Have you ever driven around looking for a free parking spot or were headed to a venue or the airport not quite sure where to park? This new Apple Maps feature may help. Now, if you were already using Apple Maps, you will be happy to know there is a streamlined way to find parking. If you have yet to try Apple Maps – this may be a good reason to consider using it.

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What does the new Maps feature do?

Apple Maps app allows you to search for parking availability, check prices and even reserve a spot for your vehicle. You can even make your search a bit more specific by looking for spaces with electric vehicle charging stations and wheelchair accessibility. Apple has made this possible by partnering with digital parking company SpotHero to provide information to Apple users on 8,000 parking venues. The SpotHero website is now embedded in the Maps app and will give you all the information you need. Just keep in mind the feature is only available in the United States and Canada, and only features paid parking spots. 

How to use the new Maps feature

  • Open your Maps app on your iPhone

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Apple Maps logo.

Read on to learn more about this Apple Maps feature. (Fox News)

  • Search for the location where you want to park, such as an address or the name of a business, by typing this information into the search bar

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Search screen the Maps app

An example of how to search for a location on an iPhone. (Fox News)

  • Tap More

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Screenshot of the Apple Maps app.

Where to press "More" in the Apple Maps app. (Fox News)

  • Select Parking

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Screenshot showing how to select "parking."

How to select "parking" in the Maps app. (Fox News)

  • You will be directed to the SpotHero website. Use the Enter and Exit features to specify when you need the parking spot for

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Screenshot showing how to use SpotHero

Instructions on how to use SpotHero in the Apple Maps app. (Fox News)

  • Click the Filter button to add more specifications to your search

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Screenshot of SpotHero.

An example of how to click "Filter" in SpotHero. (Fox News)

  • Check off whichever options you need, including Valet, Garage-Covered, On-Site Staff, Wheelchair Accessibility, Lot-Uncovered, and EV Charging parking options. Select Show Results when done

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Screenshot of SpotHero.com.

How to select "Show 10 Results" on SpotHero. (Fox News)

  • Select a spot by choosing Book Now from the list of options given

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Screenshot on how to select a parking spot on SpotHero.

Instructions on how to book a spot to park on SpotHero. (Fox News)

  • Follow the prompts to complete your reservation

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Screenshot instructions on SpotHero.

An example of how to follow the prompts to select your spot on SpotHero. (Fox News)

Note: Remember that this feature is only available in 8,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. If these options do not come up for your destination, it is likely that Maps does not have parking information for that specific destination. 

What if Maps does not have parking info for my destination?

Not to worry, you can still easily find a parking spot even if the Maps app doesn't have information for you to book in advance. Here's what you have to do:

  • Open your Maps app on your iPhone

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  • Search for the location where you want to park, such as an address or the name of a business, by typing this information into the search bar. Then click the car icon

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Screenshot of Apple Maps.

How to search for your desired location and select the car icon in Apple Maps. (Fox News)

  • Click GO and follow the directions to your destination as normal

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Screenshot of the "Go" icon.

Directions on how to click "Go" on the Apple Maps app. (Fox News)

  • When you get close to your destination (within 5-10 minutes), click on the arrow in the bottom right-hand corner

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Arrow pointing to icon.

Click the arrow in the bottom right corner on Apple Maps. (Fox News)

  • Click Add Stop

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Arrow pointing to stop at the top of the options.

Instructions on how to click "Add Stop" in the Maps app. (Fox News)

  • Select Parking

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Arrowing pointing to the Parking option.

Screenshot showing where to select "Parking."  (Fox News)

  • You will be given options for parking garages available near your destination. Select one nearest to where you want to go and your GPS will take you there

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Arrows pointing to open parking garages.

Here's where you can find parking garages on the app. (Fox News)

How to find your parked car

If you park your car in a large lot or parking garage, let's say at the mall, and leave it for a while, it's easy to forget where you originally parked, and you don't want to spend hours searching for it. There is a way for you to use your Apple Maps app to find your vehicle if you're connected to your car's CarPlay or Bluetooth. Here's how you do it:

  • Connect to your CarPlay or Bluetooth by following whatever steps your vehicle requires
  • Once connected, turn your car off to disconnect from the car's Bluetooth
  • A parked car icon will appear on your Maps app. You can click on that and get directions back to your car once you leave it

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Arrow pointing to where you parked your car.

How to find your parked car on the app. (Fox News)

How to find your parked car using Find My

First, you will need to purchase an Apple Air Tag and place it in your car, such as in your glove compartment or under a seat and then connect it to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Once the tracker is connected to your iPhone, you will be able to locate your car using the Find My app. Here's how to do it:

  • Open Find My
  • Select your car from the list of devices to see its current location
  • Additionally, you can also use Siri to find your parked car by saying, "Hey Siri, where’s my car?" and it will give you the location
  • If you have an Apple Watch, you can also use the "Find My" app on the watch to locate your car as well

Was this helpful? Let us know how this new Maps feature works for you.

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