# How to change orientation on Google Maps

> Tap the location button twice to make Google Maps turn with you; tap the compass to switch back to north-up. Calibrate if the beam is wrong.

To change orientation on Google Maps, tap the location button once to center the map on your blue dot, then tap it again to make the map rotate with the direction you face. To go back to a map with north at the top, tap the compass icon that appears on the map. The lighter beam coming out of the blue dot shows which way your phone is pointing.

## Step by step

1. **Turn on location** and allow Google Maps to use precise location.
2. **Tap the location button** to center the map on the blue dot.
3. **Look at the beam:** a narrow beam means the direction is accurate; a wide one means it is not.
4. **Calibrate the compass** if the beam is wide or wrong: move the phone in a figure-eight, and keep it away from metal and magnets.
5. **Switch orientation:** tap the location button again to make the map rotate as you turn; tap the compass to go back to north-up.
6. **Use Live View** in walking directions, where available: hold the phone up and arrows appear over the camera image.

## Tips for travelers

- Download **offline maps** of the city before the trip in case you lose signal.
- Compare street names and big landmarks with the map before you start walking.
- In dense city centers GPS can jump between streets; walk a block and check again.

## FAQ

**How do I locate myself on Google Maps?**
Tap the location button in the corner of the map; the map centers on the blue dot showing your position.

**What is the best map orientation?**
North-up is better for understanding a city; heading-up (the map turns with you) is easier for following directions on foot.

**How do I change the map orientation?**
Tap the compass icon to return to north-up, or tap the location button twice to make the map follow your direction.

**How do I keep Google Maps pointing north?**
Tap the compass icon to reset the map to north-up. During navigation, the app's navigation settings usually include an option to keep the map north up instead of turning with your route.

**Why does Google Maps show me facing the wrong way?**
The phone's compass needs calibrating. Move the phone in a figure-eight a few times, away from metal, magnets and car mounts, until the beam narrows.

**How do I orient a paper map?**
Turn the map until its north matches real north, using a compass or two landmarks you can see and find on the map. Then roads on the map point the same way as the roads in front of you.

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https://inyourtravel.com/how-do-i-orient-myself-on-google-maps/ · In Your Travel · Checked 2026-10-31