Apple Maps is designed to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. By default, if the app detects a faster route due to changing traffic conditions, it will automatically reroute you mid-journey. While this feature is often helpful, it can be incredibly frustrating if you intentionally selected a specific, familiar route and do not want to be unexpectedly diverted onto backroads. Fortunately, you can disable this automatic behaviour.
How Apple Maps Handles Rerouting
When you start a trip, Apple Maps continuously monitors real-time traffic data in the background. If a traffic jam forms ahead and an alternative path becomes significantly faster, the app will display a notification banner at the top of the screen suggesting the new route. If you ignore this banner for several seconds, Apple Maps assumes you agree with the change and will automatically reroute you without any further confirmation.
How to Stop Automatic Rerouting
To prevent Apple Maps from hijacking your chosen path, you must dive into the iOS Settings app. This setting cannot be changed from within the Apple Maps application itself.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down the main list and tap on Maps.
- Under the Directions section, tap on Driving.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the Driving menu to find the Route Adjustments section.
- Locate the toggle switch labelled Optimize Route for Traffic (or simply Traffic on some older iOS versions).
- Tap the toggle to turn it Off (the switch will turn grey).
What Happens When It Is Disabled?
With this setting turned off, Apple Maps will still monitor traffic and will still display the notification banner if a faster route becomes available. However, the crucial difference is that the app will no longer take action on its own. The banner will stay on the screen, and you must manually tap the “Go” button on the new route to accept it. If you ignore the prompt, Apple Maps will steadfastly keep you on your original, preferred path, regardless of the traffic ahead.