View the map

If you need to get your bearings, check where you are on a map. You can also explore different cities and countries.

Select > Maps.

Current location icon shows where you are. When searching for your location, My location icon blinks. If Maps can't find you, Last known location icon shows your last known location.

If accurate positioning is not possible, a red halo around the location icon shows the general area you might be in. In densely populated areas, the accuracy of the estimate is better, and the red halo is not as wide.

Browse the map

Drag the map with your finger. By default, the map is oriented north. If you want the map to rotate so that it shows the direction you're facing, select Compass icon .

See your current or last known location

Select .

Zoom in or out

Select + or -.

Tip:

You can also place two fingers on the map, and slide your fingers apart to zoom in or together to zoom out. Not all phones support this feature.

Tip:

Want to see your holiday photos on the map? Set your camera to save location info to your photos, and you can see your photos in Maps at the place they were taken. To switch the feature off, select Settings icon , and clear the Your photos check box.

If you browse to an area not covered by the street maps that are stored on your phone, and you are connected to the internet, new street maps are automatically downloaded.

Prevent downloading new street maps automatically

Select > Settings > General.
Select Connection > Offline.

Map coverage varies by country and region.