Google has begun rolling out a refreshed Settings page for Google Maps, addressing one of the app’s longest-unchanged areas with a cleaner, more organised design.
The updated Settings screen marks one of the few remaining sections of Google Maps that had seen little change for years. The redesign focuses on improving usability rather than introducing a dramatic visual overhaul.
At present, the new layout is rolling out to a limited group of users and is available through beta builds on Pixel devices.
Seven clear sections improve navigation
The most noticeable change is the new structure. Settings are now divided into seven broad categories, making it easier for users to find what they need without excessive scrolling.
The categories include: Apps and display, Navigation, Your vehicles, Location and privacy, Offline maps, Notifications, and About and terms. This reorganisation smooths movement across the Settings page.
Sign-out button easy to find
One of the most practical updates is the relocation of the “Sign out of Google Maps” option. Previously buried at the bottom of the page, the sign-out button is now prominently placed and immediately accessible.
This small but meaningful change addresses a long-standing user complaint.
Google has also changed how users exit the Settings page. The traditional back arrow in the top-left corner has been replaced by an “X” button in the top-right corner.
This new approach allows users to close the Settings screen more quickly and aligns with navigation patterns seen in other Google apps.
Settings reorganised, not fully redesigned
Some options have been moved into more appropriate menus, improving logical grouping across the page. However, certain sections—such as Navigation—remain largely unchanged from previous versions.
While usability has improved, the redesign stops short of a full visual transformation.
Despite the refresh, the Settings page does not yet fully adopt Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language. This stands out because much of the Google Maps interface already uses the newer visual style.
The inconsistency is especially noticeable as the account switcher that links to Settings already features Material 3 Expressive elements.
Limited rollout on Pixel phones
The redesigned Settings page is currently visible in Google Maps version 26.02.07.x beta on Pixel smartphones. According to 9to5Google, the new layout is also live for some users on version 25.49, the stable release.
This suggests Google has begun a phased rollout, even though a full app-wide update had been expected.
Several Google apps, including Clock and Phone by Google, have already completed full Settings redesigns. Meanwhile, apps such as Maps, Gmail, and Calendar continue to lag behind in fully adopting the latest design language.
For now, the Google Maps Settings refresh improves functionality but leaves room for a more cohesive visual update in the future.
