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How to Use Google Maps and GPS on Your Smartphone

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How to Use Google Maps and GPS on Your Smartphone

Why Use GPS on Your Phone?

Remember the days of printing out MapQuest directions or unfolding a giant paper map on the passenger seat? Those days are over. Your smartphone has a built-in GPS that works just like the navigation system in a car, but it is always with you and always up to date. Whether you are driving to a new doctor's office, finding the nearest pharmacy, or navigating downtown Toronto, your phone can guide you turn by turn.

What You Need

To use GPS navigation on your phone, you need:

  • A smartphone (iPhone or Android) with GPS capability — virtually all phones made in the last 8 years have this
  • The Google Maps app installed (it is free and usually comes pre-installed on Android phones; iPhone users can download it from the App Store)
  • An internet connection — either Wi-Fi or cellular data from your provider (Bell, Rogers, Telus, or others)

Good news: Google Maps works even in areas with poor cell coverage. It can use your phone's built-in GPS chip to find your location without internet, though you will need data to load the map initially.

Step 1: Install Google Maps

If you do not already have Google Maps on your phone:

  1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
  2. Tap the search bar at the top and type "Google Maps"
  3. Tap "Install" or "Get" to download the app
  4. Wait for it to finish downloading, then tap "Open"

If you use an iPhone and prefer Apple's built-in maps, you can also use the Apple Maps app — it works in a very similar way.

Step 2: Search for a Destination

Once Google Maps is open, here is how to find where you want to go:

  1. Tap the search bar at the top of the screen
  2. Type the name or address of your destination — for example, "Shoppers Drug Mart near me" or "300 University Ave Toronto"
  3. You will see a list of matching results appear below the search bar
  4. Tap on the correct result to see it on the map

You can also search by voice! Tap the microphone icon in the search bar and simply say the name or address of where you want to go.

Step 3: Get Turn-by-Turn Directions

Once you have found your destination on the map:

  1. Tap the "Directions" button (it looks like a blue arrow or a circle with a curved arrow)
  2. Google Maps will automatically set your current location as the starting point
  3. Choose how you are traveling: tap the car icon for driving, the transit icon for public transit, the walking icon for walking, or the bicycle icon for cycling
  4. Tap "Start" to begin navigation
  5. The app will now speak directions to you out loud — for example, "In 200 metres, turn right onto Main Street"

You do not need to look at your phone while driving. The voice guidance tells you everything you need to know. Just keep your phone mounted on the dashboard or in a cup holder where you can glance at it if needed.

Useful Features for Canadian Seniors

Find Nearby Services

You can search for all kinds of nearby places:

  • "pharmacy near me" — find the closest Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, or pharmacy
  • "hospital near me" — locate the nearest emergency room
  • "gas station near me" — find Petro-Canada, Esso, or Shell stations
  • "Tim Hortons near me" — because sometimes you just need a coffee!

Check Traffic and Road Conditions

Google Maps shows traffic in real time using colour coding:

  • Blue — clear roads, no delays
  • Orange — moderate traffic, some slowdowns
  • Red — heavy traffic, expect delays
  • Dark red — severe congestion

Before a long drive, check the route on Google Maps to see if there are any delays along the way. The app will suggest a faster route if one is available.

Save Your Favourite Places

To save a location you visit often (like your doctor's office or a friend's house):

  1. Search for the place on Google Maps
  2. Tap the "Save" button (it looks like a bookmark)
  3. Choose a list, like "Favourites"
  4. Next time, just tap "Saved" at the bottom of the screen to find it quickly

Using Google Maps Without Cell Data

If you are going somewhere with poor cell coverage (like cottage country or rural areas), you can download a map ahead of time:

  1. While connected to Wi-Fi, search for the area you will be visiting
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner
  3. Tap "Offline maps"
  4. Tap "Select your own map" and choose the area you need
  5. Tap "Download"

The downloaded map will work even without any internet connection, so you will never get lost on your way to the cabin.

Staying Safe While Using GPS

  • Never hold your phone while driving — it is against the law in every Canadian province and territory
  • Use a phone mount on your dashboard or windshield (available at Canadian Tire for about $15 to $30)
  • Set your destination before you start driving, not while you are moving
  • If you miss a turn, do not panic — Google Maps will automatically recalculate a new route

Using GPS on your phone is one of the most practical skills you can learn. It gives you the freedom to go anywhere with confidence, knowing you will always find your way home. Give it a try on a short trip first — you will be a pro in no time!