Avoiding highways on your iPhone Maps app is a handy trick for those who prefer taking the scenic route or want to avoid traffic congestion. In just a few taps, you can customize your route options to exclude highways, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable journey.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Avoid Highways on iPhone Maps
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that customizing your route to avoid highways can lead to longer travel times. However, it can also provide a more scenic and less stressful driving experience.
Step 1: Open the Maps app on your iPhone
Opening the Maps app is your gateway to starting any journey. Simply tap on the app icon to get started.
The Maps app is pre-installed on all iPhones, so you don’t have to worry about downloading it from the App Store.
Step 2: Enter your destination
Type in where you want to go in the search bar and select the correct result from the list.
Make sure to double-check the destination address for accuracy to avoid any unnecessary detours.
Step 3: Tap on ‘Directions’
After selecting your destination, you’ll see a ‘Directions’ button. Give it a tap to proceed with setting up your route.
This button is usually located near the bottom of the screen, and it’s your next step toward customizing your travel route.
Step 4: Select ‘Driving’ as your mode of transportation
To avoid highways, you need to be driving, so make sure you select the car icon to indicate this mode of transportation.
You can also choose walking or public transit, but these options won’t provide highway avoidance capabilities.
Step 5: Tap on ‘Options’ in the top-right corner
In the ‘Options’ menu, you’ll be able to customize your driving preferences, including avoiding highways.
This is where you can also choose to avoid tolls or ferries if those are other preferences for your trip.
Step 6: Toggle on ‘Avoid Highways’
You’ll see a switch next to ‘Avoid Highways.’ Tap it to turn it on, and it should turn green, indicating it’s active.
Once this switch is toggled on, the Maps app will automatically adjust your route to exclude highways.
Step 7: Tap ‘Done’ to save your preferences
After toggling on ‘Avoid Highways,’ make sure to save your changes by tapping the ‘Done’ button.
This will take you back to the map view, where you’ll see your updated route that avoids highways.
After completing these steps, your route on the iPhone Maps app will be set to avoid highways, and you can start your journey with confidence, knowing you’ll be taking the roads less traveled.
Tips on How to Avoid Highways on iPhone Maps
- Always double-check the estimated arrival time when avoiding highways, as it may significantly increase your travel time.
- Consider avoiding highways during peak traffic hours to make your drive more enjoyable.
- Use the ‘Avoid Highways’ feature in combination with the ‘Avoid Tolls’ option to potentially save money on your trip.
- Keep in mind that some areas may have limited route options without highways, so plan accordingly.
- Remember to re-enable highways for future trips if you only want to avoid them for a specific journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will avoiding highways on my iPhone Maps app always make my trip longer?
Avoiding highways can often lead to longer travel times, but it can also help you avoid traffic and make your journey more scenic.
Can I avoid highways for part of my trip and then re-enable them later?
Yes, you can customize your route preferences at any time by returning to the ‘Options’ menu and toggling the ‘Avoid Highways’ switch.
Does the ‘Avoid Highways’ feature work for walking or public transit directions?
The ‘Avoid Highways’ feature is only available for driving directions, as walking and public transit routes naturally avoid highways.
Will my iPhone Maps app remember my preference to avoid highways for future trips?
Your preference to avoid highways will only apply to the current trip. You’ll need to toggle the option on for each new trip if you wish to avoid highways again.
Can I still use turn-by-turn navigation if I’m avoiding highways?
Yes, you can still use turn-by-turn navigation with the ‘Avoid Highways’ option enabled. Your route will simply be adjusted to exclude highways.
Summary
- Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
- Enter your destination.
- Tap on ‘Directions’.
- Select ‘Driving’ as your mode of transportation.
- Tap on ‘Options’ in the top-right corner.
- Toggle on ‘Avoid Highways’.
- Tap ‘Done’ to save your preferences.
Conclusion
Navigating without highways on your iPhone Maps can transform an ordinary drive into an extraordinary journey. Whether you’re looking to avoid busy roads, take in some beautiful scenery, or simply enjoy a more relaxed ride, the flexibility of the Maps app allows for a personalized experience tailored to your preferences. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the road less traveled. And remember, while avoiding highways might add a bit more time to your trip, the adventure and sights you’ll encounter along the way could make it all worthwhile. So next time you’re planning a drive, why not take the scenic route and see where the road takes you?
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.