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How to Use Your Car GPS in Pedestrian Mode

Switch to walking mode for directions when you're on foot

By Fred Zahradnik Fred Zahradnik Freelance Contributor Pennsylvania State University Former Lifewire writer Fred Zahradnik has a long history as a writer and is considered an expert on all things related to GPS products and software. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 23, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Connected Car Tech Android Auto Apple CarPlay Navigation

What to Know

Enter an address or point of interest and start your route. Various devices have their own methods for switching to walking mode.For a Garmin device, touch Tools > Settings > System > Usage mode > Pedestrian > OK. TomTom device, choose Walking as your route type.For hiking, use a "crossover" model, like the Magellan CrossoverGPS or Garmin Nuvi 500, or try a handheld GPS receiver. This car explains how to access your portable in-car GPS receiver's pedestrian or walking mode. The pedestrian mode optimizes your route for walking. Most also adjust arrival times to match walking rather than driving speeds.

When You' re Walking Rather Than Driving

Use your portable GPS for walking just as you would for driving. Select your destination by entering the address or searching for a point of interest, and start your route. You will receive text and spoken directions just as if you were behind the wheel.

Entering Pedestrian Mode

Consult your GPS model's user manual for directions on how to select pedestrian mode. For example: Starting from the main menu in the Garmin line, touch Tools > Settings > System > Usage mode > Pedestrian > OK.In the TomTom line, select your destination, then choose Walking as your route type.

GPS Receivers for Hiking

Car GPS navigators are useful for street navigation, but they do not have maps suitable for off-road walking navigation unless they are special "crossover" models such as the Magellan CrossoverGPS or the Garmin Nuvi 500. If you plan to do extensive off-road hiking, you will be better off with a handheld GPS receiver. Car GPS receivers typically don't offer long battery life (usually just one to three hours). If you're on a long walk, turn on the GPS when you need direction, then turn it off to conserve battery life. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Live View on Google Maps How to Find Your Parked Car With Google Maps The 7 Best Handheld GPS Trackers of 2022 How to Get GPS Functionality on an iPod Touch How to Use the Garmin Connect Course Creator Tool How to Add Stops on Google Maps How to Plan an Alternate Route With Google Maps The 10 Best Road Trip Planner Apps for 2022 How to Find a Hidden GPS Tracker on Your Car Use Google My Maps to Send a Custom Route to Your Phone How to Use Maps on the Apple Watch How to Use Custom Garmin Vehicle Icons How to Use DuckDuckGo Maps The 8 Best Google Maps Alternatives of 2022 The 6 Best GPS Apps for iPhone of 2022 The 6 Best Hiking and Survival GPS Apps Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies