I can't believe I missed this hidden Google Maps feature — and it makes your life so much easier when driving

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Plus, it works with CarPlay

Google Maps app icon on phone
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

You can use an app for years and still be surprised at all the features you didn't know existed. The latest example comes from Google Maps.

A person on TikTok recently posted a video showing how to quickly reveal upcoming directions, something I didn't know was available. If you swipe left on the direction box, Google Maps will pull up the upcoming steps on your trip, and you can jump ahead to different points on the map. To reset, you can click the re-center button to return the map to your current location.

In general, when using Google Maps, it just shows you the next immediate step in your journey. However, with complicated directions or when you find yourself in a set of confusing city streets, the ability to quickly look ahead can be handy.

It's helpful for me, as I can act as a navigator for my partner, who uses CarPlay in our household. Fortunately, for those of us who use Android Auto like me, this feature is available there, too.

Quick and easy navigation

iOS 26 CarPlay Messages.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I did a quick test of this hidden Google Maps feature in the car from my house to my in-laws on streets I already knew. I found it works great for looking at upcoming directions without having to take my eyes off the road to zoom out on the map, a fairly unsafe distraction.

Swiping the direction box and clicking a step or two ahead let me see upcoming changes pretty quickly. For those who like to know what exit number to take on the highway before Maps tells you to turn, this will definitely reduce some stress.

Let me know what your favorite Google Maps or CarPlay tricks are. I'm always looking to make navigation easier.

In the meantime, here are 11 underrated Google Maps features you should be using.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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