[Updated] Here's how to hide Google Maps left sidebar with 'Saved' & 'Recents' options

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on April 27, 2023) follows:

Google Maps is one of the most widely used navigation services that helps make one’s commute simpler, thanks to its useful features.

Google Maps for desktop recently got a UX/UI change which introduces a left sidebar allowing one to easily access the menu, Recents, and Saved options.

However, it appears that some users don’t like this change.

According to multiple complaints (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9), Google Maps users are unhappy with the recently introduced left sidebar and are actively looking for ways to hide or disable it.

Users say that the sidebar is visually unappealing and not useful to them as they barely use the options available on it. Some even claim that it wastes the precious screen space on their laptop and desktop devices.

And to add to their frustration, Google has not provided an option to collapse or disable it altogether.

Notably, Google Maps users are also accustomed to the old ultra-wide navigation layout and want it to stay that way.

At some point this week, I now have this left-side “recents” tool bar in Google Maps. I don’t want this. It is terribly visually distracting, and I just want it to go away.
Source

Hello, how can I get rid of the huge new white sidebar that is occupying so much of my screen?
Source

Fortunately, we have come across a workaround that will help you hide the left sidebar in Google Maps. You simply need to click and expand the Saved tab to make the collapse button appear on the sidebar.

However, it is worth mentioning that clicking on the collapse button will also hide the search bar.

Having said that, we’ll keep tabs on this topic and update this article as and when something noteworthy comes up.

02:19 pm (IST): Google has reportedly added a toggle to disable the sidebar from Google Maps.

Note: There are 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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