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Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android

Jan 28, 2015 12:22 AM
Smartphone displaying navigation apps on a map background.

When you search for a specific location or business with the Google app, a Knowledge Graph card is usually the top result. This card displays a handy mini-map and offers a quick link for directions to the location of your query, but it has one irksome flaw—these links can only be opened by the Google Maps app.

So developer Vladimir Shutoff decided he would remedy this issue with his latest Xposed module. Waze and Nokia HERE users will be happy to know that with this one installed, search results from the Google app can be opened with the maps or navigation app of your choosing.

Requirements

Install the Module

To begin, open your Xposed Installer app and head to the "Download" section. From here, search for Navigator Selector, then tap the top result.

Navigator selector from Google Search on a mobile device.
Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android
Navigator selector from Google Search on a mobile device.
Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android

Next, swipe over to the Versions tab, then hit the "Download" button next to the most recent entry.

Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android
Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android
Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android
Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android

After a few seconds, Android's installer interface should come right up. Tap "Install" on this screen.

Route selector installation prompt on a mobile device.
Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android
Route selector installation prompt on a mobile device.
Launch Any Navigation App Directly from Google Search on Android

Activate the Module & Reboot

Shortly after installation has finished, you'll get a notification from Xposed telling you that the module hasn't been activated yet and that a reboot is needed. Tap the "Activate and Reboot" button on this notification and Xposed will take care of the rest for you.

Notification panel displaying a system message about an uninstalled module.
Notification panel displaying an error about a module not being installed.
Notification panel displaying a system message about an uninstalled module.
Notification panel displaying an error about a module not being installed.

Opening Google Search Results with a Custom Maps App

When your device has finished booting back up, use the Google app to search for a business or location. When you tap the mini-map or "Directions" button, you'll see Android's "Complete action using" dialog.

Googleplex location information with directions and contact options.
Options for completing action on a smartphone with various app icons displayed.
Googleplex location information with directions and contact options.
Options for completing action on a smartphone with various app icons displayed.

From here, just select your favorite navigation app, then choose either "Just once" or "Always." Choosing "Always" means that these types of links will automatically be opened with your preferred app from now on.

Complete action using apps for navigation.

Waze selected as preferred Navigation app

Map showing a location labeled "Meadowood without a Mountain View."

Google search link opened in Waze

Complete action using apps for navigation.

Waze selected as preferred Navigation app

Map showing a location labeled "Meadowood without a Mountain View."

Google search link opened in Waze

Now you can use Google's powerful search engine to find results in your favorite navigation app, which means you've got the best of both worlds.

What navigation app are you using to open Google search location results? Let us know in the comment section below, or via Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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