How To Fix Google Maps Not Showing Route (Bus Route, Alternate Route)

Are you tired of encountering issues with Google Maps not displaying bus routes or alternate routes?

Whether you rely on Google Maps for your daily commute or travel planning, it can be frustrating when essential routes are not visible. However, there are several effective solutions to address this problem.

In this blog, we will explore practical methods to fix Google Maps when it fails to show bus routes or alternate routes, drawing on expert advice and user experiences to provide you with the most reliable solutions.

How To Fix Google Maps Not Showing Route (Bus Route, Alternate Route)?

Fix Not Showing Route Bus Route Alternate Route On Google Maps

To fix Google Maps not showing route (bus route, alternative route), you can check your internet connection, check the location services settings, and enable high accuracy mode. Additionally, you can verify the date and time of your search, and recalibrate the compass.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for Google Maps to load all the data, including alternate routes.

Verify that your mobile data or Wi-Fi is connected and has a strong signal.

If you’re on mobile data, ensure you haven’t exceeded your data limit and if you’re on Wi-Fi try restarting the router.

  • Look at the status bar for Wi-Fi or mobile data icons to confirm a connection.
  • If on Wi-Fi, ensure the signal strength is strong. If weak, move closer to the router.
  • If using mobile data, check if you have a good signal and if you haven’t hit your data limit.
  • If on Wi-Fi and experiencing issues, try restarting your router by unplugging it for a few seconds and plugging it back in.
  • Try forgetting the Wi-Fi network in your device settings and reconnecting by entering the password again.

2. Check The Location Services Settings

Ensure that your device’s location services are enabled. For Google Maps to function correctly, it needs access to your location.

For Android:

  • Go to your device’s Settings app.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Location” or “Security & Location” depending on your Android version.
  • Ensure the toggle at the top of the screen is turned ON.
  • Look for “App permissions” or “Advanced” and then find Google Maps to ensure it has location access.

For iOS:

  • Go to your device’s Settings app.
  • Select “Privacy & Security” to access privacy settings.
  • Tap on “Location Services.”
  • Make sure the Location Services toggle is green, indicating it’s turned ON.
  • Scroll down to find Google Maps and tap it.
  • Choose “While Using the App” or “Always” to ensure it has access.

3. Enable High Accuracy Mode (For Android)

For the most accurate location data, which is crucial for route information, ensure that your device’s location mode is set to High Accuracy. This uses GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks to determine your location.

  • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  • Scroll to and tap on Location.
  • Ensure the Location toggle at the top is set to ON.
  • Tap on Mode or Location services depending on your device.
  • Select High accuracy to enable it.

4. Verify The Date And Time Of Your Search

Google Maps uses the current date and time to provide route information. Make sure your device’s date and time settings are accurate.

If they’re set incorrectly, it could affect the availability of bus schedules and routes.

For Android:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap on System, then Date & time.
  • Ensure the toggles for Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone are ON for automatic updating.

For iOS:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap on General, then Date & Time.
  • Toggle on Set Automatically to ensure your device has the correct date and time.

5. Recalibrate The Compass

Inaccurate compass readings can affect the app’s ability to show the correct routes.

You can recalibrate the compass by following the in-app instructions, usually involving moving your device in a figure-eight motion.

  • Launch the Google Maps app on your device.
  • Tap on the blue dot that represents your location.
  • You should see an option to recalibrate the compass. Tap on it.
  • Perform the figure-eight motion with your device as instructed on the screen until the compass is recalibrated.

6. Clear The Cache For Google Maps

Over time, the cache in the Google Maps app can become corrupted, leading to issues like not displaying routes. Clearing the cache can resolve these problems.

For Android:

  • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  • Scroll down and tap on Apps or Application Manager.
  • Find and select Google Maps from the list of apps.
  • Tap on Storage.
  • Press the Clear Cache.

For iOS:

  • Press and hold the Google Maps app icon on your home screen.
  • Tap on Remove App or the minus (-) symbol.
  • Confirm to Delete App.
  • Reinstall Google Maps from the App Store.

7. Enable Alternative Routes In Settings

Google Maps has a setting that allows you to enable or disable alternative routes.

  • Open the Google Maps app.
  • Tap on your profile picture or initial at the top right corner.
  • Select Settings.
  • Go to Navigation settings.
  • Scroll to Route options.
  • Make sure the switch next to Alternative routes is turned on.

8. Update Google Maps

Running an outdated version of Google Maps can cause functionality issues.

Check the App Store or Google Play Store for any available updates for Google Maps, and install them.

For Android:

  • Open the Google Play Store app.
  • Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
  • Select My apps & games from the menu.
  • Find Google Maps in the list of available updates.
  • If an update is available, tap the Update button next to Google Maps.
  • Wait for the update to download and install.

For iOS:

  • Open the App Store app.
  • Tap on the Today tab at the bottom of the screen.
  • Tap on the user profile icon at the top right of the screen.
  • Scroll down to see pending updates and release notes.
  • If an update for Google Maps is available, tap the Update button next to Google Maps.
  • Enter your Apple ID password if prompted and wait for the app to update.

9. Uninstall And Reinstall Google Maps

If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling Google Maps can help reset the app to its default state and potentially fix any issues.

For Android:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap on Apps or Application Manager.
  • Scroll to and select Google Maps.
  • Tap on Uninstall.
  • Go to the Google Play Store, search for Google Maps, and tap Install.

For iOS:

  • Press and hold the Google Maps app icon on your home screen.
  • Tap on Remove App or the minus (-) symbol.
  • Confirm to Delete App.
  • Open the App Store, search for Google Maps, and tap the cloud icon or Get to reinstall.

10. Contact Google Maps Support

Contact Google Maps Support To FIx Not Showing Route Bus Route Alternate Route On Google Maps

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and Google Maps is still not showing bus routes or alternate routes, it might be time to contact Google support for help.

You can reach out to them by visiting the Google Maps support website they can provide you with troubleshooting steps to fix this problem.