At the 2024 Made by Google event, Google showcased some new products, including the Pixel Watch 3. They also announced that the new Pixel Watch 3 will get enhanced health tracking and Google Maps offline support. This new feature is also available for existing Pixel smartwatch users. To try this, you need to update Google Maps on your Pixel Watch to the latest version.
Points to Remember Before Using Google Maps on Pixel Watch
- Ensure you enable location tracking on your Android phone and smartwatch.
- Disable the power-saving mode to avoid interruptions when using Google Maps.
- Voice actions have not yet been released in all languages and countries.
- Keep your phone and Wear OS watch in a close range to prevent devices from getting disconnected.
How to Use Google Maps on Pixel Watch
1. Press the Crown on your Google Pixel Watch.
2. Scroll down the apps and click on Google Maps.
3. If it prompts, click the While using the app option to allow Maps to access the location.
4. After opening Google Maps on your watch, you will be shown a few options. At the top, you can find buttons for using voice commands with Maps. You can also manually enter the location you want to navigate using Gboard.
5. Once you select the location, select Walking, Bicycling, or Driving based on the transportation method you prefer.
6. Then, follow the on-screen directions shown on the watch to reach the destination. You can also find the estimated duration of the trip with time of arrival at the top of the app.
Note – If necessary, scroll down and get a bird’s eye view to make sure the next step or just see where you are.
Steps to Sync Offline Maps on Google Pixel Watch
Ensure the Google Maps app is updated to version 11.144.0705 or above to use the Offline maps feature.
1. Run the Google Maps on your Android phone or tablet. If you use the older version of the app, update it via the Play Store.
2. Ensure your phone is connected to the internet and signed in to Google Maps.
3. You need to search for a particular location. For illustration, we are searching for San Francisco.
4. Type the name or address of the place at the bottom. Then, click the More option, select Download offline map, and tap Download.
5. Your Pixel smartwatch will sync offline maps from your phone when it is charging and connected to WiFi.
You can also manually sync offline maps on your Pixel Watch. Go to Google Maps → Offline Maps → click Download.
This new feature on Pixel Watch is not a big deal as there are drawbacks. Though the Pixel Watch has an LTE version, you still need to pair it to your phone every time you use Google Maps. This is a mandatory process for its full functionality.