For more than a decade, Google Maps had not received any major updates. However, in 2026, the tech giant Google announced two major upgrades to Maps: Ask Maps and Immersive Navigation.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that, of the two features, only Ask Maps is currently available on Google Maps. The reason is that Ask Maps is beginning to roll out on Google Maps in some regions, while Immersive Navigation is being introduced gradually.
The Ask Maps feature is a conversational experience that allows users to ask complex questions and receive personalized suggestions using Google’s Gemini AI. In a nutshell, Ask Maps answers complex, real-world questions a map could never answer before.
Immersive Navigation, on the other hand, enhances driving directions with detailed 3D visuals and improved route guidance.
Using Ask Maps, you can simply ask questions like, “My car battery is running low—where is a charging station that I can use to charge it?” It’s cool, right? However, the feature is currently only rolling out in the United States and India, and is supported in English for now, with Hindi coming soon.
The main purpose of this article is to guide you on how to use the Ask Maps feature on the Google Maps app. That is to say, at the end of this article, you should be able to check your Maps version and update it if necessary. You should also be able to use Ask Maps on the app, and use the feature to plan trips and events as well.
Using Ask Maps on Google Maps
First things first, before you can use the Ask Maps feature on Google Maps, you must make sure that your device is running the latest version of Maps. Otherwise, you must download the latest version from your app store to continue. Whether you are an Android user or an iOS user, simply open your device’s app store and search for “Google Maps” using the search bar, then tap “Update” if the app is already installed on your device.
Once the app is updated successfully, then you can proceed. Now, you'll need to open the "Maps" and tap "Ask Maps" button to open the conversational interface, where you can type or speak your question directly.
The amazing thing about this Ask Maps feature is that you do not have to ask short or separate questions when using Google Maps. You can ask naturally, just like you would when speaking to someone who knows the area well.
For instance, instead of first searching for directions and then looking for places to eat along your route, you can simply ask:
I’m heading from downtown to the airport. What is the fastest route right now, and are there any good restaurants or gas stations along the way where I can stop briefly?
This way, Maps can help you with directions and useful stops at the same time.
Using Ask Maps to organize your trips
One useful feature of Google Maps called Ask Maps is that it can also consider the needs of the people you are planning for, not just your own preferences.
For example, if you are planning an outing with your kids, you could ask:
I’m visiting the city with two kids this weekend. Can you suggest family-friendly places nearby that have playgrounds or activities children would enjoy?
Ask Maps can then recommend locations that are suitable for your families, such as parks, interactive museums, or places with kid-friendly facilities. This type of personalized suggestion goes beyond what you would normally get from a regular search on AI chat bot or browsers' search engines.
Using Ask Maps to find places for events or special occasions
The Ask Maps feature on Google Maps can also help you choose the perfect location for an important event or occasion. Normally, people usually spend a lot of their time checking different apps, reading reviews, and comparing options before deciding where to host their events.
But with the Ask Maps, everything is simplified. For example, if you are planning a birthday dinner, you could simply ask:
I’m planning a birthday dinner tonight. Can you suggest restaurants nearby that have a good atmosphere, offer vegetarian options, and have convenient parking?
Ask Maps will help you to analyze user reviews, menu details, location information, and other useful data to suggest places that match your needs. You can also ask additional questions like, “Which one is closest to my location?” or “Which place has the best customer ratings?” In addition to the initial suggestion, Ask Mapp will then narrow down the recommendations to help you make a better choice.
