Google Maps issue where tapping blue line doesn't invoke street view affecting some users (workaround inside)

The street view feature of Google Maps provides you with a live view of landmarks and natural places. It helps you explore new places across the globe right from Google Maps application.

However, some users are having trouble using this feature from Google Maps. Users have complained that they are unable to invoke street view by tapping the blue line on the map.

As soon as one tries to use the feature, it either shows an error or the screen goes black. Moreover, this bug is affecting users on different platforms including macOS, Windows, and Android.

Here are some reports for reference:

When i try to put the little man on the blue lines in Maps i get a white screen with an error message, My OS is unto date running Catalina 10.15.7 and safari is up to date. this is the message i get, and nothing happens when i reload (Source)

Same problem for me. Street view crashing with Firefox and Safari. With Google, gives an error but works after a refresh. I have disabled all addons without success. Everything is up to date. Firefox set in safe mode seems to work. Got this issue after OSX update. (Source)

Google Maps on Android does not allow users to tap on the blue line to evoke street view, while for Mac and Windows users it simply crashes and shows an error message or screen turns black respectively.

As per multiple reports (1, 2, 3) from users on different platforms, this feature has become unusable, while other things on Google Maps work completely fine.

This is likely a glitch in the Google Maps application as users have reported the same problem on different OS.

On the brighter side, there are some workarounds that can resolve broken street view functions on Macs and Windows. You can also try these below-mentioned workarounds and see if the issue gets resolved.

Workaround for Mac users:

– In the Safari Menu Bar, go to Develop >> Experimental Features >> then check both WebGL 2.0 and WebGL via Metal.

– In my case WebGL 2.0 was already checked, but not WebGL via Metal, and when that was checked it solved the problem for Safari.

– If Develop is not in the Safari Menu bar, go to Safari >> Preferences >> Advanced >> and tick “Show Develop menu in menu bar” down the bottom.

– Other browsers need enabling individually. (Source)

Workaround for Windows users using Chrome:

– Uninstall Chrome, then delete the google folder from your app data. C:\Users\\AppData\Local\

– Then reinstall. Everything you have synced will be restored once you log in again.

– Try Chrome beta. (Source)

Unfortunately, Google has not yet acknowledged Google Maps Street view not working issue, however, we hope that it gets sorted out as soon.

That said, we will keep you updated with the latest development of the Google Maps street view not working issue as and when anything new comes to our notice.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google section, so make sure to follow them as well.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.