Google Maps has become a daily companion for millions of smartphone users. Most people use it simply to find directions, check traffic or locate a nearby shop. However, the app offers several useful features that can make travelling, commuting and even planning trips considerably easier.

Some of these tools are hidden behind menus, which means many users may be using only a fraction of what Google Maps can actually do.

Save Your Home and Work Locations

If you regularly travel between home and work, saving both locations can make navigation much quicker. Instead of typing the complete address every time, you can simply select the saved location when planning a route.

This can also make it easier to check estimated travel times and traffic conditions before leaving.

Download Maps for Offline Use

Poor mobile connectivity can become a serious problem when travelling through remote areas or places with weak network coverage.

Google Maps allows users to download maps for selected areas for offline use. This can be particularly useful during road trips, where mobile internet may disappear for stretches of the journey.

Offline maps have limitations, so important route information should ideally be downloaded before starting the trip.

Share Your Live Location

If you are travelling to meet someone or returning home late, sharing your real-time location can be convenient.

Google Maps allows users to share their location with selected contacts for a chosen period. The feature can help friends or family members know where you are without requiring you to repeatedly send updates.

Users should remember to stop location sharing when it is no longer necessary.

Check Traffic Before You Leave

Instead of waiting until you're already on the road, check the traffic situation before starting your journey.

Google Maps can show traffic conditions and estimated travel times for different routes. If your usual route is heavily congested, an alternative route may sometimes save significant time.

However, the fastest-looking route isn't always the best option, particularly during peak traffic or when road conditions change.

Find Nearby Petrol Pumps, ATMs and Restaurants

Google Maps isn't limited to finding roads. You can search for nearby petrol pumps, charging stations, restaurants, pharmacies, ATMs and many other places.

You can also look at ratings, photographs, opening hours and other information before deciding where to go.

This can be especially useful when travelling in an unfamiliar city.

Save Places You Want to Visit

Planning a holiday or weekend trip? Instead of repeatedly searching for the same locations, save interesting restaurants, attractions, hotels and other places to your lists.

You can create lists based on different trips or categories, making it easier to organise places you want to visit.

Use Street View Before Visiting an Unfamiliar Place

When available, Street View can help you understand what a destination looks like before you arrive. This can be useful for identifying entrances, checking the surrounding area or simply becoming familiar with a location.

It can be particularly helpful when visiting a large building, shopping area or unfamiliar neighbourhood for the first time.

A Few Minutes of Setup Can Make Maps Much More Useful

Google Maps is far more than a basic navigation application. Offline maps, location sharing, saved places, traffic information and nearby searches can all make everyday travel easier.

Instead of discovering these features only when you need them, spend a few minutes exploring the app's settings and menus. You may find that your everyday navigation app can do considerably more than simply tell you which road to take.