Google Maps Crashes on Android When Searching Transit Directions.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Maps is crashing when users request public transit directions on Android, while other navigation types still work.
• Clearing the cache and rolling back app updates may offer temporary relief until Google releases a fix.

Some Android users are reporting that Google Maps crashes whenever they attempt to get public transit directions, such as buses or trains. Walking, driving, and cycling directions continue to work as expected. The problem has been noted across different devices and regions, including the U.S., the UK, Germany, and others.

Users on Reddit and Google’s support forums have shared frustrations that clearing the app cache, reinstalling Maps, and even wiping app data did not resolve the issue. The crash consistently occurs immediately after selecting public transport directions.

Also Read: Google Confirms Media Controls Bug in Google Maps.

Android Authority and Android Police have independently confirmed the crash in recent versions of Google Maps—especially version 25.30.00.785163646—even though not every user on that version encounters the problem. The inconsistent impact suggests the bug may be tied to specific device configurations or account setups.

At this point, Google has not issued an official response or announcement. The Maps status dashboard remains unchanged, indicating that the issue may not yet meet the threshold for a public incident report.

Affected by Google Maps Crash.

Public transit navigation is the only category causing crashes. Users reported that stops, routes, and schedules related to buses or trains trigger the app to abruptly close. All other navigation modes continue to function normally.

Affected users can consider temporary workarounds:

• Try using driving or walking directions instead of transit
• Switch to another navigation app for public transport, such as Moovit or Citymapper
• On Android, uninstalling recent updates may help restore functionality—via Settings → Apps → Google Maps → tap overflow menu → Uninstall updates.

Google appears to be aware of the issue based on rising community reports and public threads. An official fix may already be in development. Users should keep Google Maps updated and check for new releases in the coming days.

If the issue continues, you might also consider reaching out to Google support or sharing your experience via Google Maps’ feedback tool.

Google Confirms Media Controls Bug in Google Maps: Fix on the Way

Google Maps on Android recently experienced an unexpected glitch that removed the integrated media playback controls for music apps like YouTube Music and Spotify. Users on version 25.28 (stable) and 25.29 (beta) noticed the absence of album art, play/pause, skip buttons, and the “Show media playback controls” toggle under Settings → Navigation—a feature that remains fully functional on iOS devices.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Maps’ built-in media controls for Android were unexpectedly removed in recent updates, and users can’t access playback without switching apps.
• Google has confirmed the issue is a bug and said it is actively working on restoring the media controls in an upcoming update.

Media Playback Control in Google  Maps

These media controls once appeared as a convenient bottom bar during navigation. They displayed album art, song titles, artist information, and offered quick access to the default media app. Drivers could skip tracks, pause, or tap “Browse” to get nine song suggestions and all without leaving the navigation screen.

While some users suspected Google removed the feature intentionally during the transition away from Assistant Driving Mode, the company clarified that the disappearance was due to a bug. A spokesperson confirmed that Google is “actively working to fix an issue that is affecting media playback controls on Google Maps,” although an exact timeline for the fix has not been shared.

For now, Android users must rely on alternative methods for media control, such as notifications or launching their music app directly. Some are even exploring navigation alternatives like Waze, which still supports in-app media controls. Meanwhile, Google reassures users that the feature is not going away permanently but will return in a future update.

Google Maps Testing UI Revamp for Place Listing Pages on Android.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Maps is testing a refreshed UI for place listings, featuring a cleaner Material 3 card layout and improved readability.
• Key changes include moving “Popular Times” above reviews and turning core actions like “Suggest an edit” into prominent buttons.

Google Maps is receiving a subtle but impactful redesign of its place listing pages on Android, using an updated look to improve clarity and usability. These changes are currently spotted in version 25.29.00.782600971 via an APK teardown from Android Authority.

First and foremost, the overall visual design moves to a cleaner, Material 3-style card interface, replacing the earlier line-separated layout. This refresh enhances readability and aligns Maps with Google's evolving design language.

Another notable update involves the reordering of the “Popular times” section, which previously appeared below user reviews but now sits above them. This means users can more quickly assess peak visitation data before diving into reviews.

Credit: Android Authority

Google has also improved the layout for interactive tools: Suggest an edit, measure distance, add a missing place, and add your business. These are now fully furnished buttons rather than tucked-away options. These buttons are more prominent, particularly when viewing information about broader areas like cities or countries.

Why This Update Matters

This more refined interface ensures that essential details like visitation peaks and useful actions are immediately visible, making the app faster and more intuitive. Whether you're planning a trip, exploring a new city, or checking business hours, the updated placement and clarity of these elements make key information quicker to access while keeping the map context front and center.

What’s Next?

As this redesign is currently in the early testing phase, users may see the changes roll out gradually through upcoming updates. If the new design gains positive feedback, it could become the standard interface for Google Maps place listings on Android devices worldwide.

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.

Latest Update: Google Confirms Media Controls Bug in Google Maps: Fix on the Way. 

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.