Google Maps Suddenly Removes Music Playback Controls on Android

We can all agree that Google Maps has long been the go-to app for navigation. Over the past few years, a whole slew of features have been added to the app, while some have been quietly pulled back as well. One handy Google Maps feature that let users control music playback right inside the app while following directions seems to have vanished into thin air in the latest update.

Google Maps quietly removes music playback controls, and no one knows what went wrong

With that Google Maps feature, users could play Spotify, YouTube Music, or even Apple Music without leaving the navigation screen. But as spotted by 9to5Google, that feature has now disappeared in the latest Google Maps v25.28.

Credits: 9to5Google

The music playback controls no longer show up during navigation, and the toggle to enable or disable them has vanished without a trace from the app’s settings. Without these controls, users have to switch back to their music app or rely on notifications to manage songs while driving.

For now, this removal only affects Android devices. Those with iPhones still see the familiar media controls when navigating with Google Maps (via Android Authority). Naturally, this has many scratching their heads, trying to figure out what could possibly have gone wrong. It’s still up in the air whether this is a bug or a deliberate move by Google.

The timing is particularly interesting since Google recently pulled the plug on its Assistant Driving Mode, which also offered media controls for drivers. After that change, Google Maps’ playback controls became even more critical.

Losing them now feels like a step backward for people who rely on one app to handle both navigation and media. We’ll keep you posted if we hear more or update this article when there’s an official response.