If you rely on Google Maps and Android Auto to get around, you may have noticed that the app has a habit of loading in dark mode regardless of your phone’s actual settings. If that gets on your nerves, you’re in luck, as a new update fixed the issue.
As noted by car evolution (opens in new tab), this fix has been quietly released as part of Google Maps 11.35.1. The site also noted that an official thread where users had discussed the issue has now been removed – suggesting Google knows the issue has been resolved.
The change means Google Maps and Android Auto won’t override your phone’s settings and force you to drive away with a dark map screen. Now, the only time you’ll find yourself in that situation is if you decide you want to.
It’s understandable why dark mode might not be to your liking. A dark version of the map is very useful at night, when a bright white screen will be a distraction, but not so great during the day. It can be harder to read the map, and the last thing you should do while driving is stare at your car’s screen instead of the road ahead.
If you are struggling with this issue, go to: Google Play (opens in new tab) and install the latest Google Maps update. If it’s not available, you’ll have to wait a few more days for it to roll out some more.
If you’re still struggling with the wrong screen design in Google Maps, you should dive into the app’s settings. From the settings menu, go to navigation settings, and scroll down until you see the Map view section.
The Color scheme option gives you three choices: Automatic, Day and Night. Automatically switches between light and dark modes when you turn your car’s headlights on and off, so you always have the right mode for the conditions.
Selecting Day or Night will lock you into a single theme, and with this new update it should stay that way until you go back to settings to change it.
Note that this only changes the lighting mode while navigating. The general map color settings are in the Theme section of the main settings menu. Here you have the option to set Maps to light mode, dark mode, or whatever mode your phone is set to.