Google Maps has added a new feature that solves one of the most frustrating problems for drivers: losing your route when GPS cuts out in tunnels.
Until now, anyone driving through underground roads—especially complex ones like the multi-branch tunnels at La Défense near Paris—knew how unreliable navigation could get once the signal dropped. The fix? Google Maps can now connect to Bluetooth beacons that are already installed in many tunnels, keeping navigation smooth and uninterrupted.
How to turn it on (Android only)
Because iOS restricts background Bluetooth use, the feature is only available on Android for now. Enabling it takes just a few steps:
- Open Google Maps and go to Settings.
- Tap Navigation → Driving Options.
- Switch on Tunnel Bluetooth Beacon.
- Grant the requested permissions.
From then on, Google Maps will continue giving real-time directions even when GPS reception disappears underground.
Why it matters
The technology isn’t new—Waze users have had it for years—but this marks its debut on Google Maps. With Bluetooth beacons already widely deployed in Paris and other major French cities, drivers can expect a more reliable navigation experience where GPS usually fails.
Looking ahead, the same approach could extend beyond tunnels to places like underground parking garages, train stations, and large shopping centers. It’s a small but meaningful upgrade that helps ensure your route stays on track, no matter where the signal drops.
