A dropped pin on Google Maps marks a location you select, even when it does not have a street address or business listing. To drop a pin on Android or iPhone, touch and hold the spot on the map. You can then get directions, save the location or share it with someone.
Whether you are meeting a friend outside a stadium or marking a building entrance, a pin helps you point to the right place without lengthy directions.
What Does “Dropped Pin” Mean on Google Maps?
A dropped pin is a marker placed manually on the map. It identifies a specific point rather than relying on a named business, landmark or postal address.
For example, searching for a shopping centre may show its main listing. Dropping a pin lets you identify the particular entrance where you want someone to meet you.
You can use a dropped pin to mark:
- A pickup point outside a railway station
- A meeting spot inside a large park
- A building entrance on a side street
- A viewpoint without a listed address
- A parking location you want to remember
A pin stays at the selected location. It does not follow your movements or automatically share your live location.
How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps on Android
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Search for the nearby area or move around the map.
- Zoom in until you can identify the exact spot.
- Touch and hold an unlabelled point on the map.
- A pin appears, with a location card at the bottom.
- Tap or swipe up on the card to see the available actions.
Google’s instructions confirm that touching and holding a place on the map drops a pin. From its details, you can also add a private label. (Google Maps Help)
Tip: If tapping a location opens a business listing, choose an unlabelled spot nearby when you need to mark a specific entrance or meeting point.
How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps on iPhone
The process is similar in the Google Maps app for iPhone and iPad:
- Open Google Maps, not Apple Maps.
- Find the area you want to mark.
- Zoom in for a more precise view.
- Touch and hold the chosen location.
- Open the location card at the bottom.
- Choose an action such as Directions, Save or Share.
You do not have to be physically present at the location to mark it. For example, you can select a meeting point before leaving home.
Button placement and wording may vary slightly between app versions.
How to Drop a Pin on Google Maps on a Computer
- Open Google Maps in your browser.
- Search for an area or zoom into the map.
- Click an unlabelled location once.
- Look for the small location card that appears.
- Click its location details to open the full panel.
From there, use the available options to save the point, share it or plan a route.
For a precise alternative, right-click the location. Google Maps displays its latitude and longitude at the top of the menu. Click those coordinates to copy them, then paste them into the search box to open that point. (Google Maps coordinate guide)
How to Get Directions to a Dropped Pin
After selecting the pin:
- Open its location card.
- Choose Directions.
- Set your starting point.
- Select a travel mode, such as driving or walking.
- Review the suggested route.
- On your phone, tap Start when navigation is available.
Check the destination carefully before setting off. A pin inside a park, large property or building does not necessarily identify a usable entrance.
For a pickup, mark an accessible roadside meeting point instead of the centre of a building.
How to Share a Dropped Pin
A location link is often clearer than describing several turns or nearby landmarks.
On Android or iPhone
- Drop a pin at the correct spot.
- Open the location card.
- Tap Share. You may need to scroll through the action buttons.
- Select WhatsApp, Messages, email or another app.
- Choose the recipient and send the link.
Add a short note when necessary, such as “Meet at the side entrance beside the pharmacy.”
On a computer
- Select the location and open its details.
- Click Share.
- Copy the link.
- Paste it into your message or email.
Check the pin before sending it, especially when sharing a home address or another sensitive location.
How to Save a Dropped Pin for Later
Dropping a pin does not automatically add it to a saved list.
To keep the location:
- Open the pin’s location card.
- Select Save.
- Choose a list or create a new one.
- Confirm the selection if prompted.
You could create lists for weekend trips, delivery points or places to visit.
To find the location again, open You or Saved, depending on your app version, and select the relevant list. Use the same Google Account on your devices to access your saved places.
How to Give a Dropped Pin a Name
A private label makes a location easier to recognise.
- Open the dropped pin’s details.
- Find Label.
- Enter a useful name, such as “Office side entrance.”
- Save the label.
You can find labelled locations under You > Labeled on supported versions of the app. A private label does not rename the place publicly or create a business listing. (Google Maps label instructions)
How to Remove or Change a Dropped Pin
To dismiss a temporary pin, close its location card or use the back button. Selecting another location also changes the active selection.
To correct its position, zoom in and drop a new pin at the intended spot.
If you saved the original location, dismissing the marker does not remove it from your list. Open the saved entry and remove it from the relevant list separately.
Can You Drop Multiple Pins on Google Maps?
You can save multiple locations in Google Maps lists. However, selecting another temporary pin changes the currently selected point.
If you need a custom map containing several markers, use Google My Maps on a computer:
- Open Google My Maps.
- Create a map.
- Choose Add marker.
- Click the location you want to mark.
- Give the marker a name and save it.
- Repeat for other locations.
This is useful for planning sightseeing stops or displaying several locations together. Google documents this separately from ordinary Google Maps pins. (Google My Maps Help)
Dropped Pin vs Live Location: What Is the Difference?
A dropped pin shares a fixed place, such as the entrance where you want to meet.
Live location sharing shares your changing device location while the feature is active.
Sending someone a dropped-pin link does not let them track your movements. Use the pin for “Meet me here” and live location sharing when you specifically want someone to follow your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a dropped pin show my current location?
Not necessarily. It shows the point you selected. You can drop a pin anywhere on the map, including somewhere far from your current position.
Can I send a dropped pin through WhatsApp?
Yes. Open the pin’s details, tap Share, choose WhatsApp and send the link to the intended contact.
Why did my dropped pin disappear?
A temporary selection can disappear when you close its details or choose another location. Save the point to a list if you want to find it later.
Is dropping a pin the same as adding a missing place?
No. A dropped pin selects a location for your use. Adding a missing place submits information about a place for potential inclusion on the public map.
Can I move a dropped pin?
For an ordinary Google Maps pin, select the correct spot again rather than relying on dragging the existing marker. If you saved or shared the wrong point, update the saved location or send a corrected link.
Final Thoughts
A dropped pin makes it easier to identify a place that an address alone does not describe clearly. Touch and hold the location on your phone, or select it on a computer, then save or share it as needed. Always check the exact position and nearby entrance before using it for a meeting or journey.
