# Google Maps brings back the compass, two years after removing it on Android | Mobile News (HT Tech) > The compass indicator, which would show up as soon as you started navigation, was removed from Google Maps for Android in 2019 — as part of the company's attempts to “clean up” the interface. # Google Maps brings back the compass, two years after removing it on Android ## The compass indicator, which would show up as soon as you started navigation, was removed from Google Maps for Android in 2019 — as part of the company's attempts to “clean up” the interface. Aug 21 2022, 16:19 IST ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook.png) ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook-hover.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Share.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Shareclicked.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp-hover.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter-hover.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook-hover.png) ![Bookmark](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmark.png) ![Bookmarked](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmarked.png) ![Google Maps for Android is finally getting the compass feature back.](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/img/2021/04/01/1600x900/google_maps_(1)_1617292427761_1617292466488.jpg) Google Maps for Android is finally getting the compass feature back. (Google) ![Author Photo](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/HTTech-new-circle-logo.png) ### By HT TECH Google is finally adding back support for a useful feature that was inexplicably removed for Android users years ago, after several users kept asking for its return - the compass needle indicator on the navigation screen. The compass indicator, which would show up as soon as you started navigation, was removed from Google Maps for Android in 2019, with the company reportedly stating that it was attempting to “clean up” the interface. However, the company has now updated its support thread about the issue to state that the feature is now returning for Android users, as reported by Android Police. Also read: Google Maps to start directing drivers to 'eco-friendly' routes Also read click here. It looks like users who want the feature will have to actually start navigation to a chosen destination before the compass shows up, unlike the previous version that would show up after you chose a starting location and destination. Oddly enough, iPhone users have been able to access the compass needle from that screen even after it was disabled for Android users, according to 9to5Google. It is unclear why Google cited cleaning up the interface while denying Android users access to the feature while allowing iOS users to keep using it — most recent Android devices are much larger than their iPhone counterparts, with the exception of Apple’s iPhone ‘Pro Max’ models. Read more: LineageOS 18.1 custom ROM released, updates over 60 devices to Android 11 However, if you simply want to download the latest version of Google Maps, which adds the compass needle back, you can update the Maps app to version 10.62 from the Google Play Store, according to the report. The stable version should already have rolled out to most users, but if you haven’t got it yet, you can grab the installer from a website like APKMirror and install it over your existing version. Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. 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