What do you do when nature calls? When you feel the urge, you are stuck with no other option than to either find a restroom or just hold. While public restrooms are not usually the most hygenic place on the earth, but when you gotta go, you gotta go.
Because this seems to be a universal problem that crosses all borders and seas, I will share a handful of apps for Android and iOS users to help out. These apps come with a city map with restrooms and toilets marked on them. If you are living in the concrete jungle, you need to have one restroom finder app on you at all times. Let’s begin.
Find Public Restroom Near Me
1. Google Maps
If you live in India or visiting India soon, then you should know, you can find public toilets directly on Google maps. Yes, other than showing real-time traffic, local reviews, real-time location, traffic prediction etc, Google Maps can also help you fine – public restroom near you.
In partnership with the Indian government and Swatch Bharat initiative, Google maps now have a database of over 50,000 public toilets in more than 2,300 cities across India. All you have to do is simply type ‘public toilets’ inside the search option on Google Maps. Or you can even ask Google Assistant ‘public toilets near me’.
Bonus Tip: In a crowded city, it might be difficult to find a public restroom than to find chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Malls, Petrol Pump, etc. While it’s not recommended to use them for taking a dump but in case of emergency, they are a good option. Most franchises have a restroom that is open to the public or customers. Also quite easy to find them Google maps.
2. SitOrSquat
SitOrSquat is an app to find public washrooms near me, and is available on both Android and iOS. Built by toilet paper giant Charmin, the app comes has over 100,000 restrooms marked on an interactive map. You can also get ETA just like in Google Maps. Now you know how long you need to hold before you let go.
The one feature that I like is the rating system where you can rate a restroom as worthy of ‘sitting’ or just ‘squatting’. Useful if you are very conscious and can’t stand a dirty or sub-standard restroom. Found a restroom not on the map? Add it yourself for the benefit of others. Another feature worth mentioning is handicap accessible filter, useful for people who are differently-abled.
SitOrSquat is completely free.
Download SitOrSquat: Android | iOS
3. Flush
Flush is another app to find nearest public toilets to you. Again, it is designed well and is pretty easy to use. When you are under pressure, you don’t want to get bogged down with too many options. You just need a solution, and fast. Flush works offline which means the location of thousands of public toilets are easily accessible.
With a database of over 200,000 toilets and restrooms around the world, the app uses Google Maps to provide directions. There is an automatic mode where the app will determine the closest toilet near you and show directions. A real time saver. Again, there are some supplemental information available like whether the toilet is free or not, disabled-friendly or requires a key.
Flush is ad-supported but free to use.
4. Toilet Finder
Another app that promises to find a toilet near me and again, works really well. At the time of writing this article, Toilet Finder has a database of over 150,000 restrooms marked on a map. A cool feature is a support for a smart assistant. Just say Hello to trigger the GPS and the app will find a public toilet near you.
Again, it comes with a rating system, toilets are marked free or paid, and handicap accessible or not. It is ad-supported but otherwise completely free. Add any new locations that is not marked. The process is easy and simple enough. Overall, works pretty much like other public restroom apps in the list except ETA.
Download Toilet Finder: Android | iOS
5. Where Is Public Toilet
Where is Public Toilet comes with a powerful filter option. You can find toilets that men or women only, unisex, and handicap accessible. What’s more? You can also see if it has a sharps disposal unit fitted or not. Other filter parameters include keys, cost, nearby parking, showers, baby change area, and drinking water. There is also support for MLAK. Frankly, it can find public washroom, toilets, and restrooms near you in no time. You can then sort this list by distance.
That’s a lot of flexibility which is why the app is so popular with over 280,000 locations marked on the map. Oh, the map comes with support for Google Maps as well as Google Street View built inside.
The only thing going against the app is the UI which is dated and unintuitive. Not a biggie and some people may think I am nitpicking. But the app works really well and the information is good. It comes with ads and in-app purchases.
Download Where Is Public Toilet: Android
Also Read: How to Predict Traffic on Google Maps for Android
6. Got to Go
Formerly known as Where to Wee, Got to Go is the last app to find restrooms near your location in the list. Like other apps in the list, there is a large database that is restricted to North America. As such, the app has a very detailed map that not only tracks restrooms and toilets, but also cafes, restaurants, and so on. It is especially useful when you are on a road trip and got to go.
The app also lists Cintas Sponsored Best Restroom. What’s that? These are award winning restrooms and toilets across North America. They are clean, immaculate, and designed innovatively. You know, the kinds that you tend to remember and share with friends?
Download Got to Go: Android | iOS
Also Read: How to Predict Traffic on Google Maps for Android
Apps to Find Public Restroom Near Me
These are some of the best apps to find public restrooms near your current location. Never again you will have to hold or feel embarrassed because you were unable to find a toilet or a restroom suitable for you. Especially useful for people who are suffering from Crohn’s disease or those who have bowel problems. Also, don’t forget to do your part. Always add a location to the app that you are using if it is missing. It might help someone else. Be responsible, and just let it go.
