Adding a pin to Google Maps saves a location you want to remember
A pin in Google Maps marks a spot on the map that you can return to later. You can pin your home address, a restaurant you want to try, a parking spot, or anywhere else. The pin stays in your Maps account until you delete it, and you can add notes to remind yourself why you saved it.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are using Google Maps on a phone or a computer, but the basic idea is the same: find the location, then save it.
Key Takeaways
- On a phone, long-press the map at the location you want to pin, or search for a place and tap the name at the bottom of the screen.
- On a computer, right-click the map at the location you want to pin, or search for a place and click its name in the results.
- After you pin a location, you can add a label or note so you remember why you saved it.
- Pinned locations are saved to your Google account and appear on all your devices where you are signed in.
- You can delete a pin by opening it and tapping or clicking the trash icon.
How to pin a location on your phone
On an iPhone or Android phone, open Google Maps and find the location you want to pin. You can search for it by name, or you can navigate the map and find it by looking.
Once you see the location, long-press (press and hold) that spot on the map for about two seconds. A red pin will appear, and a card will pop up at the bottom of your screen showing the address. Tap the name or address at the bottom to open the full location card.
On the location card, look for the Save button (usually near the top). Tap it, and you will see options to save it to "Saved places" or to a specific list like "Favorites" or "Want to go". Choose where you want to save it. The pin is now saved to your account.
How to pin a location on your computer
On a computer, open Google Maps in your web browser and search for the location you want to pin, or navigate the map to find it.
Right-click on the exact spot where you want to place the pin. A menu will appear with options. Click Add a label or look for a pin icon in the menu. A text box will appear where you can type a name for the pin, such as "Parking spot" or "Mom's house". Type the name and press Enter.
The pin will appear on the map. To save it permanently to your account, click the name of the location (or the pin itself) and look for a Save button. Click it and choose which list to save it to.
Adding notes and labels to your pins
When you save a pin, you can add a custom label so you remember what it is. On a phone, after you tap Save, you may see an option to name the list or add a note. On a computer, you can right-click the pin after it is created and edit the label.
If you want to add more detail — such as "closed on Sundays" or "bring ID" — you can open the pin later and look for an Edit or Add note option. This varies depending on whether you are using a phone or computer, but the option is usually near the top of the location card.
Where your pins are stored
All pins you save go into your Google account under "Saved places". You can organize them into lists — for example, "Restaurants", "Gas stations", or "Weekend trips". To view your saved places on a phone, tap the Saved tab at the bottom of the Maps app. On a computer, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Your places.
Because the pins are tied to your Google account, they appear on every device where you are signed in to Google. If you pin a location on your phone, you will see it on your computer, and vice versa.
Removing or editing a pin
To delete a pin, open it on the map and look for a trash icon or delete option. On a phone, this is usually at the bottom of the location card. On a computer, it is often in a menu next to the location name. Tap or click it, and the pin will be removed from your saved places.
To edit a pin's label or notes, open the location card and look for an Edit button. You can change the name, add details, or move it to a different list. The changes save automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share a pinned location with someone else?
Yes. Open the pinned location and look for a Share button (usually a link or arrow icon). Tap or click it, and you can send the location via text, email, or a messaging app. The person you send it to can open the link and see the location on their own map, but they will not see it in their saved places unless they save it themselves.
What is the difference between a pin and a saved place?
A pin is a marker you place on the map. A saved place is a location you have stored in your account so you can find it later. When you pin a location and save it, you are creating a saved place. The terms are often used interchangeably in Google Maps.
Can I pin a location that is not a business or address?
Yes. You can pin any spot on the map — a hiking trail, a parking lot, a park bench, or a street corner. Long-press or right-click the exact spot, and the pin will appear. You can then add a label to describe what it is.
Will my pins work if I do not have internet?
Your pins are stored in your Google account online, so you need internet to save them or view them. However, you can read a map area for offline use on your phone, and any pins in that area will be visible when you are offline. Once you are back online, any changes you made will sync to your account.
How many pins can I save?
Google Maps does not set a limit on the number of pins you can save. You can save as many locations as you want, and organize them into lists to keep them tidy.