the speedometer and speed limits in Google Maps for Android Auto
One of the great advantages of this feature is that it's not limited to just your mobile device. If you use Android Auto in the car, the The Google Maps speedometer can also be displayed on the dashboard screen.And the best part is that there's no need to configure anything additional in the car's system: everything is managed from the Maps app on your phone.
To make the speedometer appear in Android Auto, the first thing to do is make sure that You have activated it in Google Maps by following the steps aboveAndroid Auto simply mirrors the settings of your phone's navigation app, so if you don't see it in the car, the problem is almost certainly in your phone's settings.
Once the speedometer (and, if available, speed limits) is activated on your phone, simply connect your device to the car, open Android Auto, and choose Google Maps as your navigation appWhen starting a driving route, you should see a circle in the lower left corner of the car screen showing your current speed and, in many cases, the speed limit.
If you find that the speedometer appears on your phone, but in Android Auto you only see the road's maximum speed limit, it could be because Google has not yet fully activated the vehicle speed display in your specific Android Auto configuration, or temporary compatibility limitations between Maps versions, the mobile system (for example, Android 15) and the installed Android Auto version.
In relatively modern cars, such as a 2020 Qashqai or similar, it's normal that, once the feature is available in your account, The speedometer is displayed both on the mobile device and on the integrated screen.If that's not the case for you, check that you have the latest version of Android Auto, restart your phone and infotainment system, and try again. When Google enables a new feature, it sometimes takes a while to work with all phone and car combinations.
How speeding warnings and color changes work
In addition to showing you the speed in kilometers per hour, Google Maps includes a very practical feature for those who want to drive more calmly: alerts for exceeding the speed limitThese alerts are based on a combination of the app's internal speedometer and the road's speed limit database.
When you drive on a road with a speed limit recognized by Google Maps, you'll see that the speed indicator is usually displayed in a neutral (dark) colorIf you accelerate above the maximum allowed, the circle changes to a more striking color, usually red, visually warning you that you have crossed the line.
In some regions you can also activate an audible alertSo, when you exceed the limit, in addition to the color or indicator change, you'll hear an alert to get your attention. It's a useful tool if you tend to get distracted by looking at traffic or signs and want an extra reminder that you're going too fast.
However, these notifications depend on Google having the limits of the section are clearly identified which you are driving on. On most main roads in Spain, the information is fairly reliable, but it is not infallible, especially with recent changes in signage, roadworks, or less frequently used roads.
Therefore, although the speedometer and alerts are a great tool for avoiding distractions and fines, It's always advisable to compare with the actual signage. of the road. Think of Google Maps as a very smart digital co-pilot, but one that can also make mistakes if the information it starts from isn't updated every second.
Tips if you don't see the speed limits option
Sometimes, when you go to Settings > Navigation > Driving Options, you'll see the option to "Speedometer" but not the one from "Speed ​​limits"This depends a lot on the country and the stage of rollout Google is at for that feature.
If you don't see the speed limit setting, some users have managed to activate it using a trick: simulate the mobile phone's location in the United States or another country where the feature is fully available. This is done using development tools and mock location apps, which not everyone wants to or knows how to use.
The idea behind the trick is simple: you pretend you're physically in a US city, open Google Maps, go into Navigation settings, and suddenly, The "Speed ​​Limits" switch appearsActivate it, close the settings, and re-enter your real location. In many cases, the setting remains saved even after you stop simulating your location.
Even so, it's worth remembering that everything related to simulating location and changing "hidden" settings isn't intended for the average user and, in some configurations, can not work or give inconsistent resultsGoogle may modify this behavior at any time, and even delete the retained settings.
If you prefer not to complicate things, the most sensible thing to do is make sure you have the app up to date, use Google Maps normally, and wait for the official rollout of the feature to arrive in your regionSince this is a useful and highly requested security setting, it's likely that it will gradually appear in more areas and accounts without you having to do anything unusual.
Advantages of using the Google Maps speedometer while driving
Beyond its technological novelty, the Google Maps speedometer offers several clear advantages while driving, especially for those who use their mobile phone or Android Auto as their primary navigation system and want to... Focus fully on the road.
First, it allows you to have The speed limit is always visible next to the route.You don't have to constantly switch your gaze between the map and the car's instrument panel. In practice, this reduces micro-distractions, which are a common source of minor scares while driving.
Secondly, the visual (and in some cases audible) alert system that warns you when you exceed the lane limit helps you to avoid the typical fines for carelessnessWe've all been there: you're driving along a motorway at 120 km/h, you enter a 100 or 90 km/h zone, you don't see the sign clearly, and you keep going. If the Maps speedometer turns red, it makes it much easier to correct your speed in time.
Another advantage is that if your car's speedometer isn't very accurate, has calibration problems, or is simply broken, having Google Maps' GPS-based measurement can serve as a backup. second reference point when estimating your actual speedIt doesn't replace a repair at the workshop, but it can clear up any doubts when you notice obvious inconsistencies.
Finally, when you use Android Auto And everything is displayed on the large dashboard screen; having the route, speed, and speed limit all in one place on the interface translates into a more comfortable driving with less distractionsEverything is where your eyes are already looking to follow the route, which reduces the temptation to constantly check other indicators.
Differences between the speed shown on Google Maps and the speed of the car
It's quite common that, when comparing figures, you see that the car's speedometer reads, for example, 120 km/h, while Google Maps indicates 114 or 116 km/hThat small difference has a technical explanation and does not necessarily mean that one of the two is wrong.
The car's speedometer measures speed based on the wheel rotationTo calculate speed in kilometers per hour, the system assumes a specific tire size and a certain condition of the vehicle. The problem is that many factors influence the speed: tire wear, tire pressure, type of tire installed, etc. All of this means the calculation isn't perfect.
To be on the safe side and comply with regulations, most manufacturers calibrate the speedometer so that Never set a speed lower than the actual speed.In other words, if you go over the speedometer reading, it's usually because it's too high (the reading is higher than your actual speed), but not the other way around. So, if you see 120 on the speedometer, it's quite likely you're actually going a few kilometers per hour lower.
On the other hand, Google Maps calculates speed based on the device GPS dataBasically, it measures the distance traveled in specific time intervals and calculates the speed in km/h. Under normal GPS coverage conditions, this measurement tends to be more accurate and closer to the actual speed, especially on straight, flat stretches.
That doesn't mean GPS is infallible: in tunnels, areas with poor coverage, very narrow streets, or streets surrounded by tall buildings, positioning can experience slight jumps or losses in accuracy. Even so, in real-world use, the speed shown by Maps is usually quite close to your actual speed, which is why many people notice that Google's reading is more like a radar device measurement. than that of the car itself.
The general recommendation is to use both sets of information wisely: take the car's information as the main legal reference, use Google Maps for verify and refine If you suspect the chart is a bit exaggerated, and when in doubt, try to go slightly below the limit rather than right at the maximum allowed.
Limitations, warnings, and best practices for use
While the speedometer and speed limits in Google Maps are very useful features, it's also important to know their official limitations and warnings so as not to be misled or make improper use of them.
The first thing Google makes clear is that the speed data shown in the app has informative characterThis means you shouldn't base critical decisions solely on that reading, especially if you find it doesn't match the road signs or the car's speedometer.
There are also external factors that can make the speed shown on Maps slightly different from the actual speed: momentary GPS failures, coverage problems, interference or simply minor delays in data updates. All of this translates into small discrepancies that, while not usually significant, are worth keeping in mind.
Regarding speed limits, the app depends on... the road database is up to dateIf there are roadworks, regulatory changes on a specific section, new signs or recent modifications, it may take some time for these to be reflected and Maps may continue to show the old boundary for a while.
The best practice is to use the speedometer and limits as a very useful support for responsible drivingBut always keep your attention on the physical road signs. And, of course, avoid touching the screen while driving: if you need to adjust something, it's best to do so before setting off or when you're safely stopped.
Having a speedometer and speed limit alerts in Google Maps, both on your phone and in Android Auto, makes GPS a much more complete tool for everyday use. By properly configuring these functions, keeping the app updated, and always aligning what you see on the screen with the signs and the car's instrument panel, you can achieve a Safer, more comfortable driving with fewer surprises in the form of fines, making the most of everything that the most used map application on our mobile phones has to offer.
