Google Maps update will let some users customize their car's virtual icon

See ya, little blue arrow.
By
Tim Marcin
 on 
google maps on a phone attached to a dashboard
Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Some Google Maps users can now access more ways to customize their car's icon while using the app.

As it stands, Google Maps only lets you choose one of four icons: an arrow, a red car, a yellow SUV, or a green truck. But, as 9to5Google spotted, some Android users are now prompted about "early access to customize your vehicle icon's style [and] color." When inputting driving directions, they get a notice about setting up "your ride, your way." 

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

There are a lot more options rolling out. There are five new cars: an off-road pickup, a sports car, a sedan, a hatchback, and an SUV. The are eight new colors, too: white, black, gray, red, blue, yellow, green, and purple.

We at Mashable covered planned icon additions to Google Maps for iOS in November, but now the changes appear to be rolling out for Android. The new icons are available for Android users running Google Maps beta version 25.06.x.

Topics Google

close-up of man's face
Tim Marcin
Associate Editor, Culture

Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, trends, and the occasional hot take. You can find him on Bluesky (sometimes), Instagram (infrequently), or eating Buffalo wings (as often as possible).


Recommended For You

Apple Maps follows Google, relabels Gulf of Mexico as America
Apple's macOS Maps app showing the Gulf of Mexico labelled as such, with a popup calling it the Gulf of America.

Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse combo
Lilac keyboard and mouse against a pink background.


Google’s Find My Device is adding location-sharing with contacts
A laptop keyboard and Google website displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 14, 2025
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 14, 2025
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 14
A game being played on a smartphone.

'The Last of Us' Season 2: Who is Eugene, the man Joel killed?
A woman sits in a living room with an open book in front of her.

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds are 40% off at Amazon
Sony WF-1000XM5 on a glitter gradient background
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!