You can add a missing business or location to Google Maps in about five minutes using a Google account
Google Maps shows millions of places, but not every business, restaurant, park, or landmark is on it yet. If you notice a place that should be there but isn't, you can add it yourself. Google reviews submissions and adds them if they meet basic requirements — the place must be a real, physical location that serves the public, and you need a Google account to submit it.
The process is straightforward: you find the location on the map, tell Google it's missing, fill in basic details like the name and address, and submit. Google then checks your information against other sources and either adds the place or asks for more details. You don't need to be the owner, and you won't be charged.
Key Takeaways
- You add a place by searching for its location on Google Maps, clicking "Add a missing place," and filling in the name, address, phone number, and category.
- Google accepts submissions for real, physical locations that serve the public — not private homes, temporary events, or places that have closed.
- Your submission goes into a review queue and typically appears on the map within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how clear your information is.
- If Google needs more information to verify the place, it may ask you follow-up questions before adding it.
- You can also add a place by clicking the "+" button at the bottom of the Google Maps app on a phone, which opens the same submission form.
How to add a place on a computer
Open Google Maps in your web browser and search for the area where the place should be. You can type the address, neighborhood, or intersection into the search box at the top. Once the map shows the right area, look for a spot on the map where the place actually is and right-click on it.
A menu will pop up. Click "Add a missing place" at the top of that menu. A form will open on the left side of the screen. Fill in the name of the place exactly as it appears on its storefront or official materials. Then add the full street address, including the street number, street name, city, and state. If you know the phone number or website, add those too — they help Google verify the place is real.
Below the contact details, you'll see a dropdown menu labeled "Is this a..." Click it and choose the category that best describes the place: restaurant, store, park, office, school, or dozens of other options. Pick the one that matches what the place actually is. Then click "Submit" at the bottom of the form.
How to add a place on a phone
Open the Google Maps app and navigate to the location where the place should be. You can search for the address or scroll and zoom to find the right spot. Once you're looking at the correct area, tap the "+" button at the bottom right of the screen.
A menu will appear with options. Tap "Add a missing place." The same form you see on a computer will open. Fill in the name, address, phone number if you have it, and select the category from the dropdown. The steps are identical to the computer version — just tap instead of click.
What information Google needs and why
Google requires the name of the place and its street address before it will review your submission. The name should match what appears on the building, sign, or official business registration — not a nickname or shortened version. The address must include the street number and full street name so Google can pinpoint the exact location.
The category is also required. This tells Google what kind of place it is, which helps people find it when they search for restaurants, parks, or other specific types of locations. Phone numbers and websites are optional but helpful — they give Google additional ways to verify the place is real and currently operating.
Google cross-checks your information against business directories, property records, and other sources. If the details match what it finds, the place usually gets added quickly. If something doesn't match or seems incomplete, Google may ask you for clarification before adding it.
What types of places Google will and won't add
Google adds real, physical locations that serve the public: restaurants, stores, offices, parks, schools, hospitals, government buildings, and similar places. The location must have a street address — it can't be a mobile business or a service that comes to your home. The place also needs to be currently open or recently closed. If a business shut down years ago, Google won't add it.
Google will not add private homes, apartments, or other private residences, even if you own them. It won't add temporary events like pop-up shops or one-time festivals. It also won't add places that don't have a physical location, like online-only businesses or delivery services with no storefront.
If you're trying to add a chain restaurant or store that already exists in other locations, make sure that specific location isn't already on the map under a slightly different name or address. Sometimes a place is already there but listed under the owner's name instead of the business name, or at a nearby address.
How long it takes for a place to appear
After you submit, Google puts your information into a review queue. Most submissions are reviewed within a few days to a few weeks. If your information is clear and matches what Google finds in other sources, the place will be added without any follow-up from you.
If Google finds conflicting information — for example, if the address you provided doesn't match what's in a business directory — it may send you a message asking for more details. You'll see this notification in your Google account. Respond with clarification or additional proof, like a photo of the storefront or a link to the business's official website. Providing this extra information speeds up the review.
Once the place is added, it appears on Google Maps for everyone. You can then add photos, hours, a description, or other details to help other people find and learn about it.
What happens if Google rejects your submission
If Google determines the place doesn't meet its requirements, it will reject the submission. You'll receive a notification explaining why. Common reasons include: the address doesn't exist, the place is a private residence, the business has permanently closed, or the information is too vague to verify.
If you believe Google made a mistake, you can submit again with more detailed information. Include a photo of the storefront, the business's website, or a link to its social media page. This gives Google more to work with and increases the chance of approval on the second try. However, if the place genuinely doesn't meet Google's criteria — for example, it's a private home or a business that closed years ago — resubmitting won't change the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be the owner of the place to add it to Google Maps?
No. Anyone with a Google account can add a missing place. You don't need permission from the owner, and you won't be listed as the owner once it's added. The owner can claim the business later and make changes if they want to.
Can I add a place that's in a building or mall?
Yes. If a store, restaurant, or office is inside a larger building or shopping mall, you can still add it. Include the full address with the street number and street name. If the place has a suite number or unit number, add that too so Google can pinpoint it correctly.
What if the place I want to add is very new and not in any online directories yet?
Submit it with the information you have. Include the street address, phone number if available, and a category. If you can, add a photo of the storefront or a link to the business's website or social media. The more details you provide, the easier it is for Google to verify the place is real and currently operating.
Can I edit a place after I've added it?
Once Google adds the place, anyone can suggest edits to its information — hours, phone number, website, or address. You can suggest an edit by clicking on the place on the map and looking for an "Suggest an edit" option. Google reviews these suggestions and updates the listing if the information is correct.
What if someone adds incorrect information about a place I own?
You can claim the business on Google Maps and correct the information yourself. Go to Google Business Profile, sign in with your Google account, and search for your business. Click "Claim this business" and follow the steps to verify you own it. Once verified, you can update the address, phone number, hours, photos, and other details.