How to set Waze as default on iPhone? – Step by Step Guideline

By setting Waze as your default navigation app on both iPhone and Android can enhance your driving experience. Let’s see how to set Waze as default on iPhone

On iOS, you can use Siri shortcuts to make custom voice commands, directly open addresses in Waze, or integrate with Google apps like Gmail, or also by integrating with Apple CarPlay. Waze allows Android users to set Waze as the default app directly in Settings, clearing Google Maps default, or choosing Waze from location links. 

These methods ensure Waze is an easy navigation option. In the article below, I will cover all the methods that will guide you on how to set Waze as the default on iPhone or Android. 

How to set Waze as default on iPhone?

You can set up and use Waze as a default on iOS for navigation. As iOS does not allow directly setting Waze as a default, you can do this in these ways:

Requirements:

1. Google app: You can use Waze as a default navigation app, for it download the Google app.

Go to the Google app’s settings ➡ More ➡ Settings ➡ Default Apps.

2. Siri Shortcuts: You can get help from Siri commands and that will give you directions in Waze.
3. CarPlay: You can set Waze as default by using CarPlay.

Go to iOS settings ➡ General ➡ CarPlay ➡ Rearrange apps

Using Google app:

• Go to the App Store or download the Google app.
• Then open it and find your profile.
• Now go to the “Settings” and tap on it.
• Go to the “General” and click on it.
• Here, you will see different options, click on the last one “Default Apps”
• Click on “Default Apps” and a new page will open.
• Now you will see here different navigate from your location.
• Here, you can tap on the “Get” which appears next to the Waze App. 

Using Siri Shortcuts App:

• Download the Siri Shortcut app and launch it on your iPhone.
• In the next step, click on the “+” option in the upper right corner.
• Now click on “Add Action” select “Apps”, and then select Waze.
• Then tap on “Get Directions” and then add your destination.
• Now customize Siri commands like “Navigate with Waze”.
• For next time use, you just have to say “Hey Siri, navigate with Waze, to use Waze as a navigation app. 

Using Apple CarPlay:

• You need to connect your iPhone to the CarPlay system of your car.
• You can also connect it wirelessly if your car supports it.
• In this way, Waze will display as an app on your car’s display.
• Now click on Waze, it will then work and be used for navigation.
• It will provide you with turn-by-turn notifications and a traffic guide on the screen of the car. 

How to set Waze as default on Android?

• Download the Waze app on your mobile.
• Now Log-In to your Waze pp account.
• Go to the “Settings” of your mobile in Android.
• Then search out the “Application Manager” and tap on it.
• Now scroll down, find the Waze app, and tap on it.
• Here, a new page will be open, you will see an option “Open by Default”.
• Tap on this option, here you see an option “App Links”, Click on it.
• Here three options will be displayed, “Open in this app”, Ask every time”, and don’t open in this app.
• But you need to select the option “Open in this app”.
• In this way, you can navigate through the Waze instead of Google Maps. 

Set Waze settings for more reliable use:

• Open the Waze app on your Android device.
• Now click on the “More” menu.
• Go to “Settings” and find “General”.
• Make sure that your Location services are enabled to allow Waze to provide exact traffic information.
• To set and use Waze as a navigation app, select “Clear defaults” in the app settings.
• This will set your device to use Waze for future navigation. 

Benefits of Setting Waze as your Default Navigation:

• Waze provides traffic and hazard updates which allows you to avoid any delays.
• Provides highly reliable information and alerts.
• Waze also offers different route options based on your preferences. 

Troubleshooting tips:

While setting Waze as a default navigation, you can face several issues on both Android and iOS. These are:

• Android: If Waze is not appearing as a default option on your mobile, then make sure that the Waze app is updated to the latest version.
• iPhone: If Siri fails to recognize your Waze shortcut, then try to re-record the command.
• Enable Location: Make sure that the Location permission is enabled on your device

FAQs:

Q. Can you change the default map app on iPhone?

As iOS does not provide to change the default map app, you can do this through different other ways.

Q. Can I integrate with other apps like Gmail?

Yes, you can open an address from Gmail in the Waze app by selecting Waze as the navigation app.

Q. Can I switch back to another app after setting Waze as the default?

Yes, you can switch back on the Android by going to settings and following the process reverse.