Waze Suggesting Longer Routes Than Usual? You’re Not Alone

Waze is known for its real-time traffic updates and efficient routing, making every journey smoother by avoiding slowdowns. However, a growing number of users, including myself, have noticed something strange—Waze has started suggesting unnecessarily long routes, sometimes adding miles and minutes to trips that should be straightforward.

A Sudden Change in Routing Behavior

I first experienced this issue on a routine drive to drop off my child at kindergarten. The trip is only three miles, and I take the same route every day. But on this particular morning, Waze recommended a bizarre detour: it directed me in the opposite direction, had me make a U-turn two miles later, and eventually put me back on my usual route—only with extra miles added for no apparent reason.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Reports from other users suggest that Waze has been making similar mistakes since December. Google, which owns Waze, acknowledged the issue and released a fix in January, yet some users (myself included) continue to experience these routing errors.

Waze Is Still Struggling to Avoid Traffic Jams

Some users claim that Waze no longer properly avoids heavy traffic, with detours adding up to 20 minutes to their trips. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered this particular issue—Waze still avoids congestion but occasionally suggests longer routes with no logical benefit.

There doesn't seem to be a way to fix this behavior manually. Users have tried adjusting their route preferences, reinstalling the app, and clearing cache data, but the problem persists.

Switching to Google Maps as a Temporary Fix

The most common workaround for frustrated Waze users has been switching to Google Maps. When I encountered the incorrect routing issue, I tested Google Maps on CarPlay with my iPhone 15 Pro, and it provided the correct directions without any unnecessary detours.

Google Maps has improved significantly in recent months, integrating features that were once exclusive to Waze, such as real-time traffic updates and incident reporting. However, Waze still holds an edge in traffic data accuracy, offering reports on hazards like:
✅ Broken traffic lights
✅ Flooded roads
✅ Potholes
✅ Blocked lanes
✅ Speed bumps
✅ Merging lanes
✅ Speed limit changes

These features remain valuable for drivers who rely on precise traffic updates, especially on CarPlay and Android Auto.

What’s Next?

It’s unclear whether Waze’s routing issues are the result of lingering software bugs or intentional changes to the algorithm. For now, if you notice Waze suggesting unnecessarily long routes, switching to Google Maps might be the best alternative.

Have you experienced similar issues with Waze? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚗💨