Google Maps Removes “Show Media Playback Controls” Toggle on Android
Focus Keyword: Google Maps media playback controls
Google Maps is rolling out an unexpected change to its Android app: the familiar “Show media playback controls” toggle has vanished from Settings › Navigation, and the “Default media app” selector (for YouTube Music or Spotify) is gone, too.
The removal affects users on both the stable version 25.28 and beta 25.29. Reports confirm that in each release the setting disappeared this week, leaving media control support seemingly diminished (9to5Google).
What Exactly Has Changed?
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Media playback controls no longer appear as a bottom navigation strip during driving mode.
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The toggle under Settings › Navigation to enable media controls is missing.
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The option to select a default music app—like Spotify or YouTube Music—is also gone (9to5Google).
Previously, this feature allowed users to integrate media playback directly into navigation, showing album art, play/pause, song details, and a browse button without leaving Maps (9to5Google). Now, that functionality has disappeared across recent app updates.
Why This Matters
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Convenience and Safety: Built-in media controls allowed drivers to manage music or podcasts without switching apps—a key convenience for safety and multitasking.
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Unexpected Change: There's no obvious reason from Google explaining why this feature was removed, and no indication that it’s a temporary bug (9to5Google).
Is This a Bug or a Deliberate Change?
No official explanation has been given yet, and while it could be a bug, it appears consistent across versions 25.28 and 25.29—suggesting a possible intentional removal (9to5Google). There's also speculation that Google may be shifting this functionality to its evolving Gemini AI platform, as part of a broader strategy to phase out “Driving Mode” (9to5Google).
How Users Are Responding
The change has sparked frustration from users relying on non-Spotify/YT apps:
“It appears that Google have removed driving playback controls support for all media except their own YT Music and Spotify.” (Pocket Casts Forum)
On Reddit and community forums, users report that only Spotify and YouTube Music are now recognized—and native players like Pocket Casts, Musicolet, and AIMP are left unsupported (Reddit).
Workarounds (So Far)
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Split-screen mode: Offers a makeshift way to run Maps and a music app side by side, though it's less safe and disrupts the UI (Reddit).
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Downgrade Maps version: Some have rolled back to pre‑25.28 versions to regain controls—but this can reduce stability and introduce security risks.
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Installer routines: Manual linking through Assistant's media settings can temporarily bring Spotify or YT back—but not community apps (Android Police, Reddit).
What’s Next?
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Monitor upcoming updates: If this is a mistake, Google may restore the toggle and default app selector in future updates.
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Contact Google support: Expressing your concerns and feedback increases the chances of a feature comeback.
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Watch for Gemini integration: As Google shifts to Gemini AI, media integration may return in a new form—and hopefully support all popular apps (Pocket Casts Forum).
Final Thoughts
The removal of Google Maps media playback controls is a disruptive change that removes built-in integration with non-Google music apps. Whether it’s a bug or part of a strategic shift, it deprives users of a convenient driving interface. If you rely on this feature, try connecting through supported apps or using split‑screen, and don’t forget to share feedback with Google.
Outbound Links for Further Reading:
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9to5Google on the removal: “Google Maps navigation missing media playback controls on Android” (9to5Google)
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Android Police take: “Google Maps removes a crucial feature from its navigation” (Android Police)
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Android Central on Driving Mode retirement: “Google officially killed Driving Mode after stripping most of its features” (Android Central)