How to Switch to Street View in Google Maps for Android

Applications

Up until recently, using Street View on an Android phone or tablet wasn’t quite as simple and straightforward as it is on the desktop version of Google Maps; users were forced to download a dedicated Street View app just to enjoy the benefits of this feature.

However, with new layers and handy features, Google has now integrated the 360° Street View option into the Google Maps app. This makes it incredibly simple and convenient to explore new places and follow directions more easily, all while on the go. Here’s how you can use Street View in the Google Maps app on your Android device:

Searching addresses on Google Maps

If you want to view a specific place with Street View, you can easily do it through the Google Maps app, similar to the desktop version. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Launch the Google Maps app on your device.
  2. In the search bar at the top of the screen, type in the address or the name of the place you wish to view. Alternatively, you can also drop a pin anywhere on the map, or even tap an existing place marker.
  3. At the bottom of the screen, you will see the address/place name, along with a series of images. Above should be a small photo box with an arrow. This is the Street View
  4. Simply tap the Street View option, and begin exploring the location:
    • Drag one finger across the screen to navigate through Street View. You have the option of exploring with a 360° view of the location – just swipe in any direction.
    • You can also zoom in or zoom out of the image. Simply pinch your fingers open or closer together, respectively.
    • If you want to see a wider view of the location, you can also turn your phone sideways, and switch to landscape mode.
  1. When you are finished using the Street View option, simply tap the Back icon (upper-left corner of the screen) to return to Maps.

Using the Street View layer on Google Maps

With the newest update, Google Maps now has a Street View layer, which makes it incredibly easy to find all the areas where Street View is available. Here’s how to view it:

  1. Launch the Google Maps app on your device.
  2. Now, tap the floating action button in the upper-right corner of the screen, underneath the search bar.
  3. Here, you will find several different map types and features, along with the Street View
  4. Once you tap on the Street View layer, the map will highlight in blue all the streets and areas where Street View is available. If you zoom in, you will also see individual streets marked in blue. If the street doesn’t have any Street View imagery, it will show the default white color of the map.
  5. To access a specific street or point, simply tap somewhere on the highlighted blue line. You can now explore Street View as usual.

With just a few simple clicks, you can now enjoy all the advantages Street View has to offer, no matter where you are.

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