How to Fix Google Maps Not Showing Traffic

We all know that the absence of color-coded traffic lines on Google Maps can cause unnecessary delays and force you to switch to an alternative. That is why here we give you some useful tips that should restore the missing traffic updates in the Google Maps application.

How to Fix Google Maps Not Showing Traffic

Verifying Traffic Layer Activation:

Launch the Google Maps application on your mobile device.

Locate the Layers icon situated in the top right corner of the interface. This icon typically resembles stacked squares.

Tap on the Layers icon to unveil a comprehensive menu.

Within the Map details section, identify the Traffic tile.

Ensure the Traffic tile is selected. This action overlays your map with green, orange, and red lines, signifying traffic flow (green: light, orange: moderate, red: heavy).

Confirming Internet Connectivity:

Traffic updates are contingent upon an active internet connection.

Establish a connection to either cellular data or a reliable Wi-Fi network on your device.

Once connected, relaunch Google Maps and verify if traffic data populates the map display.

Understanding Regional Traffic Coverage:

While Google Maps strives to offer extensive traffic coverage across the globe, certain regions might have limited data availability due to:

Governmental regulations

Insufficient data collection infrastructure

Temporary situations (natural disasters, infrastructure upgrades)

If the issue is confined to a specific region, it likely reflects a lack of available traffic data rather than an app malfunction.

Addressing Temporary App Glitches:

Temporary glitches within the Google Maps app can impede traffic data loading. Here's how to perform a quick app refresh:

Android: Long press on the Google Maps app icon and select Force stop from the menu displayed at the bottom.

iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe up on the Google Maps preview to close the app.

Relaunch Google Maps and observe if the traffic layer displays correctly.

Clearing App Cache (Android Only):

An accumulation of cached data can occasionally lead to app functionality issues.

Long press on the Google Maps app icon and tap the info icon (i).

Within the App info menu, locate and select Storage.

Tap Clear cache to eliminate temporary app data.

Relaunch Google Maps and confirm if traffic information reappears.

Reinstalling App Updates (Android Only):

Corrupted app updates might be the culprit. Here's how to reinstall them:

Long press on the Google Maps app icon and tap the info icon (i).

In the App info menu, tap the three-dot menu icon at the top right corner and select Uninstall updates. This reverts the app to its factory version.

Visit the Google Play Store and reinstall the latest Google Maps update.

Check if traffic data displays upon relaunching the app.

Updating the App (iPhone):

Outdated app versions can lack functionality, including displaying real-time traffic.

Open the App Store on your iPhone.

Tap on your profile picture (top right corner) and select App Store.

Search for "Google Maps" and check if an update is available.

If an update is available, tap Update to install it.

Relaunch Google Maps and see if the traffic layer displays as intended.

With these steps you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve traffic display issues on Google Maps, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date traffic information, optimizing your business trips and maximizing productivity.