This guide shows you how to add multiple stops to a route in Apple Maps on iOS 16, so you can plan a trip with several destinations without having to re-enter directions each time. You’ll need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later, and the Apple Maps app (which is pre-installed).
What You’ll Need
- An iPhone or iPad with iOS 16 or later.
- Apple Maps app (pre-installed, no download required).
- An active internet connection for live traffic and route updates.
- Location Services enabled for Apple Maps (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Maps).
Step-by-Step
- Open Apple Maps on your iPhone or iPad.
- Enter your first destination (the starting point or the first stop) in the search field at the bottom of the screen, then tap it in the search results.
- Tap the “Directions� button (it looks like a car or navigation icon) in the place card that appears. This will show the route from your current location to that destination.
- Look for the “Add Stop� button – it appears as a small “+� icon inside a circle, located on the right side of the route card, just below the destination name. Tap it.
- Enter the next stop in the search field that appears. You can type an address, a business name, or a point of interest. Tap the correct result to add it to your route.
- Repeat step 4 and 5 for each additional stop you want to add. You can add up to 14 stops in total (including your starting point and final destination).
- Reorder your stops (optional): To change the order, tap and hold the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) next to a stop in the list, then drag it up or down. The route will recalculate automatically.
- Tap “Go� to start turn-by-turn navigation. Apple Maps will guide you through each stop in the order you set.
Common Mistakes
- Adding stops after starting navigation: You can only add stops before you tap “Go�. Once navigation has started, you cannot add a new stop directly from the navigation screen in iOS 16. You would need to end navigation, add the stop, and start again.
- Confusing “Add Stop� with “Add to Favorites�: The “Add Stop� button is specifically for route planning. Adding a location to Favorites does not add it to your current route.
- Not reordering stops: If you add stops in the wrong order, Apple Maps will still route you through them in the order you entered them, which can lead to a longer trip. Always check and reorder your stops before starting.
- Using the wrong search field: When you tap “Add Stop�, make sure you type in the search field that appears in the route card, not the main search bar at the top of the screen. Using the main search bar will just show you a location, not add it to your route.
Tips
- Plan ahead: Add all your stops before you start driving. This gives you a clear overview of the entire route and lets you estimate total travel time.
- Use Siri: You can also add stops by voice. Say “Hey Siri, add [destination] to my route� while you have a route active in Apple Maps (before tapping Go).
- Check the total time: The route card shows the total estimated travel time for all stops combined. Use this to plan your day realistically.
- Drag to reorder: If you want to visit a stop earlier or later, drag the three-line handle next to it. This is especially useful if you realize you need to stop for gas before a long stretch.
- Remove a stop: To remove a stop, swipe left on it in the list and tap “Remove�, or tap the “x� next to it.
Troubleshooting
“Add Stop� button is missing: This can happen if you haven’t actually requested directions yet. Make sure you’ve tapped “Directions� and a route is displayed. If you’re in the place card, you may need to scroll down to find the “Directions� button.
Stops not saving: If your stops disappear, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Apple Maps may reset the route if the app crashes or if you lose connection. Try re-adding the stops and check your connection.
Route not recalculating after reordering: If you drag a stop to a new position and the route doesn’t update, try tapping the “Go� button and then immediately exiting navigation (tap the “X� in the top left). This will refresh the route. If that doesn’t work, close the Apple Maps app and reopen it.
Can’t add more than 14 stops: Apple Maps has a hard limit of 14 stops per route (including the starting point). If you need more, you’ll have to split your trip into multiple routes.
Stops appear in wrong order: Double-check the order in the route card before starting. If they’re wrong, reorder them by dragging the handles. If the app is unresponsive, force-close it and reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I add stops while navigating?
A: No, in iOS 16 you cannot add a stop once you’ve tapped “Go�. You must end navigation, add the stop, and start again.
Q: How many stops can I add in Apple Maps?
A: You can add up to 14 stops in total, including your starting point and final destination. That means you can add 13 additional stops after your first destination.
Q: Can I reorder stops after adding them?
A: Yes, you can tap and hold the three horizontal lines next to a stop and drag it to a new position. The route will update automatically.
Q: Does Apple Maps optimize the order of my stops automatically?
A: No, Apple Maps does not automatically optimize the order. It routes you through the stops in the exact order you list them. You must manually reorder them for the most efficient route.
Q: Can I add a stop using Siri?
A: Yes, you can say “Hey Siri, add [destination] to my route� while a route is active (before tapping Go). Siri will add it to your current route.
Q: Why is the “Add Stop� button greyed out?
A: This usually means you haven’t entered a destination yet. First, search for a destination and tap “Directions�. The “Add Stop� button should then become active.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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