“Go right at the blue gate after turning left at the large tree. Did I say that correctly? I meant to say ‘left.’ Does it sound familiar? Manually giving directions is a recipe for trouble.
You always have to play customer service when someone gets lost. The contemporary solution to this issue is the dropped pin feature in Google Maps. If you’re wondering how to drop a pin on Google Maps, it’s the simplest way to get exact directions without guessing—whether trying to remember where you parked, directing a friend to a particular street food cart, or saving a location for later. Here are some tips for doing it well in 2025.”
What Is a Dropped Pin & How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps?
A digital marker that is placed at a specific location on Google Maps is called a dropped pin. A pin indicates a precise location for sharing, navigating, or saving, in contrast to addresses, which are occasionally erroneous or unavailable.
When Should You Drop a Pin?
Unmarked Locations: A pin is the best way to locate your destination later if it lacks a proper address.
Meeting Locations: To prevent confusion, mark the location of the meeting.
Travel Planning: Mark your favorite places for a future visit.
Real Estate & Property Viewing: Make notes about the properties you are thinking about.
Emergency Situations: In an emergency, promptly provide a precise location for assistance.
Now that you understand the benefits of dropping a pin, let’s proceed to the actual procedure.
How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps (Desktop)
If you’re using Google Maps on your computer, follow these steps:
Launch Google Maps: Open your web browser and navigate to Google Maps.
Find Your Location: Navigate or enlarge the map to the desired spot.
Click on the Location: To place the pin precisely where you want it, left-click on it.
Pin Appearance: A pop-up window displaying information will appear at the bottom of a tiny gray pin that is positioned on the map.
Decide What to Do Next:
Save the Pin: Select “Save” and add the pin to lists such as “Favorites” or “Want to Go.”
Obtain Directions: To get to or from this place, click Directions.
Share It: To forward the address to other people, click Share.
Editing or Removing a Pin on Desktop
- Just click on a different location to drop a new pin and move it.
- Click anywhere else on the map to remove the pin, and it will vanish.
How to Pin a Location on Google Maps (Mobile – Android & iOS)
Dropping a pin on a tablet or smartphone is a little different:
Open the Google Maps App: Make sure your app is up to date before opening the Google Maps app.
Find the Location: Use the search bar or manually scroll to find the location.
Tap & Hold on the Location: Place your finger where you want it and hold it there.
Red Pin Drops: The address or coordinates are displayed at the bottom, along with a red pin.
Next Steps:
Save It: Select a list and press Save.
Obtain Directions: To begin navigation, tap Directions.
Share It: To send the pinned location by text, email, or WhatsApp, tap Share.
How to Remove or Move a Pin on Mobile
- To remove a pin, tap the “X” on the location card at the bottom.
- To move a pin, drop a new one in a different location.
How to Pin Places on Google Maps for Future Use
One of Google Maps’ best features is the ability to save pinned locations for future reference. Here’s how:
Drop a Pin using the steps above.
Click/Tap on Save.
Choose a List:
- Favorites (for personal go-to spots)
- Want to Go (for travel planning)
- Starred Places (for important locations)
Access Your Saved Locations Later:
On Desktop, click the menu (three horizontal lines) > Your Places.
On Mobile, tap Saved at the bottom of the screen.
Sharing a Dropped Pin with Others
Need to send someone a location? Here’s how:
On Desktop:
- Click the Share button on the location pop-up.
- Copy the link or share it via email or social media.
On Mobile:
- Tap the Share button on the location card.
- Choose how to send it (WhatsApp, Messages, Email, etc.).
Now, no more back-and-forth about confusing directions!
Advanced Features & Pro Tips for Pinning Locations
Naming Your Dropped Pin
While Google Maps doesn’t let you rename pins directly, you can label them:
- Drop the pin.
- Click/Tap on “Label.”
- Enter a custom name (e.g., “Secret Hiking Spot”).
Using Google Maps Offline with Pinned Locations
Going somewhere without mobile data? Download the area map:
- On Mobile, go to Offline Maps in the menu.
- Select the region and save it for offline use.
Multiple Pins on Google Maps
Google Maps doesn’t allow multiple dropped pins at once, but you can:
- Save multiple locations to a custom list.
- Create a custom Google My Maps with multiple pins.
Finding a Pin’s Coordinates
For locations with no official address, you can get coordinates:
- Drop a pin and right-click (Desktop) or swipe up (Mobile) to see latitude and longitude.
Google Maps vs. Apple Maps (for iPhone Users)
If you have an iPhone, you may be wondering why you should use Google Maps when Apple Maps is already integrated. Although Google Maps continues to lead in accuracy, real-time traffic updates, and pin-sharing features, Apple Maps has made significant improvements.
Additionally, Apple Maps won’t work if you’re sending a dropped pin to an Android user. Google Maps is the best option if you want cross-platform compatibility.
Using Google Assistant to Drop a Pin
Why tap and scroll when you can just talk? If you’re using Google Assistant, you can say:
- “Hey Google, drop a pin at my current location.”
- “Hey Google, pin a location on Google Maps at [specific address].”
This is super handy when you’re driving and need to mark a spot hands-free.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Can’t Drop a Pin?
- Ensure you’re tapping (not swiping) on mobile.
- Try zooming in closer.
- Restart your device if it’s unresponsive.
Pin Disappeared?
- If you didn’t save it, dropped pins are temporary.
- To keep a pin, save it to a list.
Sharing Link Not Working?
- Check your internet connection.
- Ensure you’ve copied the full link.
Final Thoughts
No more “Did you mean this street?” or guessing. With just a dropped pin, the issue is solved.
The modern survival skill is being able to pin a location, if you’re marking a hidden gem, finding your car, or assisting a lost friend. Therefore, let Google handle the work and dropthose pins.
FAQ
Can I drop a pin on Google Maps without an internet connection?
Yes, but only if you’ve downloaded offline maps in advance.
Do saved pins sync across devices?
Yes, as long as you’re signed into the same Google account.
Can I share a pinned location with someone who doesn’t use Google Maps?
Yes! The shared link will open in a web browser if they don’t have the app.
How many places can I pin?
You can save unlimited locations, but custom Google My Maps allows up to 10 layers.
What happens if I accidentally drop a pin?
No worries! Just click or tap elsewhere to drop a new one.
