
Google Maps Navigation Loses Essential Media Controls on Android - What's Going On?
2025-07-19
Author: Yu
Just when you thought Google Maps couldn’t get any trickier, the latest updates have stripped away critical media playback controls for popular apps like YouTube Music and Spotify on Android devices.
Following the discontinuation of Assistant Driving Mode earlier this year, Android users are now left navigating without the convenience of easily controlling their tunes. Previously, activating the "Show media playback controls" feature allowed users to see album art, song titles, and artist names right at the bottom of the navigation screen. It also offered playback controls and a handy "Browse" option for quick music selections.
However, in recent versions of Google Maps (25.28 stable and 25.29 beta), this functionality has gone missing. With the removal of essential toggles like "Show media playback controls" and "Default media app" from the settings, users are understandably frustrated. This drastic change has left many wondering whether it’s a glitch or a deliberate move by Google.
Even more puzzling is the fact that iOS users still enjoy these media control features, putting Android enthusiasts at a significant disadvantage.
As Google Maps evolves, one can only hope that the return of these vital media playback functionalities is on the horizon. After all, navigating the roads should be about more than just finding the quickest route—it should also be about enjoying your favorite tracks along the way!