Google Maps can now help you find your parked car — here’s how

1. Connect your iPhone

For Google Maps to save where you’re going to park your car, connect your iPhone to your vehicle via Bluetooth, USB or CarPlay ahead of your journey.

For Bluetooth, go to the Settings app, tap Bluetooth then turn on Bluetooth and check your vehicle’s manual to learn how to pair your iPhone.

For USB, unlock your iPhone and use an appropriate cable to plug it on to the USB port of your car or stereo.

For a wireless CarPlay connection, go to the Settings app, tap General, tap CarPlay then select your car. Once connected, your vehicle should recognise your iPhone.

2. Ensure automatic saving is active

If you always want Maps to work out where you’re parking, you should allow it to access your Location Services at all times.

To do this, open the Settings app, select Apps, tap Google Maps, tap Location and select Always.

3. Use your iPhone’s motion

To be sure the save feature will automatically work, click your profile image in Google Maps and select Settings. Then tap Navigation and scroll down. Ensure Save Parking Location is turned on.

You can also get Google Maps to detect when you are parked in situations when you’re not using Bluetooth. To do this, tap Let Maps use your motion to save your parking then, when prompted, select Allow.

4. Find where you parked

Once everything is set up, you merely need to drive and park. Google Maps will detect you’ve stopped either because you’ve disconnected your device from your vehicle or the app has worked out you’ve stopped driving.

It will drop a pin labelled “You parked here” on the map and you can view the pin for up to 48 hours (assuming you don’t start driving again). You can also tap the search bar in Google Maps and select Saved parking.

5. Change the location

If you tap your saved parking location, you will be able to click Change location. Drag the map to adjust the marker