Lost Google Maps' big navigation upgrade? Your new Pixel 11 might be to blame

Buying a new phone shouldn’t feel like a downgrade. For those upgrading from an older Pixel to a new Pixel 11 series device, that’s apparently exactly what’s happening, at least when it comes to their Google Maps experience.

Users with the new Pixel 11 are reporting having no access to Immersive Navigation in Google Maps, even if they had it on an earlier device. For many, the “biggest navigation upgrade,” as described by Google, was previously available on their older Android phones. The problem seems to be affecting Immersive Navigation on phones and when running Google Maps through Android Auto, as users report on Reddit and Google’s support forums (via Auto Evolution).

For those unfamiliar with the update, Immersive Navigation offers a much richer, more intuitive 3D view of your route. Buildings, terrain, roads, sidewalks, and other on-screen elements are dynamic and appear more prominently, making it easier to figure out where you are and where you need to go.

Maps fans missing Immersive Navigation on their new phones are looking for answers. “I upgraded to Pixel 11 Pro XL from my Pixel 10 Pro XL and now I don’t have Immersive Navigation. What happened? How to get it back?” wrote one user, while a different one observes, “Had the new media UI in Android Auto and immersive navigation on an S26 Ultra. Got my Pixel 11 Pro in three days ago, and still haven’t got it back.”

Updating Google Maps probably won’t fix this

Although not entirely certain, one user suggests that the discrepancy might be related to how Google rolled out Immersive Navigation. The feature rolled out as a server-side update, which means it isn’t tied to a specific app build. Considering that the feature was pushed out before the Pixel 11 launch, it’s possible that it never made its way to the Pixel 11 series. That might explain why users had the feature on their old phones.

If that is indeed the case, no setting toggle or app update will magically bring Immersive Navigation back. Google would need to enable the feature for its latest phones.

Google is aware of the issue, but it didn’t confirm whether the server-side rollout being absent for the Pixel 11 series is the cause, so take that theory with a grain of salt. The company added that it would reach out to affected users via email for additional information.

We’ve also contacted to Google in the hopes of learning more about this situation. Regardless, this is a pretty awkward look for a company that owns and controls both the Pixel hardware and Google Maps.