What Happened to the Google Navigator Icon?

Here are instructions for getting it back for Android users. Not sure about BlackBerry or iPhone users, but feel free to post your findings here!

To get your navigation and local icons/apps back:
1) On your phone, go to “Manage apps” under the menu icon on the lower left side of your phone (or system settings, then “Apps”).

2) Then on the top horizontal bar, scroll to the far right to all apps.

3) Then, find the “Maps” app and tap it once to open the app’s information screen.

4) Then, find the “Uninstall updates” button and click it.

5) It will uninstall the updates that remove ‘Navigator’ and ‘G-Local’ app icons and functions.

6) Then return to your home screen, click the PPS button, and find the restored Navigator and G-Local icons

7) MOST IMPORTANT !!! – GO BACK AND TURN OFF FORCE UPDATES!!! OR GOOGLE WILL STICK IT TO YOU AGAIN!!! P.S.: I own an iPad, so I’m all for recycling.

Shout out and thanks to Tante Waileka (in response to Renegade1) for the original post in the Verizon forum.

Google Navigator Application and Icon 

The Google Navigator icon, specifically the blue navigation arrow, has changed over the years. Initially, Google Maps and Navigation were separate apps with distinct icons, but after updates, Navigation was integrated into the Google Maps API, and the standalone blue arrow icon was removed. Now, navigation is accessed within the Google Maps app itself by setting a route and tapping the blue arrow inside the app.

Users have reported issues where the Google Maps or Navigation icons disappeared from their home screens or app lists after updates, particularly around the time Navigation was merged with Maps. Some found that uninstalling updates to Google Maps temporarily restored the Navigation icon, but this was more of a workaround than a permanent fix.

More recently, Google Maps has introduced customization options for the navigation vehicle icon during navigation, allowing users to choose from various car shapes and colors instead of the traditional arrow or blue triangle.

This feature started rolling out to iOS users and is gradually becoming available on Android as well, adding more personalization to the navigation experience.

Regarding the Google Maps app icon itself, a brief issue was reported where the icon appeared black after an update on an iPhone. However, Google quickly fixed this, restoring the original icon.

In summary:

• The original separate Google Navigator (blue arrow) icon was removed as Navigation was integrated into Google Maps.

• Users experienced issues with icon disappearance after updates, which were sometimes resolved by uninstalling the updates.

• Google Maps now offers customizable navigation icons, such as cars and arrows, within the app.

• Temporary icon glitches, like a black icon, have been fixed by Google.

This reflects Google’s shift to a unified app experience and its ongoing efforts to enhance navigation personalization, although it occasionally encounters update-related icon glitches.

Ref: https://www.reddit.com/r/ios/comments/1iv49r5/google_maps_black_icon/