How to Drop a Pin in Google Maps: Your Ultimate Guide for Desktop & Mobile

By rank1 03 Jun 2025 7 min read Search
How to Drop a Pin in Google Maps

How to Drop a Pin in Google Maps (Desktop & Mobile)

Google Maps is a powerful tool for navigation, location sharing, and trip planning. Whether you’re trying to remember a great restaurant you visited or you’re giving someone directions to a hard-to-find spot, dropping a pin in Google Maps is a simple yet highly useful feature.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to drop a pin in Google Maps on both desktop and mobile devices, and how you can save, share, and make the most out of pinned locations.

🧭 What Does Dropping a Pin Mean?

When you drop a pin in Google Maps, you’re placing a virtual marker on a specific location on the map. This is especially helpful when the location doesn’t have a listed address or when it’s in a large area like a park, beach, or outdoor venue.

Benefits of Dropping a Pin:

  • Easily mark exact locations.
  • Save locations for future reference.
  • Share specific points with others.
  • Use for directions or trip planning.
  • Pin places with no specific address.

📍 How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps: Desktop Version (Windows/Mac)

Using Google Maps on a desktop browser provides a clear view and precise control when dropping pins.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Google Maps
  2. Find Your Location
    • Use the search bar to type in an address, name of a place, or just browse the map manually.
  3. Click the Spot You Want to Pin
    • Left-click anywhere on the map where you want to drop the pin.
    • A small gray pin icon will appear, and a box will show up at the bottom of the screen with details.
  4. Access the Pin Information
    • Click on the information box that appears at the bottom to bring up more details on the left-hand side panel.
  5. Save, Share, or Navigate
    • You now have options like:
      • ⭐ Save the location.
      • 📤 Share via link.
      • 🚗 Get directions.
      • 🖊️ Label the pin for personal use (must be logged in to a Google account).

📲 How to Drop a Pin in Google Maps: Mobile App (iOS & Android)

The Google Maps mobile app is incredibly handy for pinning locations while you’re on the go.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Google Maps App
    • Make sure you have the Google Maps app installed on your Android or iOS device.
  2. Locate the Area
    • Use the search bar or move around the map with your finger to locate your target area.
  3. Press and Hold
    • Tap and hold on the exact location where you want to drop the pin.
    • A red pin will appear, and a panel will slide up from the bottom with location details.
  4. Interact with the Pinned Location
    • Options available:
      • ⭐ Save (Favorites, Want to go, Starred places, etc.)
      • 📤 Share via messaging apps or copy link.
      • 🚗 Directions to/from the location.
      • 🖊️ Label (custom naming).
      • 📷 Add a photo or review if it’s a business/place.

🔄 How to Move or Remove a Pin

On Desktop:

  • Move: Simply click on a new area to drop a new pin.
  • Remove: Click the “X” or anywhere else on the map to dismiss the pinned location.

On Mobile:

  • Move: Tap and hold on a new location.
  • Remove: Tap the “X” on the location info card or tap elsewhere on the map.

💾 How to Save a Dropped Pin

Saving a pin allows you to revisit the location later from any device linked to your Google account.

On Desktop:

  1. Click on the pin’s info card.
  2. Click the “Save” button.
  3. Choose a list (e.g., Favorites, Want to go, Starred).
  4. Optional: Add a note for reference.

On Mobile:

  1. Tap the location panel.
  2. Tap “Save”.
  3. Select the list or create a new one.
  4. Tap “Done.”

📤 How to Share a Pinned Location

Sharing is essential when coordinating plans or helping someone find a location.

On Desktop:

  1. Click the location info panel.
  2. Select the “Share” button.
  3. Copy the link or share via Facebook/Twitter.

On Mobile:

  1. Tap on the pinned location.
  2. Tap “Share”.
  3. Choose your sharing method: messaging apps, email, copy link, etc.

🧭 Using Pinned Locations for Directions

One of the most practical uses of dropped pins is for navigation.

On Desktop:

  1. Click the pinned location.
  2. Click “Directions”.
  3. Enter your start point or use your current location.

On Mobile:

  1. Tap the pinned location.
  2. Select “Directions”.
  3. Choose your transportation method (car, public transport, walking, cycling).

🏷️ How to Label a Pin (Custom Name)

Labeling helps you organize pins more effectively, especially when saving many places.

On Desktop:

  1. Drop a pin and click on it.
  2. Click “Label”.
  3. Add a custom label (e.g., “Meeting Point,” “Mom’s House”).

On Mobile:

  1. Tap the dropped pin.
  2. Scroll down and tap “Label”.
  3. Type in your label and tap Done.

⚠️ Note: Labels are private and only visible to you when logged into your Google account.

🧭 Bonus: Dropping Pins in Google Maps for Route Planning

If you’re planning a road trip or walking tour, you can drop multiple pins to plan your route.

How to Add Multiple Stops:

  1. Click “Directions.”
  2. Enter your starting and destination points.
  3. Click “+ Add destination” to add more pins.
  4. Drag to reorder the route as needed.

📱 On mobile, you can add up to 9 extra stops along your route.

🌍 Use Cases for Dropping a Pin

✅ Common Real-Life Uses:

  • Finding meeting spots without addresses (e.g., a spot in a park).
  • Marking where you parked your car.
  • Remembering exact locations (a great lookout point or scenic trail).
  • Sharing meet-up points for events or travel.
  • Saving business locations for future visits.

🧠 Pro Tips for Power Users

  1. Use “Your Places” in Google Maps to manage all your saved pins.
  2. Enable offline maps for access to pinned locations even without internet.
  3. Use Google Maps Timeline to view past locations (if location history is on).
  4. Set a Home and Work pin for easy directions from anywhere.
  5. Share real-time location for live navigation help with friends.

🛠️ Troubleshooting: When You Can’t Drop a Pin

Sometimes, pins won’t drop due to app glitches or browser issues.

Fixes:

  • Clear Cache in your browser/app.
  • Restart the app or refresh the page.
  • Make sure your GPS/location services are turned on.
  • Update the Google Maps app.

🔐 Privacy Considerations

When sharing a pinned location, remember:

  • Anyone with the link can see it.
  • Pins in shared lists can be visible if made public.
  • Use labels and notes for private reference.

Always double-check the address or coordinates before sharing!

📌 Conclusion

Dropping a pin in Google Maps is an essential skill for modern navigation and travel. Whether you’re planning a trip, marking a memory, or giving directions to a friend, pinning locations makes things easier, more accurate, and highly efficient.

With just a few taps or clicks, you can save, share, and navigate to almost anywhere in the world. Whether you’re on your computer or smartphone, mastering the art of dropping a pin will enhance your experience with Google Maps.

🔍 FAQs

Q1: Can I drop multiple pins at once in Google Maps?

Not permanently. You can drop one pin at a time, but for multiple locations, save each pin to a list or use the “Add destination” feature in Directions.

Q2: How do I get coordinates from a dropped pin?

Click or tap on the pin and scroll down to find the latitude and longitude listed.

Q3: Do I need a Google account to drop a pin?

No, but having a Google account allows you to save, label, and organize your pins.

Q4: How can I delete a label or saved pin?

Go to “Your Places” > Saved or Labeled tab > Find the pin > Remove it from the list or delete the label.

If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it or sharing it with friends who might need help navigating with Google Maps!