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Phones & Tablets

How do I fix a missing Start button in Google Maps?

Answer

Update Google Maps from the Play Store, clear the app cache from Settings > Apps > Maps, and restart the phone. If the Start button is still missing, uninstall Maps updates and update again to repair a bad install.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • Clearing Maps data signs you out and removes offline maps.
  • Only install Maps from Google Play.

Follow these steps

  1. Update Maps

    Open the Play Store, search Google Maps, and update it.

    You should see: Maps is on the latest version.

  2. Clear cache

    Go to Settings > Apps > Maps > Storage and clear cache (not data yet).

    You should see: Maps relaunches cleanly.

  3. Restart and retest

    Restart the phone, set a destination, and look for Start.

    You should see: Start appears and navigation begins.

  4. Uninstall updates if still broken

    In App info for Maps, choose Uninstall updates, then update Maps again from Play Store.

    You should see: The Start button returns after reinstalling the update.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Directions screen without Start; Android Google Maps; recent app update.

Before you change anything: Confirm you entered a destination so Start should appear. Note whether you use walking, driving, or transit mode. Prefer clearing cache before uninstalling updates.

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