How To: Revert Back to the Classic Google Maps Version for Desktop

Revert Back to the Classic Google Maps Version for Desktop

When the Google Maps web app got a massive redesign earlier this year, I was pretty excited to try it out, but it was a fairly disappointing update for me. The slower load times, confusing street view, and bicyclist neglect are just a few of the reasons I don't enjoy it over the old classic Google Maps. The brand new drag-and-drop measuring tool released this week is actually pretty useful, but not enough to change my mind.

So, if you're feeling nostalgia for the service that actually worked, join me and revert back to old Google Maps forever. But first, let's talk more in depth about what's going on in the new Maps version. Scroll down to the bottom if you just want to revert right now.

What's Wrong with New Google Maps?

Introduced earlier this year, the new Google Maps premiered its vector-based architecture Google MapsGL. This feature, based on a JavaScript API called WebGL, delivers 3D graphics inside of your browser. It sounds cool and looks pretty, but is it worth the excruciatingly long loading times? Probably not, especially because there are a number of user interface design flaws in the map as well.

Street View Is Treated Like a Neglected Step-Child

The gas pedal of a car doesn't need to be moved because we all know where it's at and how it works. Why did Google feel the need to shove the little Street View man into a corner? Is he in trouble?

New Google Maps: Street View guy in the corner, with not directional arrow for placement.

When you finally do find him and decide to drop him somewhere, you have to hold left-click until the Street View thumbnail loads, or he'll just be sent back to his corner.

Old Google Maps: Street View guy on the left, with directional arrow during placement.

Unlike the old version, the new street man doesn't let you know which way he's facing. There's no little green arrow to tell you if he's looking North, East, South, or West -pretty damn inconvenient, though once you're actually in Street View, you can see it.

It's Almost Useless for Bikers

Great, new Google Maps offers directions with a bunch of weird multicolored lines, but how do I quickly look at terrain, and where in God's name are the bike routes?!

New Google Maps: Not as biker-friendly as before.

New Maps is terrible for bikers. On old Maps, you simply put in your directions, and selected the "Bicycling" and "Terrain" options to get a pretty good idea of the safest and least difficult route.

Old Google Maps: Easier for bikers to navigate faster. Image via wonderhowto.com

New maps? Not so much. In fact, it doesn't even offer basic directions for bikers unless you click the three almost-invisible small dots in the search bar. Not a big deal, but as someone who bikes around town a lot, it bugs me.

If You Ever Figure Out How to Print, You'll Be Disappointed

Some of us still print things. It comes in handy during long trips when we know we won't have access to Wi-Fi and don't want to resort to offline maps on a mobile.

Old Google Maps: The super easy to find and click Print button.

So, like old Maps, there should be an easily accessible print button on new Maps, right? That would just be too easy. New Maps has hidden the print icon behind another little link named "List all steps," which is itself hidden in the search bar.

New Google Maps: You have to list all steps first before printing anything out. Image via wonderhowto.com

Once you access it and click the print icon, you'll notice a lot less options than older Google Maps.

New Google Maps: Less print options. Image via wonderhowto.com

Remember how old Maps let you add comments, include Street View, and modify the way your map was printed? New Maps did away with all that and just prints it for you in some ambiguous display.

Old Google Maps: You can enter notes!

Completely & Absolutely Useless for Road Trips

Old Google Maps led me through several amazing road trips. However, for some reason Google decided to remove just about much every useful road-tripping feature Maps had to offer.

Look at the beautiful map below. Not only is the terrain visible and each of the destinations clearly pinned, but there are hundreds of thumbnails of scenic sights for you to consider visiting along the way. That is what road tripping is all about!

Old Google Maps: A better road trip view.

Now look at the following image. Yes, the one with the map that hardly exists. There are no thumbnails, no ways to view traffic and terrain, and you can't even add new cities to your route without redoing the entire map.

New Google Maps: Not so great for road-tripping. Image via wonderhowto.com

How to Revert Back to the Old-Style Maps for Good

Google knew you'd want to revert back, so they made it easy for you. At least, for now. There's no telling when this option will disappear, but you can get it while it's hot. Just like everything else important, the option is hidden in the right corner. Locate the question mark icon and click it.

1. Tap on the "?" icon.

In bold, the very first option that appears is "Return to classic Google Maps." Huh, maybe something that's classic shouldn't be changed. Anyway, select this option.

2. Select "Return to classic Google Maps".

Now, before clicking the blue text that says "Return to classic Google Maps," make sure you let them know your thoughts and check the box next to "Prefer classic Google Maps." Maybe they'll take a hint.

3. Give feedback before reverting.

To seal the deal, click "Yes" when asked if you'd like to "Remember this choice for next time." Unless, of course, you enjoy being confused and angry.

4. Click "Yes" for it to remember your preference.

And that's it. I know there's a lot to love and hate about the new Google Maps, and everyone has their own opinion. So, let us know your thoughts on the latest design below.

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8 Comments

oh dude i share every single one of your complaints. thanks for letting me know how to fix it.

Definitely! Hopefully the next update will look more like a "downgrade" back to old Maps...

Thanks. I really don't like the new Google Maps.

This process isn't working for me. I followed your instructions and breathed a sigh of relief when the classic maps page opened up. But as soon as I went to open up one of my custom maps, it reverted to the new google maps. I made sure I accept cookies and that they are not deleted when I close the session. I get nothing whe I've emailed google support. Any ideas?

Thank you for letting me know how to view in Classic Maps. I did everything you said and it did work to view the maps I had already created in Classic Maps. However, I can not create a new map in classic maps. Is there a way to do that?

our worst nightmare is upon us, they have done away with classic maps for good. now if you click "go back ot classic" it takes you to the new maps "lite" version. so you're only options are lite or full of the new maps format.

i use google maps for planning my work trips and now not only is the printing a nightmare, like you said, but, i can only add like 10 stops total and then i can't add anymore. some weeks i have more than 10 appts. this is terrible!

i use google maps on my phone once i'm in the city, but i've found in several places my phone can't connect ot GPS or maps will glitch out. in those times, i need a paper printed map to help me get to my next stop. apparently that is no an option anymore.

does anyone have any recommendations/tricks/other programs i coudl use? i'm anti-everythign bing, but i'll be checking out their map feature today.

thanks for the info, only problem I haven't got a question mark!

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