Google Maps Comes to Garmin: Free Turn-by-Turn Directions on Your Wrist
Garmin has just made navigation even more seamless for smartwatch users. The company announced that the official Google Maps app is now available for free download in the Connect IQ™ Store, bringing turn-by-turn directions directly to compatible Garmin smartwatches, including select Venu®, Forerunner®, vívoactive®, and fenix® products. Whether you’re out for a morning run, exploring a new city on foot, or cycling through unfamiliar streets, this integration allows you to keep your phone in your pocket and focus on the journey ahead.
By simply entering a destination into the Google Maps app on your Android™ smartphone, users will receive real-time notifications on their Garmin watch, guiding them effortlessly to their destination. With subtle wrist vibrations, upcoming turn alerts, and the option to preview the next three directions, this new feature combines the power of Google Maps with Garmin’s fitness and outdoor tech expertise—creating a smarter, more hands-free navigation experience for both everyday commuters and active adventurers alike.
After users input a destination into Google Maps on their Android™ smartphone, the app will send notifications to their watch, letting them know about each upcoming turn while they walk, run or cycle.
“Whether exploring a new city, mapping out a run or casually cycling with friends, the Google Maps app in the Connect IQ store will keep users going in the right direction. The turn-by-turn notifications will be a game changer for those who want to stay hands-free and keep their phone in their pocket.”
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
For pedestrians
For those who prefer to walk to their destination, Google Maps provides on-the-go directions that gently vibrate their Garmin smartwatch to keep users from having to look down at their phones while crossing the street or maneuvering through a crowd. And for even greater awareness, simply tap into the app to see the next three turns.
For fitness fanatics
Users can still record walks, runs or bike rides on their Garmin smartwatch while using Google Maps, allowing them to track distance, heart rate, and more, while also getting notified when it’s time to make a turn along the route. Once they arrive at their destination, users can sync their activity data from Garmin Connect to other Android health and fitness apps via Health Connect, providing them with more tools and flexibility than ever before.
The Google Maps app is available now in the Connect IQ Store and is free to download.
Garmin vs. the Competition: Who Offers the Best Smartwatch Navigation?
Garmin is now one of the few smartwatch brands to offer official Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation via its Connect IQ Store. This update brings seamless directions to popular Garmin models like the Venu, Forerunner, and Fenix series.
Samsung Galaxy Watches (on Wear OS) also support full Google Maps navigation natively. Apple Watch, on the other hand, offers turn-by-turn directions through Apple Maps, but does not support Google Maps directly on the watch. Huawei Watches use Petal Maps for navigation, but lack Google integration and depend on the Huawei ecosystem.
Meanwhile, brands like Suunto, Polar, and COROS rely on basic breadcrumb routes or preloaded GPX files, offering limited real-time guidance.
With this move, Garmin joins Samsung in delivering true hands-free Google Maps navigation on the wrist, setting itself apart from most fitness-focused competitors.
The Connect IQ Store is an all-in-one source for Garmin customers looking to personalize their compatible Garmin devices. With thousands of options to choose from, users can download apps, watch faces, music streaming services, and more right to their device.
The Connect IQ Store is accessible through the Google Play and Apple App Store.
