Many users are unaware of it, but Google Earth count from 2007 with a hidden flight simulator that allows you to take advantage of Google maps to fly over them, in the style of Microsoft Flight Simulatorbut without its complexity. For almost two decades, this simulator has been available only in the Google Earth desktop appbut Google announced this Friday that it was deploying an ‘experimental’ version of it at a global level in the web version of the appso you no longer need to download anything to use it, just access it with your browser.
You have to enter the Google Earth website, click on the button ‘Explore Earth’enter the tools menu in the top bar and select ‘Flight simulator’. Google recommends using it with your eyes ‘Satellite’ selected as basemap instead of ‘Map’ so that the flight is more attractive and photorealistic.
Prepare for takeoff. ✈️ Flight simulator is now available globally on web to all users. https://t.co/jV5ZW7BZeW
We’ve recently added many of our most powerful professional desktop features to the web. Elevation profiles, new import types, but there’s always been one other feature… pic.twitter.com/s11NDaCx60
— Google Earth (@googleearth) June 12, 2026
The proposal does not intend to compete with complex simulators like Microsoft’s. Google defines it as a casual exploration experiencewith simplified flight physics and controls designed to move around the planet without too many complications. The aircraft can be controlled with the keyboard or mouse, and the tool dynamically loads 3D buildings and high-resolution images as the user flies over the terrain. If the flight ends in an accident, the simulation pauses and allows the aircraft to be returned to a safe altitude.
The new experimental version does not replace the one present in the Google Earth app, which has a more comprehensive approach. In the latter, available in both Windows as in Mac and Linuxthe user can access the simulator from the tools menu or through keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + Alt + A on Windows and ⌘ + Option + A on Mac), choose between two planes, the SR22 for beginners and F-16 For those who have more experience, start the flight from the view that is available at that moment or from an airport, and use a joystick as well as a keyboard and mouse.
The classic simulator also shows a detailed control panelwith data such as heading, speed, altitude, engine power, vertical speed, rudder, ailerons, elevator, flaps and landing gear.
The new web version, however, bet on accessibility. It does not require installing anything and turns a veteran and somewhat hidden function of Google Earth into a much easier tool to try from any computer. There is no option to choose between planes or an on-screen dashboard, and the controls are reduced to the direction arrows and the page up and page down buttons, or the mouse.
For the best experience, first find an interesting area of the world to explore, since the location that is loaded by default is in the middle of an ocean, with nothing in sight that can be identified.