Did Google just kill Assistant ‘Driving Mode’ in Maps for Android?

Google Assistant 'Driving Mode' has gone MIA in Maps for Android.

Apr 23, 2025 - 22:31

Did Google just kill Assistant ‘Driving Mode’ in Maps for Android?

Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority

Android users can no longer access Google Assistant Driving Mode.
The feature has gone missing in the Google app and on Maps.
It’s unclear if this is a mistake or intentional removal.

Last year, Google removed the app launcher from Assistant Driving Mode, reducing the feature to a simple voice bar. Given the company’s plans to phase out Google Assistant, the depreciation of this feature isn’t that big of a surprise. What is a surprise, however, is that Driving Mode seems to be gone completely now, without an alternative to replace it.

According to 9to5Google, Google Assistant Driving Mode can no longer be accessed in Maps for Android. Driving Mode has reportedly disappeared on the latest stable versions of Maps and the Google app. It’s unclear if the feature was removed by mistake or intentionally.