Waze and Google Maps at the Same Time: What Works
Yes, you can run Waze and Google Maps at the same time on the same phone, but they will not combine into a single navigation screen. The practical supported method is split-screen or floating-window multitasking on Android, while iPhone users are limited to using them in separate apps or on CarPlay with one active at a time.
What “at the same time� actually means
Both apps are full-screen GPS navigators. Neither has an official “picture-in-picture� mode that overlays one on top of the other. When people ask about using them simultaneously, they usually want one of three things:
- Seeing live traffic and alternate routes from Waze while following Google Maps’ turn-by-turn instructions.
- Comparing estimated arrival times from both apps before choosing a route.
- Using one app for navigation while the other runs in the background for alerts (speed cameras, police reports, traffic jams).
On Android, split-screen lets you view both apps side by side. On iOS, true split-screen is not available for third-party apps on iPhone; you can switch between them, but only one is visible at a time. On Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, only one navigation app can be active on the car’s screen at once.
How split-screen works on Android
Android’s multitasking system is the only mainstream way to see both apps simultaneously. The exact steps vary by manufacturer, but the general method is:
- Open Waze and start a navigation route.
- Open the recent apps overview (swipe up and hold, or tap the square button).
- Tap the app icon at the top of the Waze card and select “Split screen� or “Split top/bottom.�
- Choose Google Maps from the list of recent apps to fill the other half.
Both apps will continue to run and provide live navigation, but the screen space is limited. Waze’s map becomes small and hard to read, and Google Maps may show a “screen too small� warning on some devices. On phones with a foldable display or a large tablet, this is more practical than on a standard 6-inch phone.
Some Android phones allow floating windows (Samsung’s pop-up view, for example). This lets you keep Waze as a small movable bubble over Google Maps. It works, but the floating window can obscure important map details and is not officially supported by either app.
iPhone and CarPlay limitations
Apple’s iOS does not allow two navigation apps to run in split view on an iPhone. You can use the Slide Over or Split View features on iPad, but those are not available on iPhone. On an iPhone, the only way to “use� both is to run one in the background while the other is in the foreground. Background apps can still send audio alerts (like Waze’s “speed trap ahead� voice), but they cannot display a live map.
On CarPlay, the situation is stricter: the car screen shows one navigation app at a time. You can switch between Waze and Google Maps using the CarPlay home screen, but this stops the previous app’s turn-by-turn guidance. There is no supported way to see both maps simultaneously on a car display.
Why you might want both (and when it’s worth it)
People typically run both because each app has strengths the other lacks:
- Waze is better at crowd-sourced real-time data: speed traps, police sightings, road hazards, and user-reported accidents. It often reroutes faster around sudden traffic jams.
- Google Maps has more reliable address search, better business listings, and integrates with Google Search, Street View, and Live View walking directions.
- Google Maps tends to have more accurate estimated arrival times on long trips because it uses historical traffic patterns; Waze is more reactive to current conditions.
If you are on a long road trip, a common workflow is to start with Google Maps for the overall route and arrival time, then open Waze in split-screen to see if it suggests a faster detour. If Waze shows a significantly shorter time, you can switch to Waze for the rest of the trip.
Common problems and workarounds
Running both apps at once can cause issues:
- Battery drain: two GPS apps with active location and screen rendering will drain your battery noticeably faster than one. On a long trip, plug your phone in.
- Audio conflicts: if both apps speak turn-by-turn directions, you will hear two voices at once. Mute one app’s voice (in its settings) or use the other only for visual reference.
- GPS accuracy: both apps use the same GPS hardware, but running two navigation engines can occasionally cause the phone to switch between location services, leading to brief position jumps. This is rare but possible on older phones.
- Split-screen size: on a standard phone, each app gets about half the screen, which makes the map nearly unusable for detailed driving. Consider using a phone mount with a larger screen or a tablet.
A practical workaround for audio conflicts: in Waze, go to Settings → Voice & sound → turn off “Directions� but keep “Alerts� on. That way Waze only warns you about police and hazards while Google Maps gives the turn-by-turn voice.
Which one should you choose as the primary?
There is no single correct answer; it depends on your priorities. Use Google Maps as the primary if you care about accurate arrival times, need reliable business search, or are walking/biking. Use Waze as the primary if you are driving in an unfamiliar city and want the most current traffic and police alerts, or if you frequently drive on highways where speed traps are common.
For most daily commutes, one app is enough. Running both is only worth the extra battery and screen clutter when you are on a long trip, in an area with rapidly changing traffic, or when you suspect one app’s route is outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Waze and Google Maps at the same time on iPhone?
No, iPhone does not support split-screen for two navigation apps. You can run one in the background with voice alerts while the other is on screen, but you cannot see both maps at once. On iPad, you can use Split View, but that is not available on iPhone.
Will running both apps drain my battery faster?
Yes, significantly. Both apps use GPS, screen rendering, and network data. Expect battery drain roughly double that of a single navigation app. Use a car charger for long trips.
Can I get Waze alerts while using Google Maps for navigation?
Yes, if you keep Waze running in the background and its voice alerts are enabled, it will speak warnings (like “police reported ahead�) even when it is not the active app. However, the Waze map will not be visible, and the alerts may be delayed by a few seconds.
Does Google Maps show police and speed traps like Waze?
Google Maps has added some user-reported incidents, including speed traps, but the coverage is less dense and less real-time than Waze. Waze’s user base is more active in reporting police and hazards, especially in urban areas.
Is it legal to use two navigation apps while driving?
It is legal in most places, but it is not safe to interact with either app while driving. Set up your split-screen before you start moving, and use voice commands if you need to change anything. Distracted driving laws apply regardless of how many apps you have open.
Can I use both on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?
No, both Android Auto and CarPlay only display one navigation app at a time on the car screen. You can switch between them, but the previous app stops giving directions. There is no split-screen for navigation apps on either platform.
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