Planning a trip? Here’s how to check the air quality on Google Maps before you go

Planning a trip or outdoor activity? Now you can check the real-time air quality of any location directly through Google Maps before stepping out. Here’s how

Before setting out on a trip or outdoor plan, knowing the air quality of your destination can help you make safer choices. As winter increases pollution levels across many regions, Google Maps has introduced an Air Quality Index (AQI) feature that allows users to check pollution levels in real time. This update helps travellers and residents understand air conditions before stepping outside or planning any activity.

Here’s how to check real-time air quality on Google Maps. (HT_PRINT)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Google Maps now displays AQI information on both mobile and desktop versions, making it easier to view air quality data anywhere. The feature uses a colour-coded system, showing the air quality through varying shades, from green for healthy air to dark red for severe pollution. This helps users decide whether it’s a good time for a walk, outdoor workout, or commute.

During winter, air pollution often rises due to causes like crop burning and temperature inversion, which trap pollutants closer to the ground. With this new feature, users can quickly view pollution levels and take necessary precautions, such as wearing masks or avoiding long outdoor exposure.

Here’s how you can check the AQI on Google Maps:

Step 1: Update Google Maps

Ensure that the latest version of the Google Maps app is installed on your Android or iOS device. The AQI feature is available across both platforms.

Step 2: Search for a Location

Open Google Maps and type the name of the city, area, or landmark you plan to visit in the search bar. You can also zoom in on your current location to check local air conditions.

Step 3: Tap the Layers Icon

Once the map loads, tap the layers icon that looks like a stack of squares on the right side of the screen, below the search bar.

Step 4: Select “Air Quality”

In the menu that appears, select “Air Quality.” The map will instantly update to display AQI data for your chosen area and nearby regions.

AQI Scale and What It Means:

AQI Range	Category	Meaning
0–50	Good	Air quality is healthy
51–100	Satisfactory	Acceptable air quality
101–200	Moderate	May affect sensitive groups
201–300	Poor	Unhealthy for prolonged exposure
301–400	Very Poor	Health warnings issued
401–500	Severe	Serious health risk

Step 5: View Detailed Information

Tap on any shaded region or pin on the map to get more details, including AQI score, pollutant types, and related health information.

Note: Google Maps updates AQI data every hour for more accurate readings. This global feature lets users check pollution levels in any part of the world, whether it’s Delhi, Beijing, or New York. Before heading outdoors, use the AQI layer to decide if you should carry a mask, delay travel, or limit outdoor activity.