Google Maps is Frustrating: Music Controls on the Navigation Screen Suddenly Disappear

Google Maps illustration (photo: Doc. google)

JAKARTA - Android users have recently been frustrated by the latest changes to Google Maps. In the stable version v25.28 and beta version v25.29, Google abruptly removed the media playback controls from the navigation screen—a feature that had made it incredibly easy for users to control music while driving.

Previously, users could easily play, pause, select songs, and even open their default music app directly from the Google Maps interface while navigating. With just a swipe at the bottom of the screen, media controls for apps like YouTube Music or Spotify were instantly available.

This feature could previously be enabled via Settings > Navigation > Show media playback controls within the Maps app, allowing users to choose their default music app and instantly access song recommendations. However, the feature has now disappeared completely in both the latest versions, both stable and beta.

To further frustrate users, the feature is still available on iOS, raising questions about whether its removal on Android was a deliberate decision or simply a bug.

Without direct controls on the Maps screen, users are now forced to exit the navigation app to control music via the music player app itself or via the active notification panel on the top panel — which undoubtedly increases the risk of distraction and potential danger while driving.

Google has not yet issued an official statement regarding this change. Many parties have contacted Google for further clarification and will update information once they receive a response.

For many users, the loss of this feature is not just a matter of convenience — it's also a matter of road safety.