Setting the default on iOS 18+
Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Under Maps, select Apple Maps. Now when Siri gives you directions, when you tap an address in Contacts, or when Mail detects an address, Apple Maps opens instead of Google Maps.
What 'default' actually changes
Setting Apple Maps as default affects: Siri directions, addresses tapped in Contacts, addresses detected in Mail and Messages, Spotlight search results with map actions, and third-party apps that use the system's default maps handler. It does NOT affect: Google Maps links (those are web URLs that open in Safari), links inside apps like WhatsApp or Slack, or Google Maps shared via iMessage.
Converting Google Maps links separately
Even with Apple Maps as your default, you'll still receive Google Maps links from friends, coworkers, and businesses. Use GoToAppleMaps Quick Convert to convert these links, or install the iOS app for share sheet integration.
Use GoToAppleMaps to convert your Google Maps links to Apple Maps in seconds — free, private, no signup.
Frequently asked questions
The Default Apps setting requires iOS 14.5+. On older versions, Apple Maps is already the default for system functions, but Google Maps can override it if installed.
It stops Google Maps from opening for system requests (Siri, Contacts, Mail). Google Maps links in web pages and third-party apps still open Google Maps or Safari. You need to convert those links.