Can I use Waze via Bluetooth?
What is Waze?
Waze is a crowdsourced navigation app owned by Google that provides real-time traffic updates and routing. The app relies on information from users to identify accidents, traffic jams, road hazards, speed traps and more in real-time. This allows Waze to calculate more accurate ETAs and route users around problems on the road (Source).
The free app launched in 2008 and was acquired by Google in 2013. It now has over 140 million active monthly users globally. Waze operates on a freemium model, offering free turn-by-turn navigation funded by location-based advertisements. Users can also pay for a subscription service called Waze Carpool to connect with others going the same way.
Does Waze Support Bluetooth?
Currently, Waze’s Bluetooth support is limited to directing the audio of voice navigation prompts and alerts to connected Bluetooth devices like speakers or car audio systems (as per https://support.google.com/waze/answer/6291187?hl=en). Waze does not support full Bluetooth integration that allows controlling or navigating the app via Bluetooth devices like car entertainment systems or smartwatches.
The Waze app has partial integration with Android Auto, which can utilize a Bluetooth connection between an Android phone and compatible car audio system. However, the Android Auto integration does not enable full Bluetooth control of Waze.
So in summary, the only Bluetooth functionality Waze currently offers is the ability to play navigation voice prompts audio through connected Bluetooth speakers or car audio. You cannot interact with or control the Waze app itself using Bluetooth devices or connections.
Pairing Waze with Bluetooth
To pair Waze with a Bluetooth device, you need to follow these steps:
1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and in-car system or Bluetooth speaker. On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure it is turned on.
2. Open the Waze app on your phone. Tap the menu icon in the top left and go to Settings > Voice & sound.
3. Under “Sound”, tap “Play sound via” and select “Bluetooth media audio” or “Bluetooth phone call.”
4. Waze will now search for available Bluetooth devices. Select the device you want to pair Waze with from the list.
5. Confirm pairing on both your phone and the receiving device. You may need to enter a passcode or confirm the connection.
6. Once successfully paired, all of Waze’s audio should now play through your Bluetooth device. You can test it by getting directions to a nearby destination.
For more details, see Waze’s instructions here: https://support.google.com/waze/answer/6291187?hl=en
Advantages of Using Bluetooth with Waze
Using Bluetooth with Waze provides some key advantages, especially around hands-free use and audio streaming. By pairing your phone with your car’s Bluetooth system, you can interact with Waze completely hands-free. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel for safety.
Bluetooth pairing enables Waze’s audio voice guidance to come through your car speakers or headset. This makes it much easier to hear the navigation prompts over road noise compared to just using your phone’s small speakers. Audio streaming via Bluetooth also allows you to listen to music, podcasts, and other audio while navigating with Waze.
Hands-free use is cited by Google as a key benefit of their Waze Beacon program which uses Bluetooth to provide navigation and alerts inside tunnels where GPS is unavailable.
Allowing Waze voice commands and audio through your car Bluetooth system creates a safer, more seamless navigation experience compared to constantly handling and glancing at your phone.
Disadvantages of Waze via Bluetooth
While using Waze through Bluetooth in your car can be convenient, there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
One disadvantage is the potential for connectivity issues. Bluetooth can sometimes experience intermittent cutting out, especially if there is interference from other devices. This can disrupt navigation prompts and announcements from Waze.[1]
Another downside is the limited controls available while using Waze via Bluetooth. You may only be able to control basic functions like start/stop navigation prompts. More advanced features like searching for destinations, reporting traffic or hazards, and controlling music playback may be unavailable without handling your phone directly.
Additionally, some users report lower sound quality and volume control problems when streaming Waze audio over Bluetooth. The device volume controls in Waze may not integrate well with your car’s Bluetooth system.[2]
In summary, using Waze via Bluetooth lacks some of the seamless integration and control that directly connecting your phone can provide. So while it offers hands-free convenience, it has some disadvantages to consider as well.
[1]“What are the disadvantages of using Waze as compared to Apple Maps and Google Maps?,” Quora, https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-disadvantages-of-using-Waze-as-compared-to-Apple-Maps-and-Google-Maps
[2]“Why So Low Volume Output?,” Waze Forums, https://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=48904
Waze Bluetooth Compatibility
Waze has limited compatibility with Bluetooth devices and head units. For iPhone users, Waze audio and voice navigation will work with most built-in car stereo systems, head units, and speakers over Bluetooth. However, there are some reports of issues with select car models like Honda and Toyota. For Android users, Waze’s compatibility is more limited, and audio may only work partially or not at all with some car stereos over Bluetooth.
Some users have specifically reported Waze working fully with Bluetooth systems in cars like Ford Sync 3, Chevy MyLink, and Subaru StarLink. Aftermarket stereo systems like those from JVC, Kenwood, and Pioneer also seem to have decent Waze Bluetooth support. But overall compatibility will depend on your exact smartphone model and OS version, as well as the car’s firmware and Bluetooth system.
If you are having issues getting Waze audio to work properly over Bluetooth, try updating your phone OS, the car firmware, and Waze to the latest versions. You can also check forums to see if others with your car model have posted solutions. Just note that Bluetooth integration with Waze can be imperfect depending on your system.
Using Waze Voice Commands
Waze offers voice control features that allow drivers to use certain Waze functions without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. This can help promote safer driving by minimizing distractions.
With Waze voice commands, you can ask Waze to do things like:
- Get directions to a destination
- Report traffic, crashes, speed traps, etc.
- Play music
- Call contacts
- Control volume
To enable voice commands in Waze, you need to connect your Waze app to a voice assistant like Google Assistant, Siri or Alexa. The set up process varies a bit depending on platform (Android vs iOS) and which voice assistant you use.
In general, you’ll need to go into your Waze app settings and enable the option to share information with your chosen voice assistant (like Google Assistant). Then you can say voice commands to your phone while using Waze to control certain functions hands-free.
Voice commands can be handy for drivers but do have some limitations. Complex queries don’t always work well, and background noise can interfere with voice recognition accuracy. But for basic commands, it provides a safer alternative to tapping within the app.
(Sources: https://support.google.com/waze/answer/9332876?hl=en, https://www.lifewire.com/enable-waze-voice-commands-4178495)
Alternatives to Bluetooth
While Bluetooth is a convenient wireless option, there are other ways to connect your phone and use Waze if Bluetooth is not supported or not working properly:
Wired Connections
One alternative is to use a wired connection between your phone and car stereo. For Android devices, you can use an Android Auto compatible USB cable to mirror your phone’s screen and apps onto your car display. According to Google Support, Waze is fully integrated with Android Auto, allowing you to access navigation and voice commands hands-free.
For iPhones, you can use a Lightning to USB or HDMI cable to connect to your car’s infotainment system. This allows you to view and control Waze directly from your car’s screen if it supports CarPlay.
WiFi Casting
Another option is to use WiFi casting or mirroring to display your phone’s screen on your car display. For example, Miracast for Android or AirPlay for iPhone allow you to wirelessly mirror your Waze navigation to compatible car stereos. While this requires an initial WiFi connection, it does not rely on Bluetooth after setup.
These wired and wireless alternatives provide ways to view Waze on your car’s infotainment system without needing direct Bluetooth support from the app.
The Future of Waze and Bluetooth
Waze has been continually improving and expanding its Bluetooth capabilities over the years. Most recently in December 2022, Waze announced its first ever dedicated navigation app built into car displays that utilizes Bluetooth for pairing and voice commands (1). This shows Waze’s commitment to enhancing the Bluetooth experience for drivers.
Looking ahead, Waze is likely to further capitalize on Bluetooth technology. For example, Waze may integrate Bluetooth beacons into its apps, similar to a feature already offered by Google Maps. Bluetooth beacons allow for more accurate navigation and positioning, especially in areas like tunnels where GPS signals are weak (2). Support for additional in-car infotainment systems via Bluetooth is also a possibility.
On the iOS side, Waze will need to continue optimizing its Bluetooth implementation as Apple makes changes to Bluetooth protocols in future iOS versions. Smoother Bluetooth connectivity and responsiveness can be expected in the Waze iOS app.
In summary, the future looks promising for expanded Bluetooth capabilities in Waze across both Android and iOS platforms. Bluetooth technology combined with Waze’s crowdsourced navigation offers drivers an ever-improving connected driving experience.
Summary
To recap, Waze does have the ability to connect to your vehicle’s Bluetooth system, allowing you to access Waze’s navigation and traffic avoidance features hands-free. Pairing Waze with Bluetooth has several notable benefits, such as enabling voice commands and keeping your eyes on the road. However, there are some limitations to be aware of too. The connection can sometimes be spotty, especially when switching between apps on your phone. Audio quality may also suffer compared to a wired connection.
Overall, using Waze via Bluetooth is a convenient option for many drivers looking to access real-time navigation and traffic updates hands-free. Just be prepared for potential audio cuts or disconnections at times. As Bluetooth technology continues to improve, the Waze Bluetooth experience will likely become faster and more seamless as well.