Why is Apple Maps not speaking turn-by-turn directions?
Answer
Spoken directions usually fail because the route was opened with Steps instead of Go, Spoken Directions is turned off, Maps location access is limited, or Siri voice settings are incomplete. Start a route with Go, then check Spoken Directions, Location Services for Maps, and Siri voice language.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Do not install unknown third-party tools that claim to unlock Maps voice features.
Follow these steps
Start the route with Go
Open Maps, enter a destination, choose a route, and tap Go. Do not rely on the Steps list alone, because spoken guidance starts with an active navigation session.
You should see: Turn-by-turn navigation begins and the voice either speaks or still stays silent with the route active.
Enable Spoken Directions
Go to Settings > Apps > Maps > Spoken Directions and turn on the spoken guidance options you need, including pause spoken audio if you use music or podcasts.
You should see: Spoken Directions settings are enabled for navigation.
Allow Maps location access
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Maps and set access to While Using the App or Always, according to your preference, so navigation can update turns.
You should see: Maps has permission to use Location Services during navigation.
Check Siri voice and language
Go to Settings > Siri (or Apple Intelligence & Siri) and confirm Siri Voice and language are set to a normal supported voice for your language.
You should see: A Siri voice is selected and matches the language you expect to hear.
Update iOS if voice still fails
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available iOS update, then reopen Maps and start a short test route with Go.
You should see: Maps speaks turn prompts on the test route, or the issue remains after settings and update checks.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether you tapped Go versus Steps, the Spoken Directions setting under Maps, Maps access under Location Services, and the Siri voice and language settings.
Before you change anything: Confirm you are using the Apple Maps app on iPhone. Turn the ringer and media volume up before testing. Note whether Bluetooth headphones or CarPlay are connected, since audio may route there. Avoid unrelated “fix Maps” apps from unknown sources.