Never lose your car with Maps parking tools

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Forgetting where you parked happens to everyone.Busy schedules, crowded lots and mental autopilot make it easy to walk away without a second thought.Thankfully, your iPhone can remember for you.BothGoogle MapsandApple Mapsnow make it easy to find your car again with little or no effort.Google recently added smarter automatic parking detection on iPhone.Apple Maps has offered a similar feature for years.Together, they give you a reliable backup when your memory fails.Below is how each one works and how to make sure it is ready when you need it.

If you use anAndroid phone, we have steps below that show you how to save and find your parked car using Google Maps on Android.

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GOOGLE MAPS VS WAZE VS APPLE MAPS: WHICH IS BEST?

Google Maps can automatically save where you parked on an iPhone and drop a clear pin on the map.Once it appears, you can tap it anytime to get walking directions back to your car.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How Google Maps saves your parking spot on iPhone

Google Maps can automatically detect when you park and drop a pin that stays for up to 48 hours or until you drive again.It currently works oniPhoneonly.

Connect your iPhone to your car

Google Maps needs a signal that you stopped driving.

Connect your iPhone to your car using Bluetooth:On your iPhone, openSettings, tapBluetoothandpair itwith your vehicle before you drive.
Connect your iPhone using USB:Plug your iPhone into the car’sUSB portwith a cable before you start your journey.
Use CarPlay with your iPhone:Go toSettingson your iPhone, tapGeneral,tapCarPlay,then selectyour carto link your iPhone to the vehicle.

Any of these connections can trigger parking detection.

Allow Google Maps to save parking automatically

If you want this to work every time, adjust one key setting.

Open theSettings appon your iPhone
TapApps
Then, clickGoogle Maps
TapLocation
SelectAlways

This allows Google Maps to track parking even when the app is not open.

Turn on motion-based parking detection

This helps Google Maps save your parking spot even when Bluetooth or CarPlay is not in use.

OpenGoogle Mapson your iPhone
Tap yourprofile photoin the upper right corner
TapSettings
Then clickNavigation
Turn onAutomatically save parking
To make sure motion detection works:
Open the iPhoneSettings app
TapPrivacy and Security
TapMotion &Fitness
Make sureFitness Trackingis on
Make sureGoogle Mapsis enabled

This allows Google Maps to use movement data to detect when you stop driving.

Find your parked car

Once you park, Google Maps drops a pin labeledYou parked here.
OpenGoogle Maps to see the pin
Tap thesearch bar
ChooseSaved parking

The pin stays visible for up to 48 hours.

Adjust the location if needed

If the pin is slightly off:

Tap theparked location
SelectChange location
Drag the markerto the correct spot

FIND A LOST PHONE THAT IS OFF OR DEAD

After parking, Google Maps shows your saved location along with a quick Directions button.This makes it easy to return to your car without retracing your steps.(OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

How Apple Maps saves your parking spot

Apple Maps uses your iPhone location and car connection to remember where you parked.In many cases, it works automatically without setup.

Make sure Location Services is enabled

Apple Maps relies on system settings.

OpenSettings
TapPrivacy and Security
TapLocation Services
Make sureLocation Servicesis on
TapMaps
SelectWhile Using the App

Use Bluetooth or CarPlay

Apple Maps detects parking when your iPhone disconnects from:

Your car’s Bluetooth system
Wired or wireless CarPlay

This disconnection signals that you parked.

Find your parked car in Apple Maps

After parking:

OpenApple Mapson your iPhone
Look forParked Carunder the Search box or aparked car icon on the map
Tap theparked carentry or icon
TapDirectionsto navigate back to your vehicle

Apple Maps drops a parked car marker when your iPhone disconnects from Bluetooth or CarPlay as you exit your car.You can also see parking details, like how long ago you parked, if you enabled the proper settings in iPhone Settings.

Google Maps vs Apple Maps for parking reminders

Both apps work well, but they shine in different ways.

Google Maps:Parking pins last up to 48 hours and are easy to edit
Apple Maps:Deep iOS integration and simple automatic detection

Many iPhone owners keep both enabled for backup.

Apple Maps can also remember where you parked when your iPhone disconnects from Bluetooth or CarPlay.Open the app and look for your parked car to get directions back.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to find your parked car on Android phones

If you use an Android phone, you can still save and find your parked car usingGoogle Maps, but the process is manual.

Save your parking location on Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

OpenGoogle Mapson your Android phone
Tap theblue dotshowing your current location
TapSave your parking
Addnotes or photosif you want help remembering landmarks

Google Maps drops a parking pin that stays visible until you remove it or save a new one.

Find your parked car later on Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

OpenGoogle Maps
Tap thesaved parking pinon the map
TapDirectionsto navigate back to your car

Unlike the iPhone, Android does not currently support automatic parking detection in Google Maps.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Forgetting where you parked happens fast, but finding your car does not have to be stressful.Google Maps and Apple Maps can save your parking location and guide you back when you need it most.On the iPhone, much of this works automatically once settings are enabled.Android users can still save their spot manually with Google Maps.Either way, taking a few minutes to set this up now can save time, steps and frustration later.

How much time have you already wasted searching for your car that your phone could have saved?Let us know by writing to us atCyberguy.com.

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Never lose your car with Maps parking tools