What "deleting a map" means in Google Maps
When you create a custom map in Google Maps, you are building a private list of locations you have marked with pins, routes, or notes. Deleting that map removes the entire list and all the pins you added to it — but it does not delete the actual places from Google's database or affect other people's maps. You can delete a map you created, but you cannot delete Google's built-in maps like the street map or satellite view.
Google Maps also lets you delete individual saved places (restaurants you bookmarked, addresses you starred, routes you saved) without deleting the entire map. This guide covers both: how to remove a whole custom map, and how to remove single locations from your saved places.
Key Takeaways
- Custom maps you created can be deleted from the Maps menu, but Google's standard maps (street, satellite, terrain) cannot be removed.
- Deleting a custom map removes all the pins and notes inside it permanently, so read or screenshot it first if you need the information later.
- You can delete individual saved places (starred locations, bookmarked restaurants) without deleting the entire map they are on.
- Deleted maps and saved places cannot be recovered, so double-check before confirming the deletion.
How to delete a custom map on desktop
Open Google Maps in a web browser and look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Click it, then select "Your places" from the dropdown menu. This opens a panel on the left side showing your saved maps, saved places, and your contributions to Google Maps.
Click the "Maps" tab at the top of the left panel. You will see a list of every custom map you have created. Hover your mouse over the map you want to delete, and three dots will appear on the right side of that map's name. Click those three dots and select "Delete map" from the menu. Google will ask you to confirm — click "Delete" again to remove the map permanently.
How to delete a custom map on your phone
Open the Google Maps app and tap the profile icon or menu icon in the top right corner (the exact location depends on whether you use iPhone or Android). Tap "Your places," then tap the "Maps" tab. Find the map you want to delete and swipe left on it (iPhone) or press and hold it (Android) until a delete option appears. Tap "Delete" and confirm when prompted.
If swiping or holding does not work, try tapping the three dots next to the map name instead. Not all phone versions show the same menu layout, so try both methods if the first one does not appear.
How to delete individual saved places
Saved places are single locations you have starred or bookmarked — a restaurant, a friend's address, a landmark. These are different from custom maps. To delete a saved place, open Google Maps and search for the location or find it on the map. Tap or click on the location's information card (the box that appears with the name, address, and rating).
Look for a star icon or heart icon in the card. If the icon is filled in (solid), that means you have saved the place. Click or tap the star to remove it from your saved places. The location will disappear from your "Saved" list but will still exist in Google Maps for other users.
On desktop, you can also go to "Your places" > "Saved" to see all your bookmarked locations in one list. Click the three dots next to any location and select "Remove" to delete it from your saved places.
Why you might want to delete maps or saved places
You may delete a custom map because you no longer need the information, want to clean up your account, or created a map by mistake. Deleting individual saved places helps you keep your "Saved" list organized so you can find the locations you actually use.
Before you delete a map that took time to build, consider downloading it or taking screenshots of the pins and notes. Once deleted, Google does not offer a way to recover the map or restore the pins you added.
The difference between deleting and hiding
Google Maps does not have a "hide" feature for custom maps, but you can make a map private so only you can see it. To do this, open the map, click the three dots in the top right, and select "Share." Change the sharing setting from "Public" or "Anyone with the link" to "Private." The map stays in your account but becomes invisible to anyone you have shared the link with.
This is useful if you want to keep a map but do not want others to access it. If you truly want to remove it from your account entirely, deletion is the only option.
What happens after you delete a map
Once you confirm the deletion, the map is removed from your "Your places" list when ready. You will no longer see it in your Maps menu or on any device where you are signed into your Google account. The pins, routes, and notes inside that map are deleted along with it.
If you shared the map with other people before deleting it, they will no longer be able to access it. If they saved the link, clicking it will show an error message saying the map no longer exists. The locations themselves remain in Google Maps — only your custom map and your personal pins are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a map after I delete it?
No. Google Maps does not have an undo or recovery feature for deleted maps. Once you confirm the deletion, the map and all its pins are permanently removed. If you think you might need the map later, read it or take screenshots before deleting.
If I delete a saved place, will it disappear from other people's maps?
No. Deleting a saved place only removes it from your personal "Saved" list. The location itself remains in Google Maps, and other people's maps and saved places are not affected.
Can I delete Google's built-in maps like the street map or satellite view?
No. You can only delete custom maps that you created yourself. Google's standard map types (street, satellite, terrain, traffic) are part of the app and cannot be removed. You can switch between them, but not delete them.
What is the difference between deleting a map and making it private?
Making a map private keeps it in your account but hides it from people you shared the link with. Deleting a map removes it from your account entirely. Use private if you want to keep the map but restrict access; use delete if you no longer need the map at all.
Do I need to delete a map before I can create a new one?
No. You can create as many custom maps as you want without deleting old ones. Google does not limit the number of maps you can have, so you only need to delete maps you no longer use.