How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps on Desktop and Mobile? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you found a place, but you didn’t know how to pin it or inform someone where you are? That is why you should know how to drop a pin on Google Maps. Dropped pins are a major lifesaver for situations where you need to know and go to the exact location. You could be stuck trying to find where friends are going to meet up, mark a good place for a food truck, or remember where you parked your car. 

Whatever the case, if you know how to drop a pin on Google Maps, then you’ll be able to save, share, and locate any spot on the map with ease. In this article, we’ll show you how to drop a pin on Google Maps on desktop and mobile. We’ll also give you some great tips that will help you use dropped pins much better.

What Is a Dropped Pin?

A dropped pin is simply a mark that you can place by yourself on Google Maps. The dropped pin will show a particular location and whether or not it has an official address. When you touch or click on an unmapped location, Google Maps automatically drops a pin there.

This functionality is very useful when you need to mark or recall places that are maybe not marked on the map as destination points, such as a cliff observation point, your friend’s home, or a hidden cafe.

How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps on Your Desktop?

Follow these steps to place a pin on Google Maps on your Desktop:

1. Go to the Google Maps website: Go to maps.google.com on your browser.
2. Go to Your Location: Use the search box or zoom in and out to locate the accurate location where you’d like to drop a pin.
3. Left-click on the Exact Location: Just left-click at the location on the map. Google Maps will immediately place a pin there.
4. Take a look at the Pin Information: Data such as GPS location, address, surrounding locations, and save, share, or directions from the pin symbol will be displayed on a bottom bar on the screen.
5. Right-click to Explore More Options for the Pin: If you right-click, then you’ll get several options like “Directions to here,” “What’s here?” or even use the pin drop directly to get the location information of that particular place.

How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps on Android or iPhone?

Here are the steps to drop a pin on Google Maps on Android or iPhone:

1. Open the Google Maps App: Open the app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Find the Area: Use gestures or search to zoom and drag the map to the area you wish to set your pin.
3. Tap and Hold: Tap and hold your finger at the spot. Google Maps will place a pin there.
4. Confirm Pin Details: The app will display a location card with save, label, share, or get directions.

And you’re done! It’s super easy to place a pin on Google Maps on your mobile and is very convenient when you’re out.

How to Save a Dropped Pin on Google Maps?

Want to save a pin to use it later? Follow these steps:

On Desktop:

1. When you drop a pin, click the “Save” button on the info card.
2. Select a list such as “Favourites” or “Want to go,” or create your own.

On Mobile:

1. Tap the Save button after you drop the pin.
2. Select your list or create a new one.

This is a useful feature to employ when organizing a visit or mapping your regular spots.

How to Share a Dropped Pin with Somebody?

Sharing your pin can assist someone in locating where you are or where you would like to meet.

Desktop:

1. Right-click on the pin and click the “Share” button from the drop-down menu.
2. Copy the link or share it directly using email or messaging.

Mobile:

• Tap the Share button (it usually looks like a paper airplane).
• Share the link using WhatsApp, text, or social media.

Pins are useful, particularly when planning with friends when street names are not clear, or places cannot be readily searched.

How to Remove a Dropped Pin from Google Maps?

If you want to remove a pin, then you can remove it by following these steps:

On Desktop:

• Click outside on the map. This removes the current dropped pin automatically.

On Mobile:

• Tap the “X” at the address card that pops up at the bottom, or simply tap anywhere to remove the pin.

What Can You Do with a Dropped Pin on Google Maps?

A dropped pin is a great tool to organise, plan, and send places you might not have noticed. If you’re a frequent traveller or are an over-planner, here are some ways that you can use pins in your daily life:

1. Mark Where You Parked

In large parking lots or new places, it’s simple to get lost in your car. Drop a pin when you park, and you won’t waste time looking for your vehicle.

2. Schedule a Trip

Travellers can leave pins on maps to plan the attractions, restaurants, museums, and viewpoints they’ll have to see. Just save each pin in a separate Google Maps list and grab them on the fly.

3. Plan Real Estate Tours

House hunting? Use pins to visit homes in a systematic way. Tag each pin with notes or price ranges to stay organised and explore the area.

4. Organise Group Events

During parties or excursions, a pin helps everyone to show up at the correct place. It is more accurate than telling someone to meet “at the entrance.”

5. Explore Hidden Places

Photographers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts frequently use pins to identify far-off trails, scenic points, or other unique landscapes not included in the normal address.

6. Locate Business Addresses

Small business owners or service professionals (like delivery drivers) can use pins to remember customer locations, drop-off points, or service areas.

Troubleshooting Common Pin Issues on Google Maps

While Google Maps is pretty smooth, sometimes your pin might not behave as expected. So, here are some ways to fix your problems:

Problem: Can’t Place a Pin

• Fix: Zoom in further. Sometimes you’re too zoomed out, and it won’t register your tap or click accurately.

Problem: Wrong Location Pinned

• Fix: Check if your finger or mouse click was slightly off. Try again or adjust the pin manually.

Problem: No Save or Share Option

• Fix: Ensure you’re signed into your Google account. Features like saving and sharing require a login.

Problem: App Crash or Freeze

• Fix: Update your Google Maps app or clear the cache from your phone settings.

Tips and Tricks for Using Pins the Right Way

After learning to drop a pin, it is time to learn how to make the most out of it. Here are some advanced tips and tricks to make the most out of your pins.

• Zoom in for Precision: Before you drop a pin, zoom as close up as you can so that it drops into the location, particularly when pinning in parks, remote locations, or big campuses.

• Use Labels Wisely: You can actually label your pinned places. Use custom labels such as “Client Meeting,” “Best Sunset Spot,” or “Shortcut Route” to recall why you pinned the location. Labels are shared across devices, giving your map a personal touch.

• Organise with Lists: You can make your own personal lists such as “Date Night Restaurants,” “Hiking Targets,” or “Weekend Road Trips” with Google Maps. You can assign your pins to those lists and be highly organised for your travel or even your everyday life.

• Copy Coordinates for Precision: For technical purposes, such as specifying a place on GPS software, you can tap or click on a dropped pin to obtain its exact latitude and longitude.

• Combine with Street View: Want to see what your pinned location is like? Drag the Street View marker over your pin to look at photos of the location first.

Last Thoughts

A dropped pin may not sound like much, but it’s a life-changer for people who have difficulties navigating. If you’re on a trip, searching for a hidden place, or simply ensuring that nobody ever gets lost at a busy party, understanding how to effectively use a pin saves time and stress. Just tap or click, and you will have a precise, shareable location at your disposal.

If you’re a business looking to get more customers to visit and explore your location through Google Maps, then you should invest in Google Maps marketing. Ecom Conversion is one of the best digital marketing agencies in Gurgaon and Noida and can help you increase your revenue and bring more customers to your location. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you grow your business!