Adding a location you own or manage to Google Maps
You can add a location to Google Maps in two ways: by creating a business profile if you own or manage a place, or by suggesting a new location if you've found a place that's missing. The method depends on whether you're the owner or just a user who noticed the gap.
If you own a business, restaurant, office, or other physical location, you create a Google Business Profile. This gives you control over the information people see — hours, photos, phone number, address — and lets you respond to reviews. If you're a regular user who spotted a missing place, you can suggest it to Google, but you won't control the listing once it's added.
Key Takeaways
- Business owners create a Google Business Profile through Google Business Profile Manager, which requires you to verify ownership of the location.
- Regular users can suggest a missing location directly in the Google Maps app or website by searching for the place and selecting "Add a missing place."
- Google reviews suggested locations before they appear on the map, which can take days or weeks depending on the type of place.
- Once your location is on the map, you can add photos, update hours, respond to reviews, and track how many people view your listing.
Creating a Google Business Profile if you own the location
Go to google.com/business and click "Manage your business profile." Sign in with a Google account — create one if you don't have one. Click "Create or manage your business" and enter your business name, address, phone number, and what type of business it is (restaurant, salon, office, etc.).
Google will ask you to verify that you own or manage the location. The most common method is a postcard: Google mails a postcard with a verification code to your business address. You enter that code into your profile to confirm ownership. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Some locations can verify by phone or email instead — Google will tell you which options are available for your address.
Once verified, you can add photos, business hours, a website, payment methods you accept, and a description. You can also add service areas if you travel to customers rather than operating from a fixed location. Every piece of information you add makes your location more visible in search results and on the map.
Suggesting a location if you're not the owner
Open Google Maps on your phone or computer. Search for the place you want to add — use the business name, street address, or type of business. If it doesn't appear in the results, you'll see an option that says "Add a missing place" at the bottom of the search results.
Click or tap that option. Fill in the name, address, phone number, website, and category (restaurant, park, store, etc.). Be as accurate as possible — Google uses this information to decide whether to add the location. You can also add a photo if you have one.
Submit your suggestion. Google's systems review it, and if it meets their guidelines, it appears on the map. This review can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. You won't receive a notification when it's added, but you can search for the place again to see if it now appears.
Adding photos and information to an existing location
If a location already exists on Google Maps but is missing photos or information, you can contribute without owning the business. Search for the place on Google Maps, and you'll see a "Suggest an edit" option or a camera icon to add photos.
Click "Suggest an edit" to change the address, phone number, hours, website, or other details. Your suggestion goes to Google for review, and if approved, it updates the listing. This is useful when a business has moved, changed hours, or the information is straightforward wrong.
Adding photos is when ready — you can upload images directly, and they appear on the listing right away (though Google may remove them if they violate their guidelines, such as being blurry or containing personal information). Photos help other people decide whether to visit, so adding clear, recent images of the storefront, interior, or food is genuinely helpful.
Managing your business profile after it's live
Once your location is verified and live, sign into Google Business Profile Manager to keep it current. You can update hours, add new photos, post announcements, and respond to customer reviews. Google shows you how many people viewed your listing, how many called your phone number, and how many asked for directions.
Respond to reviews — both positive and negative. Google's algorithm gives more visibility to businesses that engage with reviews. If someone left a bad review, a professional response can change how potential customers see your business. You can also add attributes like "outdoor seating" or "wheelchair accessible" to help people find you.
Keep your hours accurate. Nothing frustrates customers more than showing up to a closed business. If you have seasonal hours, holiday closures, or temporary changes, update them in your profile so Google Maps shows the right information.
What happens if Google rejects your suggestion
Google may reject a suggested location if it doesn't meet their guidelines. Common reasons include: the address is incomplete or incorrect, the business is too new and not yet established, it's a private residence rather than a public business, or the information duplicates an existing listing.
If your suggestion is rejected, you can try again with more complete information. If you own the business and believe it should be on the map, create a Google Business Profile instead — ownership verification carries more weight than a user suggestion.
For private residences, Google Maps generally doesn't list them unless they're registered as a business (like a bed and breakfast or Airbnb). If you're trying to add a home-based business, make sure your profile clearly states that it's a registered business operating from that address.
Using Google Maps offline and syncing locations
Once you've added locations or marked favorites on Google Maps, you can save them for offline use. On your phone, search for a place, tap the name or address at the bottom, and tap "read" or the read icon. This saves the map area so you can view it without an internet connection.
If you're signed into your Google account, your saved places and favorites sync across all your devices. Add a location as a favorite on your phone, and it appears in your favorites list on your computer. This is useful if you manage multiple locations or frequently visit the same places.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a suggested location to appear on Google Maps?
Google typically reviews suggested locations within a few days to two weeks, though it can take longer for complex cases. You won't receive a notification when it's approved, so search for the place again to check. Locations that are clearly established businesses with verifiable addresses are usually approved faster than new or unusual places.
Can I add a location that's in someone else's name?
You can suggest it as a regular user, but you won't be able to manage it. If you own or manage the business, you'll need to create a Google Business Profile and verify ownership through the postcard or phone verification process. Google requires proof that you have authority over the location before you can edit its information.
What if my business address is wrong on Google Maps?
If you own the business, sign into Google Business Profile Manager and update the address directly. If you don't own it, use "Suggest an edit" on the location's Google Maps page. Google will review the change and update it if the new address is correct. This usually takes a few days.
Can I add a location that's temporarily closed?
Yes. If you own the business, create or update your Google Business Profile and mark it as "Temporarily closed" in the settings. You can also add a note explaining when you expect to reopen. Regular users can still suggest a location even if it's temporarily closed — the location will appear on the map with a note about its status.
Do I need a Google account to add a location to Google Maps?
Yes. To suggest a location or create a business profile, you need a Google account. Creating one is free and takes a few minutes. If you already use Gmail, YouTube, or any other Google service, you already have an account and can use it to add locations.