Drivers with Android phones must learn trick to find ‘lost’ parked car – and you can send exact spot to pals too

IF you've got a car and an Android phone, you shouldn't ever lose your car again.

It's easy to do: you pull up at the supermarket, do your shop, and then totally forget where you left the car.

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Or maybe you've dropped it off in a busy multi-storey, or in a new town you've never visited before.

Whatever the case, there's an easy way to use Google Maps on to find your parked car.

Google Maps lets you save parking locations, move them, add notes, share them with other people, and get directions to where you left your car.

It only takes a few seconds, and it can save you from a real parking nightmare.

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HOW TO USE GOOGLE MAPS PARKING FEATURE

First, you'll want to save your parking location.

Open the Google Maps app and then tap on the blue dot that shows where you are.

Then choose the option Save Your Parking.

This will set your parking location in Google Maps until you remove it.

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If you set the wrong place or you're ready to swap it for somewhere else, it's an easy change.

Go into Google Maps, tap on the search bar, go to Parking Location, then choose Parking Location > Change Location.

You can also just tap the Clear X icon to remove your parking location from maps.

If you've dropped your car in a multi-storey, you'll definitely want to add some notes.

Go to Google Maps > Search Bar > Parking Location > More Info.

From there you'll be able to add information like a parking level or bay number.

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And you can even add a photo so you have a specific reference point.

If you want to share where you've parked with someone else, go to Google Maps > Search Bar > Parking Location > More Info.

Then just tap on the Share button and send it to someone else.

When you're finally ready to find your car again, just navigate to the Parking Location in your Google Maps app and choose Directions.

You can also set Google Maps up to give you notifications for your parking.

For instance, it can tell you where you parked and for how long.

Go into Google Maps > Profile > Settings >; Notifications > Places.

Then scroll down and turn on Saved Parking.

ADD A CAR PARK TO YOUR ROUTE

Depending on your location and device, you might be able to find and add parking to your route.

Here are Google's official steps to doing it:

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app.
2. At the top, search for a destination.
3. On the bottom, tap Directions.
4. At the bottom, tap Steps & parking. 
5. Tap Find parking near destination.
6. Choose a parking lot or garage and tap Add parking.
7. On the bottom, tap Start.

If you don't see these options then your location or device may not support the feature.

DRIVE ON!

That's not the only handy Android feature that drivers should know about.

Certain car models will let you upload a virtual key to your Android phone.

And you can use this to lock and unlock your car, as well as even opening the boot.

Several car makers offer the service, including BMW, BYD, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and MINI Cooper.

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Google also says that the tech is safer than using a regular car key.

"Digital car key uses advanced technology that’s less vulnerable to unauthorized access than key fobs," Google explained.

"You can also suspend or delete your digital car key if your phone is lost or stolen."

The feature also lets you share your Digital Car Key with other people via text – and you can end that sharing at any time.

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To use, it, you'll need one of the following Android phones:

• Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold and Pixel 8 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S21 and later
• Select Android devices that run Android 12 and up

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Then simply go into your car-maker's app, pair your car to your account, and then follow the instructions inside the app for setting up a Digital Car Key.

This will then be saved to your Android phone for easy use.

DELETE OR REMOVE CAR KEYS

Here's what you need to know...

It's actually possible to delete digital car keys – and even remove access if your phone is stolen.

To delete a key, just follow these steps from Google:

1. Open the Google Wallet app.
2. Tap your digital car key. You may need to swipe to find it.
3. To verify it’s you, tap Confirm. You’ll get a notification that the key is deleted.

And to remove key access for a lost or stolen phone, follow these Google steps:

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove access to the key through Google Find My Device.

• To erase your phone and any paired keys remotely, tap Erase device.
• To suspend your key and lock your device remotely, tap Secure device.