Waze has become a favorite navigation app for millions around the globe, offering real-time traffic updates, community-driven alerts, and a fun, interactive interface. One of the most beloved features among Waze users is the ability to customize voice directions. Whether users prefer a celebrity voice or want to record their own, changing the voice on Waze can make commuting more enjoyable and personal.
TLDR
Changing the voice on Waze is easy and can be done in just a few steps. Users can select from a list of available voices, download fun or regional options, and even record a custom voice for navigation. The feature is found in the Waze settings under the “Voice & sound” menu. Some limited-time celebrity voices are occasionally available for a unique twist on turn-by-turn directions.
Why Users Love Changing Voices on Waze
Customization is at the heart of the Waze experience. The voices not only provide practical directions but also inject personality and humor into each drive. Some users prefer a calm, default voice, while others enjoy listening to celebrities, funny accents, or even their partner giving directions.
This feature enhances:
- Entertainment: Long commutes become less boring with funny or familiar voices.
- Accessibility: Users with listening preferences or hearing needs can find a voice that suits them best.
- Personalization: Recording a loved one’s voice can make everyday routes feel more connected.
How to Change the Voice on Waze
Follow these simple steps to change the navigation voice on Waze:
- Open the Waze App: Launch the Waze app on your mobile device and make sure you’re logged in.
- Tap on My Waze: Located at the bottom of the screen, this menu leads to your profile and preferences.
- Access Settings: Tap the gear icon in the top-left corner to enter settings.
- Tap on “Voice & sound”: This section contains all audio navigation settings.
- Select “Waze voice”: Tap this option to see the full list of available voices.
From there, users can scroll through the voice options and tap on each to preview and select. Once a new voice is selected, it downloads automatically and becomes active for navigation.
Voice Categories Available
- Default Voices: These are clean, concise voices in a variety of languages and dialects.
- Celebrity Voices: Occasionally, Waze features limited-time celebrity voices like Morgan Freeman or Kevin Hart.
- Custom Recordings: Users can record their own voice or someone else’s using the in-app voice recorder tool.
It’s important to note that celebrity voices are sometimes only available during promotions and may not support every type of direction, such as street names.
Recording a Custom Voice
Creating a personalized navigation voice on Waze is a fun project. Here’s how users can record their own:
- In the “Voice & sound” settings menu, tap “Waze voice”.
- Select “Add a voice”.
- Tap each navigation prompt (like “Turn right” or “Let’s go”) to record your version of it.
Users can record all the required phrases or just the basic ones needed to complete a voice pack. Once recorded, give the custom voice a name and save it.
Waze will begin using that custom recording instantly. While the app allows for creativity, be aware that custom voices will not say street names as that feature relies on text-to-speech technology.
Troubleshooting Voice Change Issues
If users experience issues while changing voices, consider these solutions:
- Voice not downloading: Ensure the app is connected to Wi-Fi or has a solid data signal.
- Voice missing: Celebrity voices may have expired. Try updating the app or checking for promotions.
- Custom recording won’t save: Check that microphone permissions are enabled for the Waze app in device settings.
- Street names not spoken: Only default text-to-speech voices will call out street names.
Benefits of Changing Your Waze Voice
A unique navigation voice adds a layer of comfort and familiarity to driving, which can reduce stress and improve the driving experience. Some additional benefits include:
- Improved focus: A familiar or engaging voice helps drivers stay attentive.
- Enhanced fun: Driving can become a source of entertainment rather than just a necessity.
- Language learning: Users can choose voices in other languages to reinforce learning.
Tips for Choosing the Best Navigation Voice
- Test several voices: Spend a little time previewing different options to find the most enjoyable or practical one.
- Choose text-to-speech (TTS) if needed: For those who rely on hearing street names, TTS voices are better.
- Check voice clarity: Ensure the voice is clear and loud enough for various driving conditions.
Conclusion
Changing the voice on Waze is a simple, yet powerful, way to customize one’s driving experience. Whether for functional reasons or pure entertainment, this feature continues to delight users. With just a few taps, anyone can replace their turn-by-turn directions with something that suits their mood or personality.
From default voices and celebrity recordings to one-of-a-kind custom prompts, Waze makes it easy to tailor your journey. Remember to keep the app updated to gain access to the latest voice features and promotions.
FAQs
- Can I use any voice I want on Waze?
- You can select from Waze’s preloaded voices or create your own using the recording feature. Third-party voice packs are not officially supported.
- Do celebrity voices say street names?
- No, celebrity voices do not typically include text-to-speech (TTS) features and won’t read street names.
- How do I get a deleted celebrity voice back?
- If a celebrity voice has been removed from the app, it cannot be re-downloaded unless Waze re-releases it in the future.
- Is changing the navigation voice free?
- Yes, all available navigation voices on Waze are free to use and download.
- Where do I enable microphone permissions for Waze?
- Go to your phone’s settings, select the Waze app, and toggle the microphone permission on. This is necessary for recording your voice.
