Nine Useful Waze Features That Can Make Your Life Easier

Waze, a popular GPS app for Android and iPhone (iOS) phones, has some features that help make day to day user life easier. They range from simple tips such as remembering to turn on headlights, to life-saving features such as speeding alerts and a child's reminder in the car.

Check out this list of nine little-known Waze functions that can make your life easier. Most are available for Google and Apple platforms.

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Find travel time quickly

On the iPhone (iOS), Waze has a widget accessible directly from the mobile notifications central. With it, the user can quickly discover the travel time for their home and work, without having to open the application. The feature works even when the device is locked.

To enable it, simply go to the iOS notifications central and tap "Edit" at the bottom of the screen. Then look for the Waze widget and tap the "+" button to the left of the name. Finally, go to "OK" in the upper right corner of the screen.

Adding Waze widget to iPhone

Listen to Spotify songs straight from Waze

Waze has integration with the Spotify app. So you can listen to your music in the car without having to switch between the two applications. The feature is ideal for anyone who needs GPS guidance and does not give up listening to music while driving. The feature is available only to Android users.

Go to the Spotify settings and enable the "Navigation with Waze" option. Then just confirm and let the music app access the Waze navigation information. Once this is done, the Spotify icon will appear on the map. Touch it to control your music.

Option to control your Spotify songs directly from Waze

Locate Nearby Parking Stations

Waze can give you suggestions of parking lots near your destination. The feature is interesting for anyone who is traveling or going to an unknown location and does not know a safe place to leave the car. The parking suggestions are displayed on the same screen with the search results and just one touch to change the destination.

You can use the feature whenever you perform any search. If Waze has suggested parking lots near your destination, you'll see an alert called "Nearest Parking Lot." In that case, tap on it, and then choose "Park Here".

Finding parking near the destination on Waze

Know where you parked the car

Waze allows you to mark the place where you parked the car on the map, including the option to add a photo. That way, it's easy to know the exact location where the car is. The feature is useful for those who have short memories or usually leave the car in large open-air car parks.

To mark the place where you parked, simply press your finger on the map for a few moments. If you're still in the car, press on your current location. Then touch the "..." button and go to "Check your parking spot".

Check parking location on Waze

Headlight reminder

On Android, Waze can remind you to turn on your car's headlights. The feature is useful for those who frequently drive on the freeway. In this case, there is no need to do anything. The reminder is enabled by default and is triggered as soon as the GPS identifies that you are on a track where the connected headlamp is required.

Child's reminder in the car

Waze can alert you to the possibility that you may have forgotten a child in the car when you arrive at your destination. The function is ideal for those who have children, but can also be used by users who walk with pets.

To enable it, go to the Waze settings and go to "General". Touch "Child Reminder, " and then select the "Allow Reminders" option. If you want, you can set a custom message for the reminder.

Enabling child's reminder in the car on Waze

Alternate paths on day of rotation

Available only in the city of São Paulo, Waze allows mapping routes on car routing days. The driver can register the vehicle's license plate in the application and thereby obtain alternative routes for work or ride on days of road traffic restrictions, avoiding fines.

Turn on the feature in the Waze options under "Browsing." Touch "Car wheel" and then enter the last two digits of your car's license plate. That way, on days when your vehicle is restricted, Waze will automatically guide you through alternate paths.

Make alternative routes on Waze on caster days

Be alerted in case of speeding

Waze knows the maximum speed allowed for the tracks and can issue an audible alert if you are over the limit. This feature is interesting for those who are driving in a city or highway that they do not know or that are badly signposted. In addition to security, the feature may prevent you from being fined.

To set the warning, go to the Waze settings and tap "Speedometer". Then enable the "Show speedometer" and "Play sound alert" options. You can also set a tolerance for alerts in "When to show alert".

Enabling Waze speed alerts

Plan your trips

Waze lets you set up planned paths in the application. You can schedule your destinations in advance and in this way you get a reminder at the right time when you need to leave to be on time for your appointments. The feature is ideal for those who live in large urban centers and often need to deal with congestion.

To plan a route, go to the application menu and tap Plan routes. Then just touch "+" in the lower right corner of the screen, and choose your destination. Finally, define when you want to get to the place.

Setting up a planned route in Waze

Waze for cars with Android Auto: how to use? Find in the Forum.