Google Maps on Android no longer lets you book Uber rides

By Lulu Chang Updated June 18, 2018

In early 2017, Google announced that it would be adding a feature to Google Maps allowing customers to book an Uber without having to leave the Google Maps app. Now, however, it looks like that feature is on the way out — Google announced it is removing Uber functionality from Google Maps altogether.

The news was first picked up by Android Police from a Google support page, which gets straight to the point in saying that “you can no longer book Uber rides directly in Google Maps.”

Recommended Videos

It’s not currently known why Google removed the feature from Maps. It’s possible that Google and Uber have simply decided to end the program. It’s also possible that the relationship between Uber and Google is getting rockier, especially as they begin competing in the self-driving car business. On top of that, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, made a large investment in Lyft late last year, so it’s possible that had something to do with the decision.

Another possibility is that Uber prefers people to use the Uber app instead. Uber has been known for collecting data through its app since it first started, with the practice sometimes landing the company in hot water. While Uber can still collect data through integrating with Google Maps, it’s likely it can’t collect quite as much.

It’s important to note that integration between the two services isn’t completely gone. You can still open Google Maps up and select an Uber to get to your location, but once you do you’ll be taken to the Uber app instead of being able to complete the ride straight from the Google Maps app. That’s how you’ve always had to book rides through other ridesharing services — you’ve never been able to book a Lyft straight from Google Maps, for example.

Of course, it’s not unexpected to see the feature removed. It’s actually now only being removed from Android — the iOS version of Google Maps lost the feature almost a year ago. Regardless of why the feature was removed from Google Maps, you now need the Uber app to complete Uber rides — which you can download for Android here.

Updated on June 16: You can no longer book Uber rides from Google Maps.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

Mobile

Google Messages may receive features you never knew were missing

The Google Messages app on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Google may be upgrading Google Messages with the ability for users to mention other people in group chats and send links and QR codes.

According to a report from 9to5Google, a recent APK teardown for the latest beta for the Android messaging app, version 20250331_02_RC00, suggests it's planning to implement support for the aforementioned features that not everyone noticed was missing from their group chats before. You'll be able to mention someone in the group chat to get their attention when you need to directly ask or tell them something related to a topic being discussed, and enable notifications for when someone mentions you. You will also have the option to snooze notifications in increments of one, eight and 24 hours, as well as "Always." However, you may not be able to snooze notifications for certain group chats.

Mobile

Here’s when you can buy the Google Pixel 9a

Alleged depiction of Google Pixel 9a.

After a tidal wave of rumors and leaks, the Google Pixel 9a saw an official announcement earlier this month — and now we know it will be available for purchase on April 10 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. On April 14, the Pixel 9a will make its way to an additional 23 European countries, before finally arriving in India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia on April 16.

This midrange budget handset will start at $499 for the 128GB model, with a bump up to $599 for the 256GB model. It has a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, paired with a maximum brightness of 2700 nits. That means you'll be able to use it in direct sunlight without worrying about visibility.

Mobile

Gemini in Google Maps now lets you plan a vacation from screenshots

Google Maps on the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.

How often do you take screenshots of exciting destinations from travel blogs and TikTok videos but forget about them entirely when you're planning your next vacation? Don't fuss if the answer is "plenty." The increasing information overload leaves little room for memories of a fascinating spot in another random part of the world. Thankfully, the new Gemini AI features in Google Maps can do just that, so your interesting saves don't go buried under the myriad screenshots on your phone.

After recently receiving Gemini's superpowers to assist you in discovering places, Google Maps is gaining the ability to look through your screenshots to help you plan travels. The Maps app is getting a new "screenshot list" feature that will identify text from your screenshots and open up details on Google Maps. Google's blog post also says you can save useful places in a list, which can be shared with others who might be traveling with you.