Introduction
Google Maps has always been a reliable maps app that, for the most part, gets you where you need to go. However, as good as Google Maps is, it doesn’t get every address right, and there are some locations you care about that may not have an address at all. Thankfully, you can address these issues using the new dropped pin feature in Google Maps, rolled out by Google in late 2019. Dropping a pin in Google Maps lets you mark a location so you can easily visibly see it on the map, or find it quickly in a search at any time. In this article, I’ll show you how to both drop a pin in Google Maps on your iPhone, iPad or Android device, or delete a dropped pin.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Drop a Pin on Google Maps on iPhone, iPad or Android
- Navigate to the location you want to save in Google Maps in the Google Maps app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
- Perform a long press by holding your finger against the screen at the location where you want to drop a pin on Google Maps. After a few seconds a red pin will appear at that location on the screen, and a small Dropped Pin menu will pop up at the bottom of the screen.
If this is your first time doing this, you’ll see a Save Your Places screen asking if you want to turn on the ability to save your dropped pins in your Google Account. Select “Turn On” to turn on the ability to save your dropped pins.
- Tap “Label” in the menu at the bottom of the screen. The Add Label screen appears.
- Enter the name for your dropped pin in the Enter a Label field at the top of this screen, and then tap “Done” in the upper right corner.
You’ll be returned to the location on the Google map where you dropped your pin, and you’ll see the dropped pin with the name of the pin displayed next to it.
Steps to Remove Dropped Pin on Google Maps on iPhone, iPad or Android
- Tap the “Menu” icon on the left side of the Search bar along the top of the Google Maps app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. A menu appears.
- Tap “Your Places” in the menu. The Your Places screen appears.
- Tap “Labeled” in the menu along the top of the Your Places screen if it isn’t selected by default. A list of your labeled locations is displayed.
- Find the label for the dropped pin you want to delete, and then tap the ellipses to the right of it. A menu flies up from the bottom of the screen.
- Tap “Remove Label.” The dropped pin will be removed from this list, and you’ll also no longer see it in Google Maps.
Reasons to Drop a Pin on Google Maps
1. Sharing Location
Dropping a pin in Google Maps helps users share their current spot or a specific place with others. This feature enhances communication, especially when coordinating social gatherings. For instance, when arranging a meetup, dropping a pin simplifies the process of directing attendees to the correct place. It eliminates confusion and provides clear, reliable information about the location. The receiver just needs to follow the map’s instructions to reach the spot.
2. Saving a Place
Google Maps’ pin-dropping feature is not only for known landmarks or businesses. Users often stumble upon locations that capture their interest, like a scenic viewpoint or a quaint coffee shop tucked away in a corner. Dropping a pin at such places saves them for future visits. It’s a modern, digital method of jotting down geographical notes, ensuring memorable spots are never lost or forgotten.
3. Bookmarking a Location
Bookmarking is an essential function of dropping a pin. It helps users note down places they intend to visit in the future. For example, while browsing Google Maps, one might find an interesting museum, a renowned restaurant, or a famous landmark. By dropping a pin, users can easily bookmark these locations. It’s a way to create a personalized travel bucket list or a catalog of places worth exploring.
4. Documenting Travels
Travel enthusiasts often use Google Maps to document their journey. Each location visited gets a pin, effectively creating a digital travelogue. It’s a fun, interactive way of recording adventures. This visual diary can evoke memories associated with each pin, making it a cherished digital keepsake. Besides personal satisfaction, it also provides a platform for sharing experiences with friends and fellow travelers.
5. Route Planning
Google Maps is a crucial tool for planning complex trips. By dropping pins at each intended destination, users can visualize the entire route. It’s like sketching a roadmap for your journey. This bird’s eye view of the travel plan makes route optimization easier, ensuring efficient use of time and resources. Whether it’s a business trip or a vacation, route planning with pins aids in a smooth journey.
6. Off-Grid Locations
Not every place is well-covered on Google Maps. In such scenarios, dropping a pin can be invaluable. For those venturing into less-mapped or remote areas, a dropped pin provides a reliable return point. It’s like leaving digital breadcrumbs in the wilderness. Moreover, it enables users to share less-known places with others, thereby enhancing the collective geographical knowledge.
7. Fieldwork
People in various professions find dropping pins on Google Maps useful. From environmentalists marking areas of ecological interest to real estate agents noting property locations, pins offer precise geographical documentation. Civil engineers can mark construction sites, while archaeologists might pin ancient ruins. It’s an efficient way to keep track of work-related spots, aiding in the organization and execution of field tasks.
8. Emergency Situations
In emergencies, a dropped pin on Google Maps can be a lifeline. It allows users to share their exact location swiftly with emergency services. By eliminating the chance of miscommunication, it ensures that help arrives at the right spot. It’s a feature that can prove crucial, perhaps even life-saving, enhancing personal safety in distressing situations.
