Google Maps Removes Media Playback Controls in Android.

Key Takeaway

• Google Maps has removed in-app media playback controls on Android, frustrating users who relied on them during navigation.
• The change follows the shutdown of Assistant Driving Mode, while iOS users still retain the media control feature.

Google has recently removed a much-loved feature from its Android Maps app: media playback controls for platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. Originally introduced after the discontinuation of Assistant Driving Mode, this feature allowed users to access play, pause, skip, and browse functions directly within the navigation interface via a compact bottom sheet.

Users could view album art, track names, and artist info at a glance, and switch tracks without leaving Maps. A dedicated “Browse” button provided quick access to song suggestions, while a persistent shortcut to open their default music app made the experience seamless. However, this also partially obscured the “Report” button beneath it, though the underlying functionality remained accessible.

As of versions 25.28 (stable) and the newer 25.29 beta, Android users have noticed that the “Show media playback controls” toggle under Settings → Navigation has vanished. The prior “Default media app” option is also gone. It's unclear whether this disappearance is intentional or an oversight, but it starkly contrasts with iOS, where the toggle remains intact.

Community reports suggest this removal is frustrating for many users, particularly those using non-default audio apps. On forums like Google's own support thread and third-party sites, users report a fragmented experience—where third-party media control support had already been inconsistent—and express hope for Google's reconsideration.

Why It Matters

This change highlights a broader trend driven by Google’s transition from Assistant Driving Mode to the Gemini ecosystem. In February 2024, Google officially shuttered Assistant Driving Mode after gradually stripping away its features; by April 2025, media and voice controls were entirely removed from Maps. Without proper in‑app media controls, users now find themselves repeatedly switching between Maps and their music apps—a disruption from the fluid, hands‑free experience that once existed.

With in‑map media access disappearing, users have grown more vocal about the need for seamless integrations, especially when driving, where safety and convenience are paramount. Google has yet to comment on whether this media toggle removal is a bug or a permanent design shift.

What’s Next?

For now, Android users relying on Spotify or other music services during navigation must manually open their apps to control playback. If the toggle removal is unintended, it could soon return in an upcoming update, given the strong user backlash and safety implications. Meanwhile, iOS users will continue enjoying the feature uninterrupted.