Google Maps is more than just a navigation tool. It can also help you identify a very specific point on a map, even when that location doesn't have a recognizable address.
Imagine you're meeting a friend at the entrance of a large park, sending a delivery driver to a construction site, or trying to explain the exact pickup point at a busy location. Simply typing an address may not be enough.
That's where a Google Maps pin becomes useful.
By placing a pin, you can mark a particular spot, share it with someone, save it for later, or use it as a destination for navigation.
In this guide, we'll look at the easiest ways to use Google Maps pins on smartphones and computers.
What Is a Google Maps Pin?
A pin is essentially a marker that identifies a particular point on the Google Maps interface.
There is an important difference between searching for a location and manually selecting a location.
When you search for a restaurant, hotel, hospital, or business, Google Maps displays an existing place or business listing.
A manually placed pin, on the other hand, allows you to select a point yourself.
This can be useful for locations such as:
A specific building entrance
A parking area
A meeting point
A residential property
A construction site
A hiking or walking trail
A beach access point
A temporary event location
A pickup or drop-off location
The ability to select a precise point is especially helpful when a conventional street address doesn't adequately describe where someone needs to go.
How to Drop a Pin Using a Smartphone
Whether you use Android or an iPhone, the basic idea is simple.
- Open Google Maps Launch the Google Maps application on your phone.
If you're looking for your current position, make sure your phone's location services are switched on and that Google Maps has permission to use your location.
- Find the Area Search for a nearby landmark, road, business, or address.
You can also move around the map manually.
For a more precise selection, zoom into the area before choosing the point.
- Select the Exact Point Touch and hold the location you want to mark.
Google Maps will place a marker on that point and display additional information about the selected area.
The information available can include an address, coordinates, nearby places, and different actions you can take with the location.
- Choose What You Want to Do Once the point is selected, you can usually perform actions such as:
Get Directions: Use the selected point as a destination.
Share: Send the location to another person.
Save: Keep the location in a Google Maps list.
Label: Give a frequently used location a recognizable name.
How to Pin a Location From a Computer
You don't have to use a smartphone to select a location.
Google Maps can also be accessed through a desktop browser.
Step 1: Open Google Maps
Open Google Maps in your preferred web browser.
Step 2: Navigate to the Area
Search for an address or landmark, or move around the map until you reach the required location.
Use the zoom controls to get a closer view.
Step 3: Select the Point
Click on the location you want to identify.
Google Maps will display information related to that point.
From there, you can explore available options such as directions, sharing, saving, and nearby places.
Why Zooming In Matters
One small mistake can make a shared location less useful.
For example, suppose you're trying to mark the entrance of an office building. If you select the nearby road instead, your friend may arrive at the wrong side of the property.
Before sharing a pin, it's a good idea to zoom in and check:
Nearby roads
Building entrances
Parking areas
Landmarks
Service roads
The exact position of the marker
This is particularly important for large campuses, shopping complexes, hospitals, apartment communities, and event venues.
How to Share a Google Maps Pin
Sharing a pin is one of the most practical reasons to use this feature.
After selecting a location, look for the Share option.
You can then send the generated location link through a messaging application, email, or another communication platform.
A shared location link is generally more useful than sending a screenshot because the recipient can open the map and interact with the location.
When Should You Share a Pin?
Consider using a pin when:
Giving someone directions to your home
Sharing a restaurant's exact entrance
Sending a meeting point
Guiding a delivery person
Sharing a property location
Organizing an outdoor event
Giving someone a pickup location
How to Save a Location for Later
Not every pin needs to be shared immediately.
If you've found a location that you may need again, you can use Google Maps' saving features to organize it.
For example, you could create lists for:
Places to visit
Restaurants
Hotels
Client locations
Properties
Travel destinations
Meeting points
This can be particularly useful for people who frequently travel or manage multiple locations.
Using a Pin for Your Current Location
Sometimes you don't need to find another placeโyou simply want someone to know where you currently are.
Google Maps normally represents your approximate current position with a blue location indicator when location services are active.
From there, you can access the available location-sharing options.
This can be useful when you're:
Waiting at a crowded venue
Meeting someone in a large public area
Standing at a particular building entrance
Traveling in an unfamiliar location
Trying to explain your position without an exact address
Remember that GPS accuracy can vary depending on your surroundings, device settings, and environmental conditions.
Finding Coordinates From Google Maps
A street address isn't always available, especially for remote or undeveloped locations.
In such situations, geographic coordinates can be useful.
Coordinates identify a point using latitude and longitude.
They can be helpful for:
Rural properties
Construction projects
Surveying
Outdoor activities
Remote destinations
Mapping and geographic work
On desktop Google Maps, selecting a point and using the available map information can reveal its coordinates.
Common Google Maps Pin Problems
Although the process is easy, users sometimes run into small problems.
The wrong place was selected
If the pin isn't exactly where you want it, zoom in further and select the correct point.
A business listing opens instead
You may have selected an existing place rather than an unmarked point.
Try moving slightly away from the listing and selecting the map again.
Your current location appears inaccurate
Check your device's location settings and make sure Google Maps has the necessary permissions.
The recipient can't find the exact place
Instead of sending only a written address, share the actual Google Maps location link.
This gives the recipient a much clearer reference point.
Why Accurate Map Locations Matter for Businesses
Google Maps isn't only useful for individuals.
For local businesses, accurate location information can influence how easily customers find and reach a physical establishment.
Think about a customer searching for a clinic, restaurant, agency, salon, store, or office nearby.
If the business has an incorrect address or confusing map placement, the customer may have difficulty reaching itโeven if the business appears correctly in search results.
That's why businesses should pay attention to their overall local search presence, including:
Business name
Address
Phone number
Google Business Profile
Website
Opening hours
Business category
Reviews
Map location
These elements work together to create a better local search experience.
Businesses looking to strengthen their online visibility can explore the digital marketing and SEO resources offered by eMarketters, including strategies related to search visibility, local SEO, website optimization, and online marketing.
Google Maps Pins Can Make Location Sharing Easier
A simple map marker can solve a surprisingly common problem: explaining exactly where something is.
Instead of sending a long description such as "turn left after the second building and look for the side entrance," you can select the relevant point on the map and share it.
Whether you're meeting friends, coordinating deliveries, visiting a new property, or managing a business location, Google Maps pins can make location-based communication much simpler.
The next time an address isn't enough, try selecting the exact point on the map and sharing the pin instead.
FAQs About Google Maps Pins
Can I pin a location that doesn't have an address?
Yes. You can manually select a point on the map even when there isn't a recognizable business or street address associated with it.
Can I share a Google Maps pin through WhatsApp?
Yes. After selecting a location, use the Share option and choose the messaging application you want to use.
Can I save a Google Maps pin?
Yes. Google Maps provides options for saving locations so you can access them again later.
Can I use Google Maps pins on a computer?
Yes. You can use Google Maps through a desktop web browser and select locations directly on the map.
Are Google Maps pins useful for businesses?
Absolutely. Accurate location information can make it easier for customers to find a business, particularly when the location has multiple entrances or is inside a large complex.
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