How to Restore Google Maps Search in the EU?

Are you in the EU and just noticed that your Google Maps search isn’t doing what it used to? Maybe you’re typing in places, but nothing comes up? You’re not alone. A lot of people in Europe are wondering why Google Maps isn’t acting like its usual helpful self.

TL;DR

Google Maps search in the EU changed due to legal regulations. To restore full features, try logging into your Google account and enabling personalized results. You may also need to adjust privacy settings. If none of that works, consider using the desktop version or other helpful workarounds.

Why Did Google Maps Search Break?

All of this started because of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This new EU law wants big tech companies to treat users and their data more fairly. Nothing wrong with that!

But, in response, Google limited or removed certain features in Europe to comply. One feature that got the short end of the stick? Yep—Maps search results.

What Exactly is Missing?

• Location suggestions when you type
• Info cards for restaurants, shops, and businesses
• Quick buttons like “Restaurants near me”
• Reviews and business hours in some cases

Basically, your Maps feels way less smart. But good news! We’ve got solutions.

How to Restore Google Maps Search Power

Let’s break it down. These steps are easy. Grab your phone or laptop and let’s bring your Maps mojo back!

1. log into your Google Account 📲

It sounds basic, but it works. Google Maps needs you to be signed in to show personalized results. If you’re not logged in, it hides a lot of features to respect DMA privacy rules.

Steps:

1. Open Google Maps
2. Click or tap your profile icon (top right)
3. Log into your Google account

2. Enable Personalized Search

Even when logged in, you might not get full results if Google thinks you don’t want “personalized” stuff. Their default now might be no personalization—especially in the EU.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Go to myaccount.google.com
2. Click on “Data & Privacy”
3. Under “Things You’ve Done and Places You’ve Been”, find Web & App Activity
4. Turn ON “Include Chrome history and activity from sites, apps, and devices that use Google services”

Voilà! Your searches should start feeling more like “old Google Maps.”

3. Use the Desktop Version

If the app still feels clunky, try the web version.

Why? Because the desktop version often gives more detailed results and is less restricted than the mobile app.

• Go to maps.google.com
• Make sure you’re signed in

Even better—use Incognito Mode and log in fresh. This avoids any cached settings messing things up!

4. Clear Your Cache & Cookies

Sometimes old cookies are the issue. If they tell Google you don’t want search results, it listens (too well!).

To clear them:

• On Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear browsing data
• Choose Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files

Then restart the browser and try again.

5. Turn on Location History (Optional)

This one’s for the brave! If you want the best experience, you can re-enable location history.

Here’s how:

1. Go to myaccount.google.com
2. Select Data & Privacy
3. Scroll to History Settings
4. Turn on Location History

Google Maps uses this to better understand what’s “near you,” which helps suggestions pop up again.

Helpful Bonus Tips

Here are a few extra tricks to keep in your back pocket:

• Use Google Assistant: Say “Find pizza near me” to trigger Maps results directly
• Try a VPN: This is kinda sneaky. If you use a VPN to show you’re not in the EU, Google may restore full Maps. Not officially recommended, but it works.
• Use Another Maps App: Like Waze or Apple Maps, just until Google sorts things out

Coming Soon: Google’s Long-Term Fix

Google is working hard behind the scenes. They’re trying to find a balance between EU law and user convenience.

The good news? You’re not imagining things. The Maps experience really did change!

The better news? You now know how to bring it back.

Final Thoughts

While the Digital Markets Act is great for privacy, it definitely shook up our usual tech tools. But with a few tweaks, you can get your Google Maps search feeling familiar again.

Just remember these keys:

• Be logged into Google
• Opt into personalization
• Check out the desktop site if need be

Happy navigating!