Google has opened up a hidden Flight Simulator mode from the desktop version of Google Earth and made it easy to access in a web browser. It’s available through the Google Earth website with a few setup steps, and it pauses on crashes to let you reset and try
On Friday, Google made it easier to climb into the virtual skies—no app download required.
The flight simulator mode has been part of the desktop version of Google Earth since 2007, but it was tucked away as a hidden feature. Now, Google Earth’s Flight Simulator is accessible through a web browser, using the Google Earth website.
To get started, open the Google Earth website and click the “Explore Earth” button near the top right corner of the page. From there, choose “Flight Simulator,” which appears as the last option in the Tools section of the site’s top menu bar.
Google also suggests a small tweak for a better first impression: after you launch the simulator, it helps to change Google Earth’s basemap type from Map to Satellite to get a more photorealistic look.
The simulator controls aren’t left to guesswork. Google shared a help page that details how to use your keyboard or mouse to control your aircraft. The experience won’t match the depth or realism of dedicated flight games like Microsoft Flight Simulator. but it still demands practice—especially if you want to steer without crashing.
If your flight ends with an unplanned impact with the terrain, the simulator pauses and gives you the option to reset your aircraft back to a safe altitude again, keeping the momentum going when things go wrong.
Google Earth Flight Simulator web browser Google Earth Flight Simulator Satellite basemap keyboard and mouse controls
So it’s like Microsoft Flight Simulator but worse? lol
I tried this and it immediately got me lost over my own neighborhood. Changing it to Satellite helps but it still feels kinda fake? Like why does my plane keep landing itself.
Hidden mode since 2007 and now they’re acting like it’s new… typical. Also I swear every time it crashes it’s just tracking where you live?? Like “pause on crashes” sounds creepy to me. Maybe I’m reading too much into it but idk.
Can you do this on a phone or is it only desktop? I saw “web browser” and thought you could just open it anywhere, but then it says keyboard/mouse controls which is annoying. Also basemap Map to Satellite… so basically you just make Google Earth prettier and then crash a tiny plane. Neat though I guess, I’ll try it while my internet isn’t acting up.