Numerous users have voiced their concern that the option to ‘send directions to phone via SMS’ has suddenly gone missing from Google Maps. So why is that the case? And more importantly is it just a bug that could easily be rectified or a permanent change from the Silicon Valley giant? Let’s find out.
Why is Google Maps ‘Send Directions to Phone via SMS’ missing?
As unfortunate as it may sound, but this functionality is the latest member to make its way over to the Google Graveyard. As has been the case countless times in the past, the tech giant just decided to remove the ‘send directions to phone via SMS’ option from its Maps app without any prior notice or even a reason as to why they are bidding adieu to this feature.
For many, this was among the most important functionalities of the Maps app as they search for direction or location on their PC and then send it to their device as an SMS. While they could still send it as an email or a push notification, but they aren’t as convenient as SMS.
If we talk about push notifications, then as opposed to SMS, they aren’t permanent in nature and you wouldn’t be able to go through it as and when needed. It’s a single-time view and that’s just about it. This is in stark contrast to SMS which allows you to check the sent location as and when required.
Initially, many users believed it to be a bug and hence tried out all the plausible workarounds, but none of them brought back the option. This is when the seeds of doubts started to grow in the minds of the users as to whether this feature might be removed. And finally, Google Forum’s Diamond Product Expert put a final stamp of authority and confirmed the news that the feature has officially been removed.
Can I Bring Back Google Maps ‘Send Directions to Phone via SMS’ Feature?
So it has now been documented that the feature has been officially removed. So is there something that a user could do from their end that might force Google to change their minds? Well, as of now, your only course of action is to file a feedback report and request them to bring it back. this feature.
However, do keep in mind that Google usually only acts on those reports that it receives in high volumes. Only a handful of reports isn’t going to do any good. With that said, you might have to convince your peers to report this issue to Google as well, which could be done as follows:
- Head over to the Google Maps website and sign in to your account.
- Then tap on the hamburger menu at the top left and select Edit Maps.
- After that, select Your Opinions about Maps and select Suggest an Idea.
- Now request them to bring back this feature signifying its importance.
That’s it. As of now, this is the most you could do from your side when it comes to dealing with the missing ‘send directions to phone via SMS’ option in Google Maps. As and when [and if] there is any further development surrounding this issue, we will update this post accordingly. So stay tuned. In the meantime, do share your valuable opinions with us regarding this development in the comments section below.
