Google Maps allows users to easily drop pins on the map to mark custom locations. This can be useful for saving favorite places, planning trips, marking meeting spots, and more. Here is a guide on how to drop pins and mark custom locations on Google Maps, both on mobile and desktop.
Table of Contents
Dropping Pins on Mobile
Dropping pins in the Google Maps app for iPhone, Android, and other mobile devices is very simple.
Manually Placing Pins
To manually place a pin:
- Open the Google Maps app
- Long press on the spot on the map where you want to drop the pin. A red pin will appear.
- An information card will appear at the bottom of the screen with options to label the pin, get directions, share the location, save the location, and more.
You can tap on the pin’s information card anytime to access those options.
Searching and Dropping Pins
You can also easily drop pins by searching for a location:
- Open the Google Maps app
- Search for an address or location using the search bar at the top
- Tap the search result to drop a pin there
An information card will appear with options to interact with that pinned location.
Removing Mobile Pins
To remove a dropped pin:
- Tap the information card at the bottom
- Tap the “X” icon to delete the pin
You can also remove pins by tapping elsewhere on the map.
Dropping Desktop Pins
Dropping pins in the desktop Google Maps website works similarly:
Manually Placing Pins
To manually place pins:
- Open Google Maps in a web browser
- Click on the desired spot on the map to drop a pin
A small gray pin will appear with a box showing coordinates. Click on the coordinates to convert it to a larger red pin with more options.
Searching and Dropping Pins
You can also let Google Maps automatically drop pins:
- Search for a place in the search bar
- Click one of the suggestions that show up to drop a pin there
Removing Desktop Pins
To remove pins, click the “X” on the search bar or click elsewhere on the map.
Labeling and Organizing Pins
Google Maps allows you to label pinned locations to keep them organized:
On Mobile
- Tap the information card of the dropped pin
- Tap “Label”
- Choose a label like “Home”, “Work”, “Favorites” or create a custom label
The label will now appear under the pin.
On Desktop
- Click the pin to open the information card
- Click “Save”
- Choose a label from the list or click “New List” to create a custom label
Creating Custom Maps
You can create custom Google Maps with multiple pins and custom labels:
- On desktop, go to Google My Maps
- Click “Create new map”
- Search for places using the search bar and click “Add to map”
- Or manually add pins by clicking “Add marker”
- Add custom labels by clicking on the pin and editing the title and description
You can view and edit your custom map on desktop and mobile. Share it or embed it on websites.
Sharing Pins
To share a pinned location:
On Mobile
- Tap the information card
- Tap “Share” and choose an app or contact
On Desktop
- Click the pin to open the information card
- Click “Share” and copy the link
Share pins with friends so they can access directions, photos, business information and more about the locations you marked.
Conclusion
Dropping pins makes it easy to mark and share custom locations on Google Maps that lack formal addresses. Use pins to bookmark favorite spots, plan trips with multiple stops, coordinate meeting locations, explore areas ahead of time, and create custom maps. With a few taps, you can conveniently save and organize locations on Google Maps.
