Frequent crashes usually indicate a corrupted app installation or the app is outdated. Clear the cache first (Settings → Apps → Google Maps → Storage → Clear Cache). Update Google Maps from your app store. If crashes continue, uninstall and reinstall the app. On iPhone, reinstalling is the only way to fully clear corrupted data since iOS doesn't provide a "Clear Data" option.
Incorrect blue dot positioning is typically caused by GPS drift (obscured sky view), a miscalibrated compass, or Wi-Fi positioning errors. Move to an open outdoor area with a clear view of the sky, then calibrate the compass by opening Google Maps → tapping the blue dot → "Calibrate compass" → moving your phone in a figure-8 pattern. If the issue persists indoors, know that GPS accuracy is significantly reduced inside buildings — outdoor use is required for precise positioning.
Most browser issues are resolved by clearing cache, disabling extensions (test in Incognito/Private mode), enabling JavaScript, and granting Location permissions to the browser. If none of those work, try a different browser to determine if the issue is browser-specific. Updating your browser to the latest version often fixes compatibility issues with Google Maps' current web interface.
Yes, on the mobile app. Download maps before you lose connectivity by opening Google Maps → tapping your profile → Offline maps → Select your own map → zoom to and download the area. Offline maps typically expire after 30 days and need a brief online connection to refresh. The web browser version does not support offline maps.
If you can see the map but can't get directions, it may be a routing server issue — try a different destination to test. If specific routes consistently fail, the start or end point may be in an area with incomplete map data. Try adding a known nearby landmark as the start or end point. Also ensure your Google Maps is fully updated, as routing algorithms are frequently updated by Google and older app versions may not support new roads.
Contact Google support if you encounter persistent issues that aren't resolved by any of the steps above: if Google Maps consistently crashes on a specific route or destination (indicating a map data error that only Google can fix), if your saved places or account data is missing after reinstalling the app (signing in should restore it, but sometimes manual recovery is needed), if you've discovered an incorrect address or road on Google Maps (use the "Report a problem" option by clicking the three dots on a location pin), or if offline maps fail to download despite having sufficient storage and a stable internet connection (this can indicate a Google account sync issue).