How to change the arrow icon on Google Maps to a 3D car

When you follow a navigation route on Google Maps, your position is represented by an arrow except on specific occasions such as anniversaries. However, it is possible to change the navigation arrow for cars in 3D, with three designs to choose from.

The functionality is not entirely new - in Google Maps for iOS it has been available for a couple of years - but it goes largely unnoticed as there is no clear indication that it is possible until you encounter it by tapping on the navigation arrow icon.

Change the arrow for a car

Google Maps and Waze are two proprietary map and navigation applications from Google, although the latter has more customisation options, such as being able to choose which icon represents you on the map during a navigation.

This is not totally new for Google Maps, as the company has played with the idea on several occasions for special events or as an Easter egg shape. However, it is possible to alternate between three car designs instead of using the navigation arrow, and the process couldn't be easier.

To do this, simply tap on the blue arrow icon representing you on the map, until the Choose Vehicle Icon menu is displayed below. For now there are three different car designs in the colours red, yellow and green, in addition to the usual blue navigation arrow.

As soon as you touch one of the cars, it will be used to represent you on the map with a 3D model that is well visible even if you zoom in or out. In addition, the selection you make will still be present the next time you follow a route on Google Maps.

Of course, if at any point you change your mind and want to return to the blue arrow, just retrace your steps, tap on the car icon and choose the navigation arrow from the menu.

Silvia Mazzetta

Web Developer, Blogger, Creative Thinker, Social media enthusiast, Italian expat in Spain, mom of little 9 years old geek, founder of  @manoweb. A strong conceptual and creative thinker who has a keen interest in all things relate to the Internet. A technically savvy web developer, who has multiple  years of website design expertise behind her.  She turns conceptual ideas into highly creative visual digital products.