Google Maps is down, but no one wants to use Apple Maps

We're all lost without Google Maps.
By Sasha Lekach  on 
The Google Maps icon on a phone resting on a laptop keyboard.
Google Maps isn't working. Credit: Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images

UPDATE: Mar. 18, 2022, 3:08 p.m. EDT Google Maps is back up and running all over the world as of Friday afternoon. A spokesperson said in an email statement that the issue had been resolved, "We can confirm that the technical issue from earlier today is now fixed." The original story follows below.


Google Maps went down Friday, March 18, for some users, making it difficult to find directions for driving, walking, biking and modes of transportation.

A Google spokesperson confirmed the outage with an email statement that explained, "We're seeing reports of difficulties accessing some Google Maps and Google Maps Platform services. Our team is investigating and working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

According to Downdetector (note the site is owned by Mashable's parent company), the outage started late Friday morning and is widespread throughout the U.S. Users in Europe, India, Australia, and other countries also reported issues with the mapping service.

A chart showing Google Maps outage
Definitely down. Credit: Downdetector

It's affecting both the desktop and app versions of the mapping platform. Other apps that use Google Maps are experiencing issues as well.

While Google figures out what's causing the problem, people are turning to Apple Maps as an alternative. Or not. Twitter is filling up with comments about avoiding using what's widely considered an inferior maps app.

There's always paper maps!

Topics Google

Mashable Image
Sasha Lekach

Sasha is a news writer at Mashable's San Francisco office. She's an SF native who went to UC Davis and later received her master's from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She's been reporting out of her hometown over the years at Bay City News (news wire), SFGate (the San Francisco Chronicle website), and even made it out of California to write for the Chicago Tribune. She's been described as a bookworm and a gym rat.


Recommended For You
'The Watchers' trailer: Dakota Fanning and M. Night Shyamalan team up for fresh scares
A group of men and women staring at something offscreen.

How to turn on 3D buildings in Google Maps navigation
Google Maps

Apple Maps may soon customize directions based on your car type
Apple Maps on a phone


The best WFH gear for staying focused, keeping fit, and getting stuff done
fitbit, standing desk, and loftie alarm clock on grid background

More in Tech
Memorial Day sales are already kicking off — here's what you need to know
Person putting a sheet on a Leesa mattress.

A running list of the best deals on Mother's Day flower delivery
'love you forever' bouquet from the bouqs co.

The Supreme Court bolsters age verification rules for porn sites
A pair of hands typing on a laptop in the dark.

FKA twigs creates deepfake of herself, calls for AI regulation
FKA twigs speaks at Congressional Testimony.

Save $215 on a bundle package of NFL Sunday Ticket and YouTube TV
a group of three people sit together on a couch while drinking orange beverages from cups

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 4
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 4
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 4
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

53 of the best Harvard University courses you can take online for free
Hands on laptop

The best movies on Prime Video right now
By Kimber Myers
An Asian woman holds a sword; a boy rides a dragon; a Black man in a suit faces forward
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!