Google Maps Only Showing Preview? How to Restore the Start Button for Navigation

Imagine this: you've carefully entered your destination into Google Maps, the route has been calculated, and the map looks exactly as it should. You're ready to hit the road, but when you tap the screen, the expected 'Start' button is nowhere to be found. In its place is a frustrating 'Preview' button that only lets you look at the route without actually initiating turn-by-turn navigation.

This is a common and maddening glitch that many users encounter. While it may seem like a systemic app failure, the reality is usually that Google Maps is missing one critical piece of information. Here is a comprehensive guide on why this happens and how to fix it for both Android and iOS devices.

Why the 'Preview' Button Replaces 'Start'

Google Maps doesn't just pick a route; it needs to verify your precise physical location to ensure the navigation is accurate. There are three primary reasons why the app defaults to a preview mode:

• Unset Starting Point: While the app typically defaults to 'Your Location,' there are instances where it fails to automatically assign a starting point. Without a defined origin, the app cannot 'start' a journey; it can only show you a preview of the path between two points.
• Lack of Location Permissions: If the app does not have permission to access your GPS, it cannot confirm where you are in relation to the route. Consequently, it disables active navigation.
• Position Mismatch: If you have selected a route but your current physical location is not actually on that route (or near the starting point), Google Maps prevents you from starting navigation to avoid directing you into a confused or impossible loop.

Step 1: Explicitly Setting Your Starting Point

For the majority of users, the fix is a simple manual override. If you see 'Preview' instead of 'Start,' follow these steps:

1. Open Google Maps and enter your destination as usual.
2. Look for the 'Choose starting point' field at the top of the screen and tap it.
3. From the resulting dropdown menu, select 'Your location'.

By explicitly telling the app that your current position is the origin, you provide the necessary confirmation for the 'Start' button to reappear.

Step 2: Fixing Location Permissions on iPhone (iOS)

If setting the starting point doesn't work, you likely have a permissions issue. Here is how to resolve it on an iPhone:

1. Navigate to the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps, then find and select Google Maps.
3. Tap on Location.
4. Change the setting to either 'While Using the App' or 'Always'.
5. Crucially, ensure the toggle for 'Precise Location' is turned ON. Without high-accuracy GPS, the app may still default to Preview mode.

Step 3: Fixing Location Permissions on Android

Android users can resolve the issue through their system settings using these steps:

1. Open Settings and go to the Apps (or App Management) section.
2. Locate Google Maps in the list of installed applications.
3. Select Permissions and then tap on Location.
4. Choose 'Allow only while using the app' or 'Allow all the time'.
5. Scroll down to find the 'Use precise location' toggle and ensure it is enabled. This is vital because approximate location data is often insufficient to trigger the navigation start sequence.

Once these permissions are granted and the starting point is confirmed, the 'Start' button should return, allowing you to begin your journey without further delay.