Google Maps normally shows north at the top of the screen. Rotating the map so it lines up with the direction you’re facing, or with a street layout, can make it much easier to get your bearings. You can rotate Google Maps on a phone with a simple two-finger gesture, and on a computer in the 3D satellite view. Here’s how to do both, plus how to snap the map back to north.
Quick answer
On iPhone or Android, place two fingers on the map and twist them. On a computer, switch to Satellite view, then hold Ctrl and drag the map with your mouse. Tap or click the compass to reset the map to north.
How to rotate Google Maps on iPhone and Android
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Find the area you want to view.
- Place two fingers on the map, slightly apart.
- Twist your fingers clockwise or counterclockwise, like turning a dial. The map rotates as you move.
- Lift your fingers when the map is oriented the way you want.
A small compass icon appears on the map as soon as it isn’t facing north. The red tip of the needle always points north, so you can keep track of direction while the map is rotated.
If the map zooms instead of rotating, your fingers are moving apart or together rather than turning. Keep the distance between them about the same and rotate.
Tilt the map
To get a 3D angle, place two fingers on the map and slide them up together. Slide down to flatten the view again. Buildings appear in 3D in many cities when you zoom in closely.
How to rotate Google Maps on a computer
In a web browser, rotation works in the 3D Satellite view. The standard map view stays north-up.
- Go to Google Maps in your browser and search for a location.
- Click the Layers box in the lower-left corner and choose Satellite.
- Make sure Globe view is on so the map can display in 3D. This is usually enabled by default.
- Hold down Ctrl and click and drag the map left or right to rotate it. Dragging up or down tilts it.
You can also use the controls in the lower-right corner. The compass there has small arrows on each side that turn the map in steps, and a 3D or tilt button changes the viewing angle.
If rotation doesn’t work, your browser may not support WebGL or hardware acceleration may be off. Try updating your browser or switching to Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
How to reset Google Maps to north
- On a phone: Tap the compass icon on the map. It snaps back to north and the compass disappears.
- On a computer: Click the compass in the lower-right corner.
When you’re following directions in the app, Google Maps rotates the map automatically so the road ahead points up. This is called heading up. If you’d rather keep north at the top while you drive:
- Tap your profile picture and choose Settings.
- Open Navigation settings (labeled Navigation on iPhone).
- Turn on Keep map north up.
During navigation, you can also tap the compass to switch between heading up and north up for that trip.
Check which way you’re facing
On your phone, the blue dot that marks your location has a lighter blue beam coming out of it. The beam shows the direction your phone is pointing. Rotate the map so the beam points toward the top of the screen and the map will match what’s in front of you.
If the beam is very wide or points the wrong way, the phone’s compass needs calibrating. Tap the blue dot, choose Calibrate, and follow the prompts, which usually involve moving the phone in a figure-eight motion. Moving away from metal objects and electronics also helps.
Look around in Street View
Street View is another way to see a place from any direction. Drag the yellow Pegman onto a highlighted street on a computer, or tap a photo of the street on your phone, then drag across the image to turn in a full circle. See our guide on using Street View on iPhone for details.
Why rotate the map?
- Walking directions: Matching the map to the direction you’re facing makes turns easier to judge.
- Grid cities: Some street grids, like Manhattan’s, are angled. Rotating lines the streets up with the screen.
- Planning: Seeing a property, park, or trail from a different angle in satellite view can show details you’d miss.
- Screenshots: A rotated map can fit a long route or area better on the screen.
For other ways to change what the map shows, see how to turn off labels in Google Maps.
Related: How to find coordinates on Google Maps.
Related: Turn on dark mode in Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I rotate Google Maps on my computer?
Rotation only works in Satellite view with 3D (Globe view) available. In the default map view, the map stays fixed with north at the top.
How do I know which way is north after rotating?
Look at the compass icon. The red end of the needle points north.
Can I lock rotation so I don’t turn the map by accident?
There’s no option to disable the gesture, but you can tap the compass any time to return to north. During navigation, turning on Keep map north up keeps the map from rotating automatically.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.