Navigational glitch on Google Maps disrupts music management, resolution imminent
Google Maps Removes In-App Music Playback Controls on Android - A Bug or Intentional Decision?
Google Maps users on Android devices have recently experienced a change in the app's functionality, with the removal of in-app music playback controls in versions 25.28 and 25.29, around mid-July 2025. This change has left Android users without the ability to control music playback (play/pause, skip tracks) directly within the navigation interface using streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music.
The removal of these controls has been met with frustration since the functionality remains available on iOS devices, indicating that it was not a permanent intentional feature drop on all platforms. Initially, it was unclear whether this change was an intentional removal or a bug. However, Google has since acknowledged the issue and confirmed that it is a bug affecting the media playback controls on Google Maps. The tech giant is actively working to fix the issue to restore the user experience for Android users.
By July 24, 2025, a partial fix was rolled out, with controls returning via a server-side fix. However, some user interface kinks remain, such as needing to expand the media card before controls would appear.
The disappearance of music controls could potentially be linked to the discontinuation of Google Assistant Driving mode, which featured a media control bar similar to Google Maps. If this removal is intentional, it will be the second recent removal of a popular feature from Google Maps, following the removal of Assistant Driving mode.
The media control bar, which allows control over streaming services like YouTube Music and Spotify within the Google Maps app, has been missing from both the Google Maps beta version (v25.29) and the latest version of the Google Maps app (v25.28). Interestingly, some of our website staff have observed that the controls are still present on certain Android devices, while missing on others.
The next update for the Google Maps app may potentially bring back the media control bar. Meanwhile, users are advised to monitor updates and consider alternative solutions for in-app music control during navigation.
This issue was first noticed by 9to5Google. As Google continues to work on a permanent fix, Android users can only hope for a swift resolution to this inconvenience.
References:
- 9to5Google
- Android Central
- TechCrunch
- The Verge
In the aftermath of Google Maps removing in-app music playback controls on Android, some users are seeking alternative solutions for music control during navigation. Despite Google confirming the issue as a bug, the media control bar, which allows playback of streaming services like YouTube Music and Spotify, remains absent on most Android devices.
