Why you might want to change your work location
Google Maps stores a work location for your account so it can show you commute times, traffic alerts, and directions to your workplace. If you've moved offices, changed jobs, or want to update where Google thinks you work, you can change this location directly in the app or on the web. The change takes effect when ready and only affects your own account — it doesn't change anything for your employer or coworkers.
This is different from sharing your real-time location with others. Changing your work location in Maps is purely for your own navigation and commute information. You control whether anyone else can see where you work.
Key Takeaways
- Your work location in Google Maps is stored in your account settings, not on your phone's location services.
- You can change it on any device where you're signed into Google — phone, tablet, or computer — and the change syncs across all your devices.
- Google Maps uses your work location to show commute times on your home screen and to suggest faster routes during work hours.
- You can delete your work location entirely if you don't want Google Maps to use it for navigation suggestions.
How to change your work location on Android
Open the Google Maps app and tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears. Scroll down and tap Saved places. You'll see sections for "Home" and "Work" — tap the Work section.
If you already have a work location saved, you'll see it listed. Tap the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type the new address or business name in the search box. When you see the correct location appear in the results, tap it to confirm. Google Maps will save the change when ready.
If you don't see a Work section yet, tap the + button or Add a label option, then select Work from the list. Search for your workplace address the same way.
How to change your work location on iPhone or iPad
Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture or initial in the top right. Tap Settings. Scroll to Saved places and tap it. Look for the Work section — if you have one saved, tap it to open the details.
Tap the pencil icon to edit the location. Clear the current address and type the new one. When the correct location appears in the search results, tap it. The app saves your change right away. If you don't have a work location yet, tap the + button and choose Work from the label options, then search for your new workplace.
How to change your work location on a computer
Go to maps.google.com in your web browser and sign in with your Google account if you're not already. Click your profile picture or initial in the top right corner and select Settings. On the left side, click Saved places.
You'll see your saved locations listed. Find Work and click the three dots next to it. Select Edit. Type the new address in the search box and click the correct location when it appears. Click Save to confirm. The change takes effect when ready across all your devices.
What happens after you change your work location
Google Maps will start using your new work location for commute estimates and traffic alerts. If you have a Google Home device or Android phone with Google Assistant, it may show you commute times to your work location on your home screen or lock screen. The app may also suggest faster routes during times you typically commute.
Your work location is private to your account. Other people cannot see it unless you specifically share your location with them through Google Maps' location-sharing feature, which is a separate setting. Changing your work location does not automatically share it with anyone.
How to remove your work location
If you no longer want Google Maps to use a work location, you can delete it. On Android or iPhone, go to Settings > Saved places > Work, then tap the three dots and select Remove. On a computer, go to maps.google.com > Settings > Saved places, find Work, click the three dots, and select Delete.
Removing your work location stops Google Maps from showing you commute times and traffic alerts to that address. You can add a new work location anytime by following the steps above.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your work location isn't updating across devices, sign out of your Google account and sign back in. This forces your devices to sync with the latest version of your saved places. If you're on a computer, try clearing your browser cache and reloading maps.google.com.
If Google Maps isn't showing commute times even after you've saved a work location, check that location services are turned on for Google Maps on your phone. You may also need to set your home location — Google Maps uses both home and work to calculate commute times. If you still don't see commute information, wait a few hours; Google Maps sometimes takes time to process the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer see my work location in Google Maps?
No. Your work location is stored only in your Google account and is not visible to your employer or anyone else unless you turn on location sharing and specifically add them. Changing your work location in Maps is entirely private.
Will changing my work location affect my Google Calendar or Gmail?
No. Your work location in Google Maps is separate from your work email or calendar. Changing it in Maps does not change your email address, calendar settings, or anything related to your Google Workspace account if you have one.
What if my workplace doesn't have a street address?
Search for the business name or landmark instead of an address. Google Maps will find the location and pin it on the map. You can also search for nearby intersections or building names. Once you see the correct spot on the map, tap or click it to save it as your work location.
Can I have more than one work location saved?
Google Maps only lets you save one Work location at a time. If you work at multiple offices, save the one you visit most often. You can always change it later if your primary workplace shifts.
Why is Google Maps showing the wrong commute time?
Commute times depend on current traffic conditions and the route Google Maps calculates. If the time seems wrong, check that you've saved the correct work address. You can also manually search for directions from home to work to see what route the app is using and whether traffic is affecting the estimate.