You search an address in Google Maps, but the regular map does not show what the street actually looks like. Street View opens a ground-level panorama so you can check roads, storefronts, turns, and older imagery where Google provides it. Start with the Google Maps steps below, then use Google Earth or the access checks when Street View does not appear.
1. Open Street View from a place or pin on your phone
Open the Google Maps app on your Android phone, iPhone, or iPad.
Search for a place, or touch and hold a spot on the map to drop a pin.
At the bottom, tap the place name or address.
Scroll and select the photo labeled Street View, or tap the thumbnail with the Street View icon.
When you are done, tap Back at the top left.
Tip: the Street View photo appears only for places where Google has Street View imagery.
2. Browse coverage with the Street View layer
For browsing an area instead of starting from one address, open Google Maps and turn on the Street View layer.
On your phone or tablet, tap Layers > Street View.
On a computer, point to Layers, click More, then choose Street View.
Blue lines mark streets with Street View coverage.
Tap or click a blue line to enter the ground-level view.
3. Drop Pegman on a desktop map
On your computer, open Google Maps in a web browser.
At the bottom right, click Pegman.
Drag Pegman to the area you want to explore.
Drop Pegman on a blue line, blue dot, or orange dot.
To leave Street View, click Back at the top left.
4. Launch Street View from a desktop search result
When you already know the place, search for it in Google Maps or click its marker on the map, then choose the photo with the Street View icon.
The path is Google Maps > search or marker > Street View photo.
To close that view, click Close at the top right.
5. Move around after Street View opens
Point your cursor in the direction you want to travel, then click the X on the road.
Drag with your mouse to look around the panorama.
Use the arrows to the left and right of the compass to rotate.
Zoom with your mouse wheel, two-finger touchpad zoom, or the + and - buttons below the compass.
Click the compass at the bottom right to point Street View north.
Use the Back to Map window at the bottom left to jump to blue highlighted routes.
Tip: use shorter moves when checking a driveway, storefront, or exact turn.
6. Check older Street View images
On your computer, open Google Maps.
Drag Pegman onto the map.
Click See more dates.
At the bottom, scroll through the thumbnail gallery to go further back in time.
Click a thumbnail to load that older Street View image.
To exit Street View, click Back at the top left.
7. Preview a route step before you drive
In Google Maps on desktop, click Directions.
Enter your starting point and destination.
Under the route you want, click Details.
Click Expand for more detailed directions.
Point to a step in the directions.
If Street View is available, click the preview photo for that step.
Use Previous step or Next step in the bottom-left box, or click Close to exit the preview.
Tip: preview photos appear only on route steps with Street View coverage.
8. Fix missing Street View options
This fixes missing Street View buttons, thumbnails, and blue coverage lines.
Check another nearby street or marker, because Street View works only where imagery is available.
On mobile, use Layers > Street View and tap a blue line instead of relying on a place photo.
On Android, open the official Google Maps Google Play listing and use Install or Update if available.
On iPhone or iPad, open the official Google Maps App Store listing and use Get, Download, or Update if available.
Skip instructions that send you to the standalone Google Street View app, because support ended on March 21, 2023 and Google Maps is the supported viewing app.
For a school or work account, ask the Google Workspace administrator to check Menu > Apps > Additional Google services and turn Google Maps on for the right users, organizational units, or groups.
9. Try Street View in Google Earth
Google Earth on the web also supports Street View through Google Earth > place or search > Pegman > highlighted area.
Use Back to leave Street View, or use Close or Pegman to turn off Street View mode.
For older imagery, choose See more dates, select a date from the timeline, and use Back to latest to return to the newest view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Street View on both Android and iPhone?
Yes. The current Google Maps app supports Street View on Android phones and tablets, iPhones, and iPads where imagery is available.
What do the blue lines mean in Google Maps Street View?
Blue lines show streets with Street View coverage. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue line to enter Street View.
Does Google Earth have Street View?
Yes. On Google Earth web, search for a place, click Pegman, and select a highlighted area to open Street View.
Can websites show Street View without opening Google Maps?
Yes. Websites can embed interactive Street View panoramas through Google Maps web tools, and viewers can interact with the panorama in the browser.
