Over the past few years, Google Maps has become an incredibly powerful tool that allows users to explore locations, navigate routes, and share places with others. We rely on it for everything from discovering new places to getting directions on the go. However, some powerful features often go unnoticed—one such feature is dropping a pin.
Pinning a location does more than just mark a spot; it gives you instant access to details like directions, addresses, ratings, and reviews—all in one place. Whether you’re saving your favorite restaurant or sharing a meeting spot with a friend, dropping a pin saves you time and hassle. And it’s not just helpful for individuals—businesses can benefit, too. Just ask your HR department how much easier things have gotten with this feature!
So, if you’ve realized the worth of this handy tool, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to drop a pin in Google Maps step-by-step, so you can make the most of this feature and navigate like a pro! We’ll also explore how to use dropped pins effectively, including sharing locations, saving places, and getting directions.
Learn More : How To Share Location On Google Maps on Android/iPhone?
How To Drop A Pin In Google Maps On Android Mobile?
It’s a pretty easy job to drop a pin on Google. Not kidding! See the steps and see it for yourself.
1. Open Google Maps – Launch the Google Maps app on your Android mobile device.
2. Sign in – You need to be signed in with your Google ID to proceed further.
3. Search for a location- Now tap in the Search bar on the top, and type the name of the place you want to pin. Now tap on Directions and then tap on Pin at the bottom. Alternatively, long press for a few seconds on the exact location that you wish to pin.
4. Confirm the pin- Once you see a red colored pin pop up on the screen, be assured that the location is pinned. You’ll see the navigation option of Directions and Start, photos, About section, and reviews.
5. Explore nearby places– If you tap on the Directory section, you will see the nearby blocks and other places that can be of assistance, for instance, you can locate a parking spot in proximity to your location.
NOTE: You can also tap on the Go tab on Google Maps. Swipe up and you’ll see a list of Suggested Places. Next to the destinations that you’ve searched before, you’ll see the Pin icon, tap on it to pin the location.
Now you’re all set to use pinned locations for easy navigation! 🚀
How To Drop A Pin In Google Maps On iOS?
1. Open Google Maps – Launch the Google Maps app on your Android mobile device.
2. Sign in –You need to be signed in with your Google ID to proceed further.
3. Find a location – Now tap in the Search bar on the top, and type the name of the place you want to pin. Now tap on Directions and then tap on Pin at the bottom. Alternatively, long press for a few seconds on the exact location that you wish to pin.
4. Confirm the pin –Once you see a red colored pin pop up on the screen, be assured that the location is pinned.
5. Explore nearby places – You’ll see the navigation option of Directions and Start, photos, About section, and reviews. If you tap on the Directory section, you will see the nearby blocks and other places which can help a lot, for instance, if you want to locate a parking spot in proximity to your location.
Bonus Tip: You can also pin locations from the Go tab. Swipe up to see Suggested Places, then tap the Pin icon next to any previously searched destination.
Now you’re ready to easily navigate to your pinned locations! 🚀
How To Drop A Pin In Google Maps On Desktop?
Although using a mobile device is quite handy when it comes to accessing Google Maps, you might use your PC or Mac to drop a pin on it. Follow the steps stated below to learn how to pin a location on Google Maps:
- Open Google Maps – Open a new tab on Google.
- Log in – Ensuring that your Gmail ID is logged in, open the Maps by selecting it from the drop-down square box.
- Find a location – Place the cursor in the search box and type the location that you wish to pin on Google Maps.
- Confirm the pin – You’ll see a red mark on the location which is enough to indicate that you’ve pinned the location.
- Save or share the pinned location – Furthermore, you can save the pinned location by clicking on the Save option. Once you click it, you’ll be asked to choose a list to which you want to add the location for future reference.
- You might also feel like creating a new list. To do so simply click on New List and provide a name for the list. That’s all and you’ll see the location not only pinned but also saved on the sidebar as well.
Now that you’ve grasped how to drop a pin in Google Maps, you you’re all set to use your pinned locations for navigation and planning! 🚀
How To Share A Map Or Location?
Here is the step-by-step process to drop a pin to send a location to someone:
Android Device
- Launch the Google Maps app.
- Search the location that you want to share by entering it in the search box. Alternatively, you can click on the map to find the place and tap for a little longer than usual to pin the location.
- You’ll see the place’s name and other options at the bottom of your screen.
- Now hover through the options in blue tabs and tap on ‘Share .’
- The next step is to select the app and share the location link.
iOS Device
- Launch the Google Maps app.
- Search the location that you want to share by entering it in the search box. Alternatively, you can click on the map to find the place and tap for a little longer than usual to pin the location.
- You’ll see the place’s name and other options at the bottom of your screen.
- Tap on ‘Share.’ In case you can’t find the option, tap on the three dots to get More options and then tap on ‘Share.’
- Select the app and share the location link.
Desktop
- While logged into your Google Account, open Google Maps.
- Enter the location that you want to share in the search bar.
- Click on the Share option.
- Then either select the app via which you wish to share the location or copy and send the link to the person.
How To Embed A Map Or Location?
- While logged into your Google Account, open Google Maps.
- Enter the location that you want to share in the search bar.
- From the options available in the blue tabs, click on the Share option. Then click on ‘Embed A Map.’ Alternatively, you can click on the three lines (Menu icon) and select ‘Share or Embed.’
- You’ll now see a framed map on the screen in a medium-sized frame. If you want you can modify the frame size by selecting any of the options from the drop-down box.
- Click on ‘Copy HTML’ to copy the code and paste it into the HTML of your website.
How To Create A Custom Google Map?
- Click on this link- https://www.google.com/maps/d/ and log into your Google Account if you haven’t logged in yet.
- Afterward, click on ‘Create A New Map’ and wait for another window to open on your screen.
- On the top-left corner of your screen, click on ‘Untitled Map’ and set the name of your map. You can also add a description that fits the best to it and click on ‘Save.’
- Enter the location for which you want to create a map.
- Now click on ‘Base Map’ and select any of the alternatives for the map from the drop-down list.
- You can add as many layers as you want and provide different lines to it as well.
- Just below the search bar, you’ll find options to add directions, draw a line, and add marker.
- Once you’re done creating your map, click on Preview to see how your map will appear in view-only mode.
- Now you are free to share, export, or even print the map.
- You can click on ‘Edit’ to make any modifications to the map at any time by visiting the My Maps link.
If you want to delete a Map, you can do so by visiting the My Maps link. This was all about how to drop a pin in Google Maps.
How To Edit Business Location In Google Maps?
Follow the steps stated below to edit and pin a new business location:
- Go to the Google Maps app, and tap ‘Business’ in the bottom right corner.
- Select ‘Edit Profile’ and then tap on ‘Business Information,’ then Location.
- Under ‘Business Location,’ tap on Edit.
- Then tap ‘Adjust.’
- Move the map so the pin points to your business location.
- Lastly, tap ‘Done’ and then ‘Save.’
Why So Buzz Around How To Drop A Pin In Google Maps?
As technology is progressing, distances are getting shorter via various modes of transportation. But when you’re in a new place with no acquaintances, Google Maps is the friend you need. There are two scenarios:
- As an individual, you can use Google Maps to discover cafes, restaurants, medical shops, grocery stores, ATMs, etc. Just enter ‘cafe near *your place*’ in the search box and let Google Maps be your guide.
- For businesses, this is a not-to-miss opportunity to garner a new customer and many more just like that. So if you’ve not learned about Google Promoted Pins, be a little faster to act. If you need any assistance in search engine marketing, contact Mind Mingles for SEM Services.
Here is the list of ways in which you can utilize Google Maps Pins:
- Save a location.
- Share a location.
- Get directions to a location.
- Search near by hotels, pharmacies, restaurants, etc.
- Get information like reviews, working/open hours, website URL, etc. about a place/location.
- Create tailor-made maps.
Now you get why there is so much buzz around how to drop a pin in Google Maps.
How To Remove Pin On Google Maps?
Now that you’re aware of how to drop a pin in Google Maps and its benefits, you’re surely going to utilize this feature a lot, right? But as a lot of pins will appear on your map, you would want to know how to delete a dropped pin. So here you go:
Mobile Version
- Launch the Google Maps app on your mobile device.
- Then tap on your profile picture on the top right corner, and then tap on ‘Settings.’
- Tap on ‘Pinned Trips Settings.’
- Then tap on ‘Delete Pinned Trips’ and proceed by tapping on ‘Delete.’
All your pins will be deleted but don’t worry you can find them when you tap on ‘Go.’ The previously pinned locations will now appear unpinned under ‘Suggested.’ You can click on the pin icon appearing next to the location to pin it again.
NOTE: For the desktop version there isn’t any such specific method to delete a dropped pin, though you can just click on any other place or click on the cross icon on the information box appearing on the left side.
Additional Features & Tips
How to Share a Dropped Pin
Sharing a dropped pin is useful when you want to send a precise location to someone, whether it’s for meeting up or helping someone find a place easily.
- On Android/iOS: Tap the “Share” button in the location details panel. A menu will appear, allowing you to choose different sharing methods such as messaging apps, email, or social media platforms.
- On Desktop: Click on the “Share” option in the location details card. A popup will provide a shareable link that you can copy and paste into emails, messages, or any other platform where you want to share the location.
How to Save a Dropped Pin
Saving a pin helps you keep track of important places for future reference.
- After dropping a pin, tap or click on “Save.”
- Choose a category such as “Favorites,” “Want to Go,” or create a new custom list.
- Access your saved locations later by tapping the “Saved” tab in Google Maps on mobile or desktop.
How to Label a Dropped Pin
Labeling a pin makes it easier to recognize and retrieve later.
- Tap or click “Label” in the location details.
- Enter a custom name for the location (e.g., “Mom’s House” or “Secret Fishing Spot”).
- Labeled locations will be available under “Your Places” for quick access.
How to Get Directions to/from a Dropped Pin
Dropped pins can be used to set a starting point or destination for navigation.
- Tap or click “Directions.”
- Enter a starting point or set the dropped pin as your destination.
- Choose a transportation mode: car, public transit, walking, or cycling.
- Follow the recommended route provided by Google Maps.
How to Use Dropped Pins Offline
If you are traveling to a location with limited internet access, you can still use dropped pins offline.
- Download offline maps in advance by searching for an area and selecting “Download Offline Map.”
- Even without internet access, saved locations and dropped pins will still be accessible.
- You can use these offline maps to navigate using GPS without requiring a data connection.
Bottom Line
Dropping a pin in Google Maps is a simple yet powerful feature that enhances navigation and location sharing. Whether you’re using an Android, iOS, or desktop device, knowing how to drop, save, and share pins can make your travel experience smoother and more efficient. With this guide, you’re now equipped to use Google Maps like a pro and never lose track of important places again!
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with friends and family so they can also master the art of dropping pins in Google Maps.
