Google Maps appears to be restricting access to certain features for users not signed in to accounts, according to reports on Reddit and Android Central. Users claim they're unable to view multiple photos of places and are missing the Reviews tab when browsing Maps without logging in. The app displays a "limited access" message prompting sign-in.

Multiple users in both the U.S. and Germany have experienced this issue, though some speculate it could be a bug. Google's official help community suggested clearing browser history as a potential fix, but affected users report this solution doesn't work. The company hasn't clarified whether this intentional feature restriction or an ongoing technical problem.

Meanwhile, Google continues expanding Gemini's capabilities in Maps, with recent updates adding walking and cycling navigation. The AI can now provide neighborhood information while users are on foot or bike, along with landmark-based navigation. Until Google clarifies the account requirement situation, users seeking full functionality may need to log in, potentially raising privacy concerns about mandatory account usage.