Dropping a pin marks an exact spot on a map so you can save it, get directions to it, or share it with someone. It is handy for meeting points, remembering where you parked, or flagging a place that has no street address. Here is how in both Google Maps and Apple Maps, on a phone or a computer.
What you'll need
- A phone or computer with a maps app or browser
Step by step
- Open your maps appLaunch Google Maps or Apple Maps and move the map to the general area where you want the pin.
- Press and hold the spotTouch and hold your finger on an empty part of the map at the exact location. A pin drops there, usually shown in red.
- Open the pin's detailsTap the pin or swipe up on the panel that appears at the bottom to see the address, coordinates, and available actions.
- Save or get directionsChoose Save or add it to a list to keep it, or tap Directions to navigate to the pinned point.
- Share the locationTap Share to send the pin by message, email, or another app so someone else can find the same exact spot.
How to drop a pin in Google Maps on iPhone or Android
Open the Google Maps app and move the map so the spot you want is on screen. Touch and hold your finger on an empty part of the map, meaning a place with no existing label or business name, for about a second. A red pin drops at that point and a card slides up from the bottom showing the words Dropped pin along with the coordinates.
The touch and hold gesture is what creates the pin, so hold rather than tap. If you press on a labeled place instead of an empty area, Maps selects that place rather than dropping a new pin. From the card you can then tap Directions, Save, Share, or Label to use the location.
How to drop a pin in Google Maps on a computer
On a desktop browser, open Google Maps and find the area you want. Left-click once on an empty spot on the map, away from any labeled place. A small gray pin appears and a compact card shows at the bottom center of the screen with the latitude and longitude.
Click that coordinate card to open the details panel on the left, where you can choose Directions, Save, or Share. Right-clicking a spot also works and opens a menu with the coordinates at the top and options such as Directions from here and Directions to here.
How to drop a pin in Apple Maps on iPhone
Open the Maps app on your iPhone and move to the general area. Touch and hold on the exact spot on the map until a pin drops, labeled Marked Location. A card appears at the bottom, and you can swipe up on it to see the full set of actions.
From that card you can tap Directions to navigate, Share to send the spot, or Add to Favorites to keep it. Apple Maps calls a manually placed pin a marked location, and it usually keeps just one at a time, so dropping a new pin replaces the previous one.
What a dropped pin is used for
A dropped pin marks an exact point on the map, which helps when a place has no street address or when the address would not lead someone to the right spot. Common uses include saving where you parked, setting a precise meeting point in a park or parking lot, and flagging a trailhead, gate, or building entrance.
Because a pin records the underlying coordinates, it is often more precise than a street address for large or remote locations. Once a pin is placed you can build on it by getting directions, saving it to a list, or sharing it so another person lands on the same point.
How to get directions to, save, or share a dropped pin
After a pin is placed, open its card or details panel to see the actions. Tap or click Directions to route to the pin from your current location, which is useful for reaching a spot that has no searchable address.
To keep a pin, choose Save and add it to a list such as Favorites or Want to go in Google Maps, or Add to Favorites in Apple Maps. To send it, choose Share and pick a messaging app, email, or a copy link option, and the person who receives it can open the same exact location on their own device.
Handy tips
- Dropping a pin where you park makes it easier to find your car later in a large lot.
- To move a pin slightly, drop a fresh one by pressing and holding a new spot, since the old temporary pin clears on its own.
- Sharing a pin is often more precise than a street address for places like trailheads or large venues.
FAQ
How do I drop a pin in Google Maps on iPhone or Android?
Open the Google Maps app, then touch and hold an empty spot on the map, away from any labeled place, for about a second. A red pin drops and a card appears at the bottom with the coordinates and options to get directions, save, or share.
How do I drop a pin in Google Maps on a computer?
Open Google Maps in a browser and left-click once on an empty spot on the map. A small gray pin appears with a card at the bottom showing the coordinates, which you can click to open the directions, save, and share options.
How do I drop a pin in Apple Maps on my iPhone?
Open the Maps app and touch and hold the spot on the map until a pin labeled Marked Location drops. Swipe up on the card that appears to reach Directions, Share, and Add to Favorites.
What is a dropped pin used for?
It marks an exact location so you can save it, navigate to it, or share it. People often use one to remember where they parked, set a meeting point, or flag a place that has no street address.
How do I get directions to a dropped pin?
Open the pin's card or details, then tap or click Directions. Maps routes to the pinned coordinates from your current location, which works even when the spot has no searchable address.
How do I share or save a dropped pin?
On the pin's card, choose Share to send it by message, email, or a link, or choose Save, which is Add to Favorites in Apple Maps, to keep it in a list. Anyone you share it with can open the same exact spot.
How do I remove a dropped pin?
In Google Maps, close the location card by tapping the back arrow or the X, or tap another spot to move on, and the temporary pin clears on its own. In Apple Maps, open the marked location card and tap Remove Marker. Pins you saved stay in your lists until you delete them there.
Why does my dropped pin not have an address?
Some spots, such as open fields, parks, or remote areas, have no street address, so the app shows the map coordinates instead. The pin still works for directions and sharing because it points to those exact coordinates.