Adding a location to Google Maps on your phone or computer
You can add a new place to Google Maps in two ways: by marking a spot on the map itself, or by searching for a place that exists but isn't yet in Google's database. On a phone, open Google Maps, long-press the spot where you want to add the location, and tap "Add a label" — this creates a personal marker you can name and save. On a computer, right-click the spot and select "Add a label" from the menu. For places that should be in Google Maps but aren't — a new restaurant, a home business, a community center — you'll use Google's "Add a place" form instead, which sends your suggestion to Google for review.
The personal label method is when ready and private: only you see it on your own map. The "Add a place" method takes longer because Google reviews submissions before they appear publicly, but it helps other people find real locations that are missing from the map.
Key Takeaways
- Personal labels (marked by long-pressing on your phone or right-clicking on your computer) appear only on your own map and save when ready.
- Adding a new place through Google's form sends a suggestion to Google, which reviews it before the location appears publicly on the map.
- You can name personal labels anything you want — "Mom's house," "Good parking spot," "Avoid this street" — and edit or delete them anytime.
- New places you add must have a real address or a specific location on the map; Google will not add vague or duplicate entries.
How to create a personal label on your phone
Open Google Maps and find the location where you want to add a marker. Press and hold your finger on that exact spot for about two seconds — you'll see a red pin drop and a card appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap the card or the pin itself to open the full details view.
Look for the option that says "Add a label" (on Android) or "Add a label" (on iPhone). Tap it, type the name you want for this location, and tap "Save." The label now appears on your map with a custom icon. You can return to any labeled location, tap it, and edit or delete the label whenever you need to.
How to create a personal label on your computer
Go to Google Maps in your web browser and navigate to the location you want to mark. Right-click directly on the spot on the map — a small menu will pop up. Select "Add a label" from that menu.
A text box will appear on the map at that location. Type the name for your label and press Enter. The label saves when ready and appears on your map. You can click any labeled location later to edit or remove it.
How to suggest a new place that should be on Google Maps
If a real location — a restaurant, store, office, or community space — is missing from Google Maps, you can suggest it. Open Google Maps and search for the place by name. If it doesn't appear in the results, look for a link or button that says "Add a missing place" or "Add your business." Click it to open Google's submission form.
Fill in the place name, address, phone number (if you have it), and website (if it exists). Select the category that best describes the place — restaurant, retail store, professional services, and so on. Google will review your submission, verify the information if possible, and add the place to the map if it meets their guidelines. This process typically takes a few days to a few weeks.
What information Google needs to add a place
Google requires at least a name and a real street address or a specific location on the map. If you're suggesting a business, include the phone number and website if you know them — this helps Google verify that the place is real. Do not submit duplicate entries for places that already exist on the map under a slightly different name; search carefully first.
Google will reject submissions for private residences, temporary locations, or places that don't have a fixed address. They also won't add places that are duplicates of existing entries or that lack enough information to verify.
Editing or removing labels you've created
On your phone, tap any label you've created, then tap the three dots (Android) or the info card (iPhone) and select "Edit label" or "Delete label." On your computer, click the label, then click the pencil icon to edit or the trash icon to delete.
Personal labels are stored in your Google account, so they appear on any device where you're signed in to Google Maps. If you delete a label, it disappears from all your devices.
The difference between personal labels and suggested places
A personal label is a private marker that only you see — it's useful for remembering where you parked, marking a friend's house, or noting a street you want to avoid. These labels save when ready and never appear on anyone else's map.
A suggested place is a public submission that, if approved, appears on Google Maps for everyone. This is how real businesses, community centers, and other locations get added to the map when they're missing. Your suggestion goes into a queue for Google to review, and you won't know exactly when or if it's approved — Google doesn't always send notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can other people see the labels I add to my map?
No. Personal labels are private and appear only on your own map. Only you can see them, even if you share your location with someone else. If you want other people to know about a place, you need to suggest it as a new place through Google's form, which sends it for public review.
How long does it take Google to add a place I've suggested?
Google doesn't publish exact timelines, but most submissions are reviewed within a few days to a few weeks. Verification depends on whether Google can confirm the place exists — established businesses with websites and phone numbers are usually faster. You won't receive a notification when your suggestion is approved or rejected.
What if I suggest a place and Google rejects it?
Google will reject submissions for private homes, temporary pop-ups, or places without a real address. If your suggestion was rejected, check that the place has a permanent location and a verifiable address. You can submit again, but Google may reach the same conclusion if the information doesn't meet their guidelines.
Can I label a location with a custom icon or color?
Personal labels use a default icon and color that you cannot change in the standard Google Maps app. On a computer, you have slightly more control through Google My Maps, which allows custom colors and icons — this is a separate tool from the main Google Maps.
What happens if I label the same place twice by accident?
You can have multiple labels at the same location with different names — Google Maps doesn't prevent duplicates. straightforward delete the extra label by tapping it and selecting delete. If you've suggested the same place twice through the "Add a place" form, Google's review process will catch the duplicate and merge them.