Changing this Waze setting stops you from making the same mistake that '9 out of 10 drivers make' and transforms everything
Published on Oct 02, 2026 at 6:22 AM (UTC-4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Oct 02, 2026 at 6:22 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Some Waze users are making a simple mistake and missing out on some of the app’s most useful features.
There are a few settings you could change, a few boxes you can check.
And that can help you big time when it comes to making a trip.
One YouTuber even claims that nine out of 10 drivers are making this mistake.
Here’s how to improve the Waze experience
Although these navigation apps do 99 percent of the job 99 percent of the time, there’s still space for improvement.
Even today, it is relatively easy to end up driving down weird routes, dirt roads, and so on.
A YouTuber who goes by @AtHome went viral after posting a video in which he explained there was a simple setting to change that makes all the difference.
After heading over to the top left of the Waze app, you can select the three lines that open the drop-down menu.
Then click on Settings, General, Trip Suggestions, and then enable Show Route Suggestions and Receive Traffic Info.
“Thanks to this, Waze will always give you the best route based on traffic conditions and in real time,” the YouTuber explained.
“So no more unexpected traffic jams, no more useless detours.”
There’s more
There’s another feature that’s often overlooked: Refresh Map of My Area.
“[Refresh Map of My Area] will let you download the latest version of the map before calculating your route,” the YouTuber explained.
“This way, you avoid roads that will be closed or route errors that have changed since the last map update.
“So I always recommend doing it manually before leaving. Normally it’s automatic, but by pressing here you can refresh the map of your area.”
The Waze vs. Apple Maps vs. Google Maps debate is ongoing
For a very long time, Google Maps was basically the only viable option because Apple Maps wasn’t good enough.
Then Waze came along, and Apple Maps got better, and then Google bought Waze, which created an inevitable conflict of interest.
And that’s before we consider other apps.
Today, you could spend hours on platforms like Reddit – potentially with popcorn – enjoying the enraging debate.
“The app I use is much better than the app you use,” is generally the tone of these conversations.
But hey, Reddit’s going to Reddit.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
