As an Instacart contractor, you know how important it is to deliver groceries to your customers on time and efficiently. You also want to keep your customers updated on your progress and estimated arrival time. Fortunately, you can use your iPhone with Apple Maps to help you with both of these tasks. Here are some tips on how to use Apple Maps for delivery.
## Planning a Route on Apple Maps
Apple Maps is the default route planner app on your iPhone, and it can help you find the best way to get from the store to your customer's location. To plan a route on Apple Maps, follow these steps:
- Type in your destination address and enter. You can then select a different start point if you’re not using your present location.
- Select your transport type. You can choose between cars, walking, public transport, motorcycles, and e-hailing services.
- Tap Go to start the navigation. You can also tap the three dots icon to see more options, such as avoiding tolls or highways, or adding a stop along the way.
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## Getting Directions on iPhone Maps
Once you have started the navigation, Apple Maps will give you turn-by-turn directions on your iPhone screen and through voice guidance. You can also see the traffic conditions, speed limits, lane guidance, and ETA on the map. To get directions on iPhone Maps, follow these steps:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see more information, such as alternative routes, gas stations, coffee shops, or parking lots nearby.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to see the overview of your route, or tap the arrow icon to return to the turn-by-turn view.
- Tap the speaker icon to mute or unmute the voice guidance, or adjust the volume.
- Tap the compass icon to switch between north-up or heading-up orientation of the map.
- Tap the 3D icon to switch between 2D and 3D views of the map. You can also use two fingers to drag across the map to change the tilt level.
- Tap End at the top left corner of the screen to stop the navigation.
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## Sharing Your ETA with Your Customer
One of the best features of Apple Maps is that you can share your ETA with your customer while you are on your way. This way, they can know when to expect you and prepare for your arrival. To share your ETA with your customer, follow these steps:
- Start the navigation to your customer's location as usual.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap Share ETA.
- Select your customer's contact from the list, or tap Contacts to search for them. You can also tap Messages to send them a text message with your ETA.
- Your customer will receive a notification with your ETA and a link to track your progress on a map. They will also get updates if your ETA changes due to traffic or other factors.
- To stop sharing your ETA, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap Stop Sharing.
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## Using Look Around and AR Directions for Street-Level Navigation
Sometimes, finding your customer's location can be tricky, especially if they live in an apartment complex or a crowded area. In that case, you can use Look Around and AR Directions features on Apple Maps to help you navigate at street level. Look Around is Apple's version of Street View, which lets you see what a location looks like from ground level. AR Directions is an immersive feature that uses augmented reality to overlay directions on your camera view. To use Look Around and AR Directions for street-level navigation, follow these steps:
- Drop a pin on the map near your customer's location and tap the binoculars icon on the left side of the screen. This will take you to Look Around mode, where you can see a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
- Tap anywhere on the screen to move around, or use two fingers to zoom in or out. You can also tap the arrows icon at the top left corner of the screen to see a split-screen mode with a map.
- If AR Directions is available in your area, you will see a hexagon icon on the right side of the screen. Tap it to open your camera and scan the buildings around you.
- Follow the arrows and labels on your screen to get step-by-step directions to your customer's location.
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## Conclusion
Apple Maps is a powerful tool that can help you improve your delivery time and customer satisfaction as an Instacart contractor. By using its features such as route planning, directions, ETA sharing, Look Around, and AR Directions, you can make your delivery process easier and more efficient. Try them out and see the difference for yourself.
## References
¹: [Is Apple Maps Route Planner for Deliveries Right For You?](https://blog.route4me.com/apple-maps-route-planner-for-deliveries/)
²: [Apple Maps tips and tricks | Tom's Guide](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/apple-maps-15-essential-tips-and-tricks)
³: [How to Use Apple Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors](https://www.seniorliving.org/tech/how-to-use-apple-maps/)
⁴: [A Beginner’s Guide to Using Apple Maps on Your iPhone - MUO](https://www.makeuseof.com/a-beginners-guide-to-using-apple-maps/)
Source: Conversation with Bing, 7/2/2023
1) Is Apple Maps Route Planner for Deliveries Right For You?. https://blog.route4me.com/apple-maps-route-planner-for-deliveries/.
(2) Apple Maps tips and tricks | Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/apple-maps-15-essential-tips-and-tricks.
(3) How to Use Apple Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors. https://www.seniorliving.org/tech/how-to-use-apple-maps/.
(4) A Beginner’s Guide to Using Apple Maps on Your iPhone - MUO. https://www.makeuseof.com/a-beginners-guide-to-using-apple-maps/.
