Google Maps issue with "Continue" button on multi-stop routes escalated, but there's a workaround

Update 25/06/24 11:03 am (IST): A product expert on Google’s support forums has confirmed that a fix for the issue is rolling out. Here’s their full statement:

I was notified by the Maps team that a fix was rolled out, and I just tested and works at my end. Unfortunately, they did not say if the fix requires a specific version of the Maps app, I asked for more details. I updated the Maps app on my phone to version 11.131.0102 (#1067550236) four days ago but I was not able to test it until today. I see that many of you posted in the past few days that version 11.131.0102 does not work for you, but did not specify the build number, the numbers between parenthesis.

So, I’d suggest installing the latest update (if available) and checking to see if the bug persists. If it does, then you can simply pull down your notification shade and tap the ‘Resume navigation’ option from the active Google Maps notification. This workaround has done the trick for a few users.

Original article published on June 4, 2024 follows:

A recent Google Maps update has left users frustrated as the app’s multi-stop route planning feature has malfunctioned, rendering the “Continue” button useless and disrupting journeys with multiple destinations. This essential tool, particularly beneficial for delivery drivers and road-trippers, allows for seamless navigation between multiple stops, automatically recalculating the optimal route as each destination is reached. Luckily, this issue has been forwarded to the Google Maps team for further investigation, and even better is that there’s an actual workaround to try as you wait for the official fix.

The multi-stop feature allows Google Maps users to input multiple destinations and receive optimized directions for each leg of their trip. Upon arriving at a stop, users typically tap the “Continue” button to proceed to the next destination. However, the latest update to version 11.130.0102 seems to have broken this functionality. After arriving at a designated stop, users are finding that the “Continue” button, which should prompt the app to guide them to the next location, becomes unresponsive. Instead of proceeding to the next destination, users are stuck at their current stop, forced to manually restart their journey from that point.

Reports of this issue have flooded Reddit, X and Google’s forums over the past few days, with users expressing their frustration and seeking solutions. The malfunctioning “Continue” button has caused significant inconvenience, especially for those who have meticulously planned complex routes with multiple stops.

A product expert on the Google forums has acknowledged the widespread nature of the problem and escalated the issue to Google for further investigation. While the exact cause remains unclear, it appears that Google Maps version 11.130.0102 for Android is the primary culprit, potentially affecting a significant number of users across multiple Android versions. So far, it seems iOS users remain unaffected.

Common troubleshooting steps, such as clearing cache, reinstalling the app, or rebooting the device, have proven ineffective in resolving the issue. Some users have found temporary relief by downgrading to an earlier version of Google Maps, but this workaround requires disabling automatic updates to prevent the problematic version from being reinstalled.

While a permanent fix from Google is awaited, a temporary workaround exists to continue using multi-stop routes despite the broken “Continue” button. After reaching a stop and the “Continue” button fails to respond, tap on the notification bar at the top of your Android phone screen. This should reveal a drop-down menu where you can find the “Resume navigation” option. Tapping on it should initiate navigation to your next stop.

Google is actively investigating the problem, and a fix is expected to be released soon. In the meantime, affected users are encouraged to share their device’s software versions on Google’s forums to aid in identifying the root cause and expediting the development of a solution.

The broken “Continue” button in Google Maps highlights the importance of thorough testing and quality assurance in software development. It also serves as a reminder that even the most reliable tools can occasionally falter, leaving users to navigate unexpected detours in their digital journeys.

This issue comes as Google Maps users grapple with lost data due to the ongoing Timeline update, so hopefully it gets resolved soon.

Featured image: Google Blog