Why do I need what3words when I have Google Maps?
Google Maps is a tool for navigation, public transport and for looking up POIs. what3words has a very different function – it’s an easy way to communicate exact locations, whether that’s spoken over the phone or into a car voice navigation system, or typed into a taxi app or a website checkout page.
If you’re given a what3words location, you can open it in the what3words app, then tap ‘Navigate’ and select ‘Google Maps’ to open the exact location in Google Maps and get directions.
Can I type it into Google Maps?
If you’re on a desktop computer, you can install an extension for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox that allows you to type a what3words address into the Google Maps search bar directly. See instructions here .
On a smartphone, simply enter the what3words address into the free what3words app, then tap ‘Navigate’ and select ‘Google Maps’ to open the location in Google Maps.
How is what3words different to sharing a pin?
A location pin is impossible to describe over the phone or radio, to write down, or to enter into a speech recognition system. what3words offers a more flexible way to pass location information between people and machines or devices, online or offline.
You can find handy step-by-step instructions on how to use the what3words app here .
Does the app work without signal?
Without phone signal, the app functions the same as when you have no data connection: you can view the location of any what3words address you enter. You can also navigate to it using compass mode.
To share a what3words address over the phone or in a text message you need phone signal. To load maps, or share in other apps or social media, you need a data connection.
Watch our CEO Chris explain how what3words works offline here .
