Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google Maps v25.28 secure and v25.29 beta have eliminated in-app media playback controls.
- The eliminated function allowed easy accessibility to play, browse ideas, or open the default music app.
- The performance nonetheless exists on iOS, and Google has confirmed by way of a press release that it is a bug whose repair is being labored upon.
Replace, July 22, 2025 (02:44 AM ET): A Google spokesperson has shared the next assertion for this situation:
We’re actively working to repair a difficulty that affects media playback controls on Google Maps.
The assertion confirms that the disappearing media controls are only a bug, and Google is engaged on a repair to carry them again. There’s no ETA on when this will likely be mounted, however at the very least the corporate has acknowledged the difficulty and confirmed a repair is within the works.
Unique article, July 21, 2025 (07:58 AM ET): Google Maps stays among the best apps for Android units, however it’s not good. There are many methods Google can enhance the Maps expertise, and a superb beginning step is to preserve options that customers use and never take away them, particularly if substitute performance isn’t out there. The newest change to Google Maps makes it considerably tough to regulate your music whereas navigating, and it’s fairly infuriating.
As noticed by 9to5Google, Google Maps v25.28 secure in addition to Maps v25.29 beta has eliminated the media playback controls that appeared on the backside of the app when navigating.
The media controls had been a swipe away on the backside, and you might simply management playback from right here. Customers might additionally faucet the Browse button for 9 fast ideas to modify to rapidly. In case you wanted extra choices, there was a helpful shortcut to rapidly open the music app. In case you wanted extra display screen actual property, you might swipe down the controls to maneuver them out of the best way once more.
These helpful media management shortcuts needed to be enabled inside Google Maps’ Settings > Navigation > Present media playback controls. This function labored with YouTube Music and Spotify, and you might additionally choose your default media app. Nevertheless, the brand new Google Maps replace on each secure and beta channels has eliminated all of this.
This function was my default solution to management music playback whereas navigating. Whereas there are different exterior methods to regulate playback, having the management proper on the navigation display screen was tremendous handy because it minimized distractions and faucets wanted to easily change a track. Now, you must swap out to your music participant app or use the energetic media participant notification within the notification panel to regulate playback, that means you must navigate away from the Maps display screen and, worse, be distracted for a number of extra seconds whereas driving.
It’s not instantly clear if this elimination is intentional or only a bug, however the function stays current on Google Maps for iOS, for what it’s price.
We’ve contacted Google to be taught extra concerning the elimination of media playback controls from Google Maps. We’ll preserve you up to date once we be taught extra.
