How to Check Air Quality Index (AQI) in Google Maps

As concerns about air quality continue to rise, harnessing technology to monitor pollution levels has become the need of the hour. Google Maps, a trusted and widely-used platform, offers real-time information on Air Quality Index (AQI) alongside its navigational services. In this article, we will explore the simple steps on how to check Air Quality Index (AQI) in Google Maps.

Before we dive into viewing the AQI near you, we need to understand what AQI means, and why it is so important. Let’s have a look.

What Is Air Quality Index or AQI

AQI is a measurement system used to assess the levels of air pollution in an area. It is a numerical value that corresponds to the quality of the air based on the amount of pollutants in the air. 

The range of AQI is between 0-999, where a smaller number represents better air quality. Below is a table that shows AQI categories based on standards from the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States.

AQI Range	Air Quality Conditions	Remarks	Color Code
0-50	Good	Air is safe to breathe	Green
51-100	Moderate	Acceptable but risky for those with respiratory illness	Yellow
101-150	Unhealthy for sensitive groups	Harmful for people with lung diseases	Orange
151-200	Unhealthy	Unsafe air for everyone	Red
201-300	Very Unhealthy	People may experience severe health issues	Purple
301-500	Hazardous	Emergency conditions, people are advised to stay indoors.	Maroon

Now that we have an idea of the Air Quality Index, let us see how you can check if the air near you is safe to breathe.

Check Air Quality Index (AQI) Of Your Location Using Google Maps

Google Maps provides real-time AQI of several areas around the globe. You can view it on Android, iOS, and even on Desktop. Here’s how to do it on each.

On Android

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your Android phone. Tap on the layers button.

Note: You can also use the search bar to type the location you want to get the air quality data.

Step 2: Scroll down to find the Air quality option. Tap on it.

Google Maps will now show you the AQI of your location. You can use the pinch-to-zoom gesture to adjust the map and view the AQI of nearby areas.

You can also swipe up to get a list view of all nearby locations with their AQI.

On iOS Devices

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your iOS device. Tap on the layers icon.

Note: You can also use the search bar to type the location you want to get the air quality data.

Step 2: Tap on the Air Quality button.

Step 3: Zoom out to see the AQI of your location and nearby areas.

On Desktop

Step 1: Open the Google Maps website in a web browser on your computer.

Open Google Maps website

Step 2: Hover your mouse cursor over the layers icon. Click on More.

Step 3: Now click on Air Quality.

Step 4: Use the scroll wheel on your mouse, or use pinch-to-zoom to view the AQI of your location.

Tip: You can also check the AQI of your room or office by using an indoor air quality monitor.

Bonus: Check AQI Using Google Assistant or Siri

You can also directly ask about the AQI of your area by directly asking Google Assistant on Android and Siri on iOS. Here’s how to go about it.

Using Google Assistant on Android

Step 1: Summon the Google Assistant using the voice command ‘Okay Google’. You can also use gestures for the same, based on your Android device.

Step 2: Ask Google Assistant about the AQI of your area. You can also ask about any other area.

Google Assistant will show you the AQI of your requested area.

Using Siri on iPhone

Step 1: Summon Siri using the voice command ‘Hey Siri’. You can also hold the power button instead of using voice commands. (On iPhones with a home button, you have to hold the home button to activate Siri).

Tip: If your iPhone is running iOS 17, you can also summon Siri by saying Siri instead of Hey Siri. Here’re other iOS 17 features you can check out.

Step 2: Ask Siri about the AQI of your area, or any other location.

Siri will now show you the AQI of the requested location.

FAQs on Google’s Air Quality Index

Stay Away From Air Pollution

Checking AQI in Google Maps is an effective way to stay informed about the air quality in your area. If the AQI levels of your home are not good, it is advised to use an air purifier to ensure that you breathe in safe air.