Explore the various hidden features available in Waze that enhance the user experience.
Google Maps is widely praised for its extensive coverage and dependable navigation, making it a go-to choice for many users. While Apple Maps has seen significant improvements since its rocky beginnings, those seeking an alternative often find themselves leaning towards Waze — an app that has been part of Google’s portfolio since 2013. Waze differentiates itself with a focus on real-time driving information.
Functioning as a crowdsourced navigation tool, Waze benefits from users who report various road conditions such as accidents, potholes, and traffic issues. Apart from its main navigation function, the app hosts several features that many users might overlook due to their placement within the menu. For instance, if you’re on your way to visit a friend whose address is saved in your phone, Waze simplifies the process by allowing you to navigate directly to their location without re-entering the address.
To use this feature, open Waze, swipe up, and scroll down to find the “Drive to friends & family” section. You’ll need to give Waze permission to access your contacts. Once set up, just type in the name of the friend or family member, and if their address is saved, Waze will allow you to initiate navigation with just a tap.
If you have privacy concerns about sharing your entire contacts list with Waze, you can revoke this permission. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Waze > Contacts and select None. For Android users, the path is Settings > Apps > See all apps > Waze > Permissions > Contacts followed by tapping “Don’t Allow.”
Customize Voice Directions
Waze stands out for its high level of customization compared to its competitors. Users can set a “Mood” by navigating to Settings > View profile > Mood, allowing them to express their current feelings through their avatar. Additionally, Waze permits the selection of a sidekick, which adds a unique flair to the navigation experience by changing the vehicle icon, avatar, and the voice providing directions.
An exciting feature allows users to record navigation prompts in their own voice. This can be done either by the user or even a friend or family member. For example, one user shared how they utilized this feature to capture their child’s voice, making each drive feel more personal. To switch voice packs, access Settings > Voice and sound > Current voice where you can select from multiple presets or tap “New voice” to record your own instructions.
Waze has 39 prompts available for recording, each with a maximum length of six seconds. These cover everything from turn-by-turn directions to alerts about hazards and speed limits. If you choose not to record a prompt, Waze will revert to the default navigation voice for that specific instruction. To maintain a consistent experience, recording all 39 prompts could be beneficial.
Schedule Drives with Waze
Waze also provides a valuable feature for planning trips in advance. If you have a commute or an appointment scheduled, Waze can suggest optimal departure times based on anticipated traffic. You can plan your trips in two ways. The simplest method is to search for your destination and select the “Leave later” option rather than “Go now.”
This allows you to choose your desired arrival time in 15-minute increments while also displaying expected traffic conditions. You can adjust your starting point and the day of the week for scheduling future drives. By tapping “Save,” you can add the trip to your planned journey list, which is accessible by clicking on the hamburger menu and selecting “Plan a drive.” Additionally, Waze can sync with your calendar to display upcoming location-based events as planned drives.
A lesser-known capability includes entering secret codes into the search bar that unlock certain diagnostic tools and features within the app. For example, typing “##@morph” reveals a hidden mood avatar, while “##@cctts” clears the text-to-speech cache, potentially resolving voice navigation issues. While exploring these codes may be intriguing, it’s advisable to avoid those designated for troubleshooting purposes.
