Samsung’s One UI 7 has brought a significant evolution in smartphone UI, and one of the standout features is the Now Bar—a powerful tool designed to display essential live notifications without unlocking the device. However, Samsung temporarily removed certain activities from the Now Bar in One UI 7 Beta 3, leaving users disappointed. The good news is that some of these functions are making a comeback, starting with Google Maps Live Activity, which is now seamlessly integrated into the Now Bar.
 |
| Google Maps Live Activity is back in One UI 7 Now Bar! Learn how to enable it and see real-time navigation updates on your Samsung Galaxy device. |
If you are a Samsung user running One UI 7, here’s everything you need to know about the latest Google Maps integration into the Now Bar, its functionality, and what’s coming next.
What Is the One UI 7 Now Bar?
The Now Bar is a new notification feature introduced in Samsung’s One UI 7. It appears at the top of the lock screen, on the status bar, and at the top of the notification panel. This feature provides real-time information without needing to unlock the device, making it highly efficient for users who rely on instant updates.
With the Now Bar, users can track important live activities such as:
✔ Navigation details from Google Maps
✔ Media playback
✔ Bixby Voice interactions
✔ Samsung Health updates
✔ Ongoing calls
✔ Voice Recorder
Initially, One UI 7 Beta 3 removed several activities from the Now Bar, including Google Maps, Voice Recorder, Media Player, and Samsung Notes. However, Samsung clarified that this was a temporary adjustment and assured users that all key functionalities would return. Now, Google Maps is the first service to be reinstated into the Now Bar, allowing users to access live navigation updates conveniently.
Google Maps Live Activity in One UI 7 Now Bar
How It Works
With the latest Google Maps beta update (v25.05.01.719889437), users can now see live navigation updates directly in the Now Bar. This means you can check:
✅ Turn-by-turn directions
✅ Estimated arrival time (ETA)
✅ Next maneuver prompts
✅ Traffic alerts and route changes
All of this information appears at the top of your lock screen or in the status bar, allowing for hands-free navigation while driving or walking.
Why Is This a Game-Changer?
🔹 Convenience: No need to unlock your phone while driving—just glance at the Now Bar for live updates.
🔹 Saves Battery: Instead of keeping the Google Maps app open, you can rely on compact Now Bar notifications.
🔹 Less Distraction: The minimalistic pop-up reduces on-screen clutter, making navigation safer.
🔹 Faster Access: Quickly check navigation without switching between apps.
With this integration, Samsung is taking a major step forward in optimizing real-time notifications, and it hints that more services will soon return to the Now Bar.
How to Enable Google Maps in the One UI 7 Now Bar
If you want to experience Google Maps on the Now Bar, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Update Google Maps to the Latest Beta Version
Since Google Maps Live Activity is available in the beta version, you need to update your app:
1️⃣ Open Google Play Store
2️⃣ Search for Google Maps
3️⃣ Scroll down and tap on "Join the Beta" (if available)
4️⃣ Once enrolled, update the app to v25.05.01.719889437
Step 2: Enable Live Activities in Google Maps
After updating, enable Live Activities for Google Maps:
1️⃣ Open Google Maps
2️⃣ Go to Settings
3️⃣ Tap on Navigation Settings
4️⃣ Enable Live Activities (if disabled)
Step 3: Enable Now Bar in One UI 7
Now, configure Now Bar notifications in One UI 7:
1️⃣ Open Settings on your Samsung phone
2️⃣ Tap on Notifications
3️⃣ Scroll down to Now Bar
4️⃣ Make sure Google Maps Live Activity is enabled
Once activated, Google Maps directions will appear on the lock screen and Now Bar whenever you use navigation.
What’s Next for the Now Bar?
Upcoming Features & Services
Samsung initially removed several Now Bar activities but has promised to bring them back gradually. Here’s what could return soon:
🔹 Voice Recorder – Quick access to voice recordings from the lock screen.
🔹 Samsung Health – Real-time fitness updates.
🔹 Bixby Voice – Improved voice command pop-ups.
🔹 Media Player – Enhanced music playback controls.
🔹 Samsung Notes – Quick access to notes and reminders.
Future Improvements Expected in One UI 7.1
Samsung is continuously working on refining One UI 7. With One UI 7.1 expected to launch soon, we might see:
✅ More third-party app integrations in Now Bar
✅ Customizable notifications for specific apps
✅ New UI animations and widgets
✅ Better battery optimization for live updates
Since Google Maps has successfully been integrated, it’s only a matter of time before other activities return to make the Now Bar even more feature-packed.
Final Thoughts: Now Bar Just Got Better with Google Maps
Samsung’s One UI 7 Now Bar is quickly becoming one of the most useful notification features. The return of Google Maps Live Activity makes it more functional and convenient, especially for users who rely on navigation.
If you haven’t tried this feature yet, make sure to update your Google Maps app and enable Live Activities in Now Bar settings. With Samsung continuously improving the Now Bar, more exciting updates are expected in One UI 7.1 and beyond.
Stay tuned for more One UI 7 updates as Samsung continues to enhance its user experience!