An Essential Google Maps Feature Keeps Disappearing For Some Android Auto Users

Google recently added the much-awaited speedometer to the Google Maps app on Android Auto. The feature shows your current speed alongside available speed limit data on your car's screen, making it much easier to monitor how fast you're going and stay safe. It did take quite a while for Android Auto users to get the feature, though, as it had been available on other platforms since 2019. However, many drivers using Android Auto might have to wait a little longer until they can use it properly.

Despite the feature only being added in July, users are already experiencing issues, mainly in the form of the speedometer completely disappearing. Users who could use the feature suddenly lost access to it, while others never got the ability to use it in the first place. Users on Reddit show that this behavior is inconsistent, with one user detailing that they lost the feature while their spouse did not.

The speedometer is not the only feature suddenly missing from Google Maps on Android Auto. Users report real-time traffic details, traffic light information, and the ability to see stop signs on a car's screen missing as well. The disappearance of these features from the Android Auto Maps app also seems to be random — some drivers have lost access to all these features, while others who can still access the speedometer can no longer see traffic updates.

The issue of the speedometer disappearing from Google Maps is inconsistent, as it appears for certain users but not for others. This makes it difficult to provide a universal fix, but some users have solved the problem by opting out of beta programs and using the latest stable app versions for both Android Auto and Google Maps. Avid Android Auto users also say that clearing Google Maps and Android Auto's cache or downloading an older version of the apps can sometimes temporarily fix the issue. If none of these work, there are some great Google Maps alternatives that you can try, and many of them feature speedometers and traffic details.

For the most part, these fixes only let you use the speedometer while on an active route. An always-on speedometer is in the works, but its availability is currently limited. A Google community engagement manager responded to complaints about the issue, stating that the ability for the speedometer to work without an active route is currently rolling out. Some users already have access to it, while others don't. There's no timeline on when the feature will become available to everyone, but as it's already rolling out to certain users, it likely won't take too long. Until then, it might be worth looking at some Android Auto alternatives for your car.