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Welcome to the 'How to sign in to Google Maps' video course. In this video, you'll learn how to make the most of Google Maps by signing in with your Google Account. You can use Google Maps without signing in, but when you do, you can save trips and addresses, quickly find favourite places, and get more personalised search results.
This demonstration uses the Google Maps app on a Samsung Android phone, and the steps will be similar on an iPhone, or in a browser on a computer. To start, you should be signed in to your Android phone with the Google Account you created when you set up your device. Google Maps also needs to know your location, and you can turn this on in the Settings menu of your device.
Let's do that now from the Apps screen. Tap the Settings icon, then scroll the menu for an option called Location. Tap it to open the menu. Then tap the switch at the top to turn it on. You'll also need to give the Google Maps app permission to access your device's location. To do this, tap App permissions. If you've used Google Maps before, the app icon will be at the top. If not, you can scroll the list and tap on it to see the options. 'Allow all the time' means Google Maps can Use your location, even when you're not using the app. 'Allow only while using the app' limits the time it can access your location to while the app is active. 'Ask every time' requires you to give the app permission to use your location each time you use it. 'Don't allow' means the app can't use your location, and that some mapping features won't work.
For this demonstration, we'll leave permission set to only while using the app. Tap the Home button to return to the Home screen. You can always turn off Location settings and change app permissions if you don't want Google Maps to track your location. Now, to sign in to Google Maps, find the Google Map icon on the Home screen. By default, it will be in the Google folder. Tap on it, then tap on Google Maps to open the app.
Because you are signed in to your device with your Google Account, you should be automatically signed in to Google Maps when the app opens. To check, find the Account Circle on the right of the Search here bar. It should show the profile icon you use for your account, such as an initial or an image. Tap on it to open the Google Account app. Your account name will display in the panel, confirming that you are signed in. Tap the cross in the top left to close the panel and start using Google Maps.
You've learned about Location and App permissions settings, and how to sign in to Google Maps using your Google Account. If you're unsure about any steps, you can rewind the video. If you're ready to move on, there are many other courses to explore on Be Connected.