Specifically, this changes the icon representing your location. By default, that’s an arrow icon that’s reminiscent of the classic arcade title “Asteroids.” Unless you’re in motion, that may also show up as a simple round, circle icon. In either case, Google has colored the icon blue by default and it’s easy to spot. Now, as a result, this doesn’t do much for the user experience. And there aren’t any functionality changes to note, either. In fact, the customization itself is rather limited. That’s ignoring the odd partnership and associated changes Google makes from time to time — typically, as an easter egg — to make things even better. But we’ll discuss that momentarily. In the interim, if you’ve been looking to make your experience more personal, Google Maps has options. And this guide sets out to show you how to customize your car icon. So if that sounds appealing to you, read on.
Here’s how to change your car icon in Google Maps
Before getting started, it’s worth noting a few caveats and quirks about this feature. First, while this works on mobile and tablets, it isn’t going to work outside of the mobile app. So, for instance, you won’t be able to change the icon this way using the website for Google Maps. Equally as important, this change only works for navigation by car. It doesn’t apply to travel by train, bus, or other public transport. So, if you use Google Maps to travel by those means, this customization won’t apply to you. As noted above, there are also always potentially additional options for changing the icon, such as the Nintendo partnership noted above. That partnership opened up, temporarily, an option to show the company’s mascot driving his iconic Go-Kart around instead of the standard icons. That isn’t available as of this writing, but new options are sometimes if rarely or temporarily, added. So it’s worth keeping an eye out for those but not necessarily to expect them.
