To switch between miles and kilometers in the iPhone Maps app, open Settings > Apps > Maps (on iOS 17 and earlier, Settings > Maps), and under Distances, tap In Miles or In Kilometers. The change applies right away to directions, distances, and speed limits in Apple Maps.
Below you’ll also find how to change units in Google Maps and Waze, how your region setting affects units everywhere on your iPhone, and what to do if Maps still shows the wrong unit.
How to change distance units in Apple Maps
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Apps, then Maps. On iOS 17 and earlier, tap Maps directly in Settings.
- Under Distances, tap In Miles or In Kilometers.
- Open Maps. Distances and directions now use your chosen unit.
This also changes units in CarPlay, since CarPlay uses the same Maps settings.
How to change units in Google Maps on iPhone
- Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture.
- Tap Settings, then Navigation (or look for Distance units on the main Settings screen in some versions).
- Under Distance units, choose Automatic, Kilometers, or Miles.
How to change units in Waze
Tap My Waze > the Settings gear > General > Units, and choose Kilometers or Miles.
Change the measurement system for your whole iPhone
Your region setting controls units in many apps, including Weather and Health.
- Go to Settings > General > Language & Region.
- Tap Measurement System and choose US, UK, or Metric.
The Apple Maps Distances setting overrides this for Maps only. Temperature has its own setting in the same Language & Region menu.
Why does Maps still show the wrong unit?
- Force-close Maps and reopen it. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, then swipe Maps away.
- Check the app. Make sure you changed the setting for the app you actually use, since Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze are separate.
- Speed limit signs follow the local road signs in some regions, even if your distance setting is different.
- Restart your iPhone if the setting still doesn’t take effect.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see the Distances option?
In some regions and iOS versions, Apple Maps follows your Measurement System setting instead of offering a separate option. Change it in Language & Region.
Does changing units affect saved places or routes?
No. Only the way distances are displayed changes.
Can I use kilometers for driving and miles for walking?
No. Apple Maps uses the same unit for all types of travel.
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.