Google Maps Enhances Navigation Experience With Custom Vehicle Icons For Android Beta Users

Google Maps is bringing more customization to its navigation experience by expanding custom vehicle icons to Android beta testers.

This feature, first introduced to iOS users in November and later tested with a small group of Android users in December, allows drivers to replace the standard blue arrow with a vehicle icon of their choice.

Now available to all Android beta users, the feature lets drivers choose from a range of vehicle styles, including sedans, SUVs, jeeps, sports cars, and hatchbacks, with eight different color options. The goal is to make navigation feel more personalized and engaging, whether users want their on-screen icon to match their actual car or just prefer a different look.

How to Change the Navigation Icon

The process to switch to a custom vehicle icon is simple. When starting navigation, Google Maps will prompt users to replace the blue arrow with a different vehicle icon. If the prompt is missed, the option is still available under 'Trip options’ > 'Vehicle icon while navigating’.

The customization was first detected in Google Maps beta version 25.05.02.719889437 by The Mobile Indian, confirming that the feature is now accessible to all beta testers. However, it has not yet rolled out to the stable version of Google Maps, meaning regular users will need to wait a bit longer before they can access it.

When Will It Roll Out to All Users?

As of now, custom vehicle icons are only available to beta testers, and Google has not announced a timeline for the stable release. However, given its broad availability in the beta version, it’s likely that a full rollout could happen in the coming weeks or months.