How do I change the volume on my navigation voice?

In-car navigation systems have become increasingly common in vehicles over the past decade. These systems provide turn-by-turn directions and routing assistance through voice guidance and visual displays. With the rise of smartphone integration in cars, many navigation systems now connect to phones to deliver advanced features like real-time traffic updates, point of interest searching, and streamlined operation.

While technology has improved navigation systems considerably, interacting with them still requires some learning, especially when it comes to adjusting settings like voice guidance volume. This guide will provide an overview of the various methods available to modify your navigation voice volume in modern vehicles.

Locating Volume Controls

There are a few common places to look for adjusting the volume of your navigation voice prompts on an iPhone.

On most newer iPhone models running iOS 15 or later, volume controls can be found directly within the Apple Maps app. Open Maps and start navigation, then tap the speaker icon in the bottom left corner. A volume slider will appear allowing you to adjust the navigation voice volume up or down. This provides granular control right within the Maps interface (Apple Discussions).

Many cars with Apple CarPlay integration also allow adjusting Maps volume from the head unit or steering wheel controls. Check for a volume knob or buttons on your dashboard or wheel when Maps is active. This lets you change voice prompt volume without looking at your phone.

You can also use Siri voice commands to change the volume. Say something like “Hey Siri, turn up my navigation volume” and Siri will increase the voice volume. Voice commands give hands-free control while driving.

Lastly, your iPhone’s volume buttons can be used, though this will increase or decrease all system volume, not just navigation. It’s less precise but still an option if other methods don’t work.

On the Infotainment Screen

Many modern vehicles come equipped with built-in infotainment systems that integrate navigation functionality. These systems typically have touchscreens that allow you to control various settings directly through the interface.

To adjust the volume of the navigation voice guidance on the infotainment screen:

Look for an icon on the screen that looks like a speaker, microphone, or volume bars. This is usually located in the bottom bar or slide-out menu.
Tap on the volume icon to open the volume controls.
Use the on-screen slider or + and – buttons to raise or lower the navigation volume.

Some systems may have separate controls for navigation volume vs. music or call volume.
Try tapping on the navigation icon to isolate just the navigation audio.
Once you find the right navigation volume slider, you can fine tune it to your liking.

If you don’t see an obvious volume control, check your owner’s manual or the automaker’s website for instructions specific to your vehicle model and infotainment system.

Using Steering Wheel Controls

Many vehicles come equipped with buttons on the steering wheel to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. This includes buttons to adjust volume. There are typically volume up and volume down buttons on one or both sides of the steering wheel.

When using navigation or media apps like Spotify or Apple Music through your phone’s Bluetooth connection, the volume buttons on the steering wheel will control that audio volume. For example, if you’re using Google Maps navigation through Android Auto on your phone, clicking the volume up button on the steering wheel will increase the navigation voice volume.¹

The same goes for iPhone users running Apple Maps via CarPlay. The CarPlay navigation voice can be turned up or down using the steering wheel buttons without needing to touch your phone.² This allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

If the volume buttons are unresponsive, make sure the car audio system is set to control external or Bluetooth audio sources. There may be a “Media” or “Source” button to toggle between device audio and radio controls.

Through Voice Commands

One convenient way to change the volume on your navigation voice is by using voice commands. Many newer vehicles come equipped with voice command capabilities that allow you to control certain features just by speaking. According to this forum post, you may be able to say phrases like “Navigation volume up” or “Navigation volume down” to raise or lower the voice volume hands-free.

The specific command phrases can vary depending on your vehicle’s infotainment system and settings. You may need to consult your owner’s manual to find the accepted commands. Voice commands provide a simple hands-free method to make quick audio adjustments while staying focused on the road.

On the Navigation Unit

For vehicles that have detachable navigation units, the easiest way to change the navigation voice volume is directly through the settings on the unit itself. Most navigation units will have physical volume buttons, often located on the side or front of the device, that allow you to turn the volume up or down. Pressing these buttons when the navigation voice is speaking will adjust its volume relative to the general media volume.

Additionally, most units have settings menus where you can specifically control the navigation voice volume, separate from the media volume. On a Garmin navigation system, for example, you can go to the Settings menu, select Volume, and then adjust the Guidance Volume slider to your preferred level [1]. This allows precision control over how loud the verbal directions are.

Setting the volume directly on the navigation unit is often the simplest way to change the loudness of the navigation prompts without affecting any other audio output in the vehicle. Just make sure you are adjusting the navigation or guidance volume specifically, and not just the general media volume.

In Your Phone’s Settings

For phone-based navigation like Apple Maps or Google Maps, you can adjust the voice volume directly in your iPhone or Android device’s settings. This allows you to control the loudness of navigation prompts independent of your device’s overall system volume.

On an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, open the Settings app and go to Maps > Navigation Voice Volume. From here you can drag the slider to your preferred loudness level. Lower values will decrease the voice volume, while higher values make it louder. You can also toggle voice guidance on or off entirely.

On Android devices, open the Settings app and go to Apps > Maps > Navigation voice level. Choose from No voice, Low, Medium, High, or Automatic levels. The Automatic setting will adjust the volume based on your surroundings.¹

Adjusting the navigation voice volume in your phone’s settings is the simplest way to control loudness without any external accessories. Just be aware it will persist across all navigation apps, so you may want to fine-tune on a per-app basis.

Troubleshooting Tips

Navigation voice issues can often be easily resolved by trying some basic troubleshooting steps. Here are some solutions for common problems with navigation voice volume:

Make sure the volume on your phone is turned up. The navigation voice volume is separate from your phone’s overall volume, so check that the volume slider or buttons on your device are set to a loud enough level.

Check for any software volume limiters activated in your settings. Go to your phone’s main settings menu and look for options like “Volume Limit” or “Volume Restrictions” to make sure you haven’t capped the max volume allowed.

Try force closing and reopening the maps/navigation app. Sometimes restarting the app can resolve temporary glitches with the voice.

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as navigation voice requires a data connection. Try moving to an area with better signal strength.

Make sure voice guidance is enabled in your navigation app settings. There may be a toggle to turn navigation voice on or off.

Update to the latest version of the navigation app and your phone software/firmware. Outdated apps and OS can cause voice issues.

As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling the navigation app. This erases any corrupted files that could be preventing voice from working properly.

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting tips and are still experiencing no voice during navigation, your phone may require service or you may need an external accessory to amplify the volume.

Third-Party Accessories

In some cases, using third-party accessories can help provide additional volume control or boost the navigation voice on CarPlay systems. Popular options include:

External Bluetooth speakers – Many people connect wireless Bluetooth speakers to their phone while using CarPlay, allowing independent volume control of the navigation voice.

Amplifiers – low-cost amplifiers can be installed inline to boost navigation volume from the head unit to the vehicle’s speaker system.

Volume control knobs – Physical volume knobs like this 5-pin encoder can override and control volume levels from third-party devices including CarPlay.

Upgraded head units – Aftermarket receivers and head units often provide more customizable volume settings for navigation voices.

While third-party accessories require additional purchases and installation, they remain popular options to enhance CarPlay’s native navigation voice volume which may be too low for some users.

Conclusion

Adjusting the voice volume on your navigation system does not have to be difficult. The easiest ways are to use the on-screen controls, steering wheel buttons, or voice commands. If those are not working, checking your phone’s media volume or third-party accessories like an amplifier can help troubleshoot the issue.

The most important things to remember are:

Try different volume buttons on your infotainment screen or steering wheel to see which one controls navigation volume
Speak clearly and directly into the microphone when using voice commands

Make sure your phone’s volume is turned up if using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
Check connected amplifiers or adapters for independent volume controls

With some trial and error, you will find the optimum navigation voice volume for your driving needs. Don’t hesitate to consult your owner’s manual or dealer if you need additional guidance.