Google Maps 'Send directions to phone via SMS' option discontinued, leaves users disappointed

Google Maps is one of the most popular mapping services, used by over a billion people to explore the world or get directions.

The platform makes it easy for one to get information about businesses and other places as well. In addition to this, one can also conveniently get directions without opening the Google Maps app on their smartphones.

However, lately, users have started experiencing some issues.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9), some Google Maps users are facing an issue where they are unable to send directions to their phones by SMS.

Notably, this feature allows one to conveniently send navigation instructions from their desktop or laptop to their smartphone.

Users claim that directions are now delivered via push notifications, which they allege is an inconvenient method. This is because these often disappear, forcing one to start over when they need to access the directions again.

The lack of an SMS option has frustrated many, as they consider it a quick and dependable means to communicate directions.

One of those impacted says that they prefer instructions to be sent as messages. They add that one can easily re-read them and resume the navigation as and when required.

They also claim to be facing difficulties with navigation after the recent change.

Google maps no longer is sending directions to my phone. This just started happening. My phone is no longer on the list of devices. I have checked to make sure that both the computer and the phone are both logged into the same google account.
Source

Very bad decision on Google’s part I may change to another app I drive for a living and time is money.
Source

However, it appears that the company has recently discontinued this method.

Some are so irritated that they are now thinking of switching to alternative apps to access the desired feature. Users are now requesting the restoration of the text-to-mobile function and an option to keep a record of their travels as well.

It’s also worth noting that while the option to ‘Send directions to phone via SMS’ is no longer available, other ways of sharing directions, such as push notifications and email, remain operational.

So, you can still use these alternative channels to receive them on your mobile device.

Having said that, we will keep tabs on the issue with the Google Maps ‘Send directions to phone via SMS’ option and update you.

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

Featured image source: Google Maps

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