9 Ways to Fix Google Maps Upside Down Issue on Android and iOS
While Google Maps is undoubtedly the go-to navigation app for many, it can sometimes encounter issues like any other app. One frustrating problem that you may come across is when the Google Maps screen flips upside down. This can be particularly bothersome and may throw you off course while driving. Thankfully, there are some quick and easy fixes that can help you resolve this problem. Let's explore them together.
1. Tap the North Icon
Google Maps features a convenient compass icon on its main screen, allowing you to determine the direction you're heading. If the map appears upside down, try tapping on the compass icon located in the upper right corner of the screen. This simple action may just fix the issue. Additionally, starting navigation in Google Maps will also automatically recenter the map.
2. Turn Off Power Saver Mode
Enabling power saver mode on your phone can negatively affect app performance, causing the Google Maps app to become stuck in upside-down orientation. To see if this is the cause of the problem, try turning off power saver mode on your phone.
Android
On Android, open the Settings app and tap on Battery. Then, disable the Power saving toggle.
iPhone
To turn off power saver mode on an iPhone, go to the Settings app, navigate to Battery, and disable the Low Power Mode toggle.
3. Enable the Auto-Rotate Feature
When the auto-rotate feature is disabled, your phone locks the screen in a specific orientation, which can cause Google Maps to remain upside down during navigation. To fix this, enable the auto-rotate feature on your phone.
On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel and tap the Auto rotate option.
On an iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to access the Control Center and tap the Rotation Lock button. Once disabled, the screen will display the message “Portrait Orientation Lock: Off”.
4. Enable Location Accuracy
Google Maps may display an upside-down map view or keep rerouting if it's having trouble accurately tracing your location. To address this, enable the precise location option for Google Maps on your phone.
Android
- Long press on the Google Maps app icon and tap the info icon from the resulting menu. Then, tap on Permissions.
- Tap on Location and enable the Use precise location toggle.
iPhone
- Open Settings and go to Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Tap on Google Maps and toggle on the Precise Location option.
5. Calibrate Compass
If the issue persists even after enabling precise location, try recalibrating the compass in the Google Maps app.
- Launch the Google Maps app on your Android or iPhone and tap on the blue dot in the center indicating your current location. Then, select Calibrate.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to make a figure-eight motion with your phone.
6. Enable Automatic Compass Calibration (iPhone)
If you have an iPhone, you can also enable the Compass Calibration feature to improve the accuracy of your iPhone's compass and fix the incorrect orientation in Google Maps.
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Scroll down and tap on System Services, then enable the toggle next to Compass Calibration.
7. Restart Your Phone
Restarting your phone can often resolve minor glitches that apps may encounter while running. It provides a fresh start by terminating all running apps and services. Try restarting your iPhone or Android device to see if it brings Google Maps orientation back to normal.
8. Clear App Cache
Apps like Google Maps accumulate cache data over time, and if this data becomes corrupted, it may cause Google Maps to malfunction on your Android or iPhone. You can attempt to resolve this problem by clearing the existing Google Maps cache.
- Long press on the Google Maps app icon and tap the info icon from the resulting menu.
- Go to Storage and tap the Clear cache option at the bottom.
9. Reinstall the App
If all else fails, reinstalling the Google Maps app on your Android or iPhone might be your last resort. This will help eliminate any problematic data that may be causing the issue.
Don't Flip Out, Flip Maps
Dealing with an upside-down orientation in Google Maps can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to navigate while driving. Hopefully, one of the solutions mentioned above has resolved the problem, and you can now navigate smoothly.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”