You can add pins to Google Maps in three ways: by searching for a place and saving it, by dropping a pin manually on the map, or by creating a custom list to group related pins together

Google Maps pins are markers you place on the map to remember locations. When you save a place — whether it's a restaurant, a friend's address, or a hiking trail — Google stores it as a pin. You can organize these pins into lists, color-code them, and access them anytime you open Google Maps on any device where you're signed in.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're using Google Maps on your phone, tablet, or computer, but the core steps are the same. Once you understand how to add and organize pins, you can build a personal map of places that matter to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You save a place as a pin by tapping or clicking the name or address, then selecting "Save" and choosing which list to add it to.
  • You can drop a pin manually anywhere on the map by long-pressing (on mobile) or right-clicking (on desktop) the exact spot you want to mark.
  • Custom lists let you group pins by theme — such as "Weekend Hikes" or "Restaurants to Try" — and you can share these lists with others.
  • Saved pins sync across all your devices when you're signed into the same Google account, so your map is always with you.

Saving a place as a pin on mobile

Open Google Maps and search for the place you want to save, or scroll the map until you find it. Tap the name or address of the location at the bottom of the screen — this opens the place's details card.

On the details card, you'll see a heart icon and a "Save" button. Tap "Save." A menu appears asking which list to add the pin to. You can choose from your default lists (Saved Places, Starred Places, Want to Go) or select a custom list you've already created. If you want to create a new list right then, tap "Create List," give it a name, and tap "Create." The pin is now saved to that list.

Saving a place as a pin on desktop

Search for the location in Google Maps or navigate to it on the map. Click the name or address in the left panel or the info window that appears. The place details panel opens on the left side of the screen.

Look for the heart icon or "Save" button near the top of the details panel. Click it, and a dropdown menu shows your available lists. Select the list where you want to save the pin, or click "Create List" to make a new one. The pin is now saved and will appear in that list.

Dropping a pin at a specific location

Sometimes you want to mark a spot that isn't a named business or address — like a parking spot, a meeting point, or a landmark. You can drop a pin manually at any location on the map.

On mobile, long-press the exact spot on the map where you want the pin. A red pin appears, and a card opens at the bottom showing the coordinates and address of that location. Tap "Save" on the card to add it to one of your lists. On desktop, right-click the spot on the map. A small menu appears; click "Add a label" or the pin icon to drop a pin there. You can then save it to a list the same way.

Creating and managing custom lists

Custom lists help you organize pins by category. You might create a list for restaurants you want to try, parks near your home, or places to visit on vacation. To create a list on mobile, open Google Maps, tap your profile icon in the top right, and select "Your Places." Tap the "Lists" tab, then tap "Create List." Name your list, optionally add a description and choose a color or icon, then tap "Create."

On desktop, go to Google Maps and click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left. Select "Your Places," then click the "Lists" tab. Click "Create List," fill in the details, and click "Create." Once a list exists, you can add pins to it by saving places and selecting that list, or by opening the list and tapping the plus icon to search for places to add.

To edit a list, open it and tap or click the three-dot menu icon. You can rename it, change its color or icon, delete it, or share it with others. Sharing a list lets other people see the pins you've saved — useful for trip planning or sharing recommendations with friends.

Viewing and editing your saved pins

To see all your saved pins, open Google Maps and tap your profile icon (mobile) or click the menu (desktop), then select "Your Places." On mobile, the "Saved" tab shows all your pins organized by list. On desktop, click the "Saved" tab in the left panel. You can tap or click any pin to view its details, edit the label, or remove it from the list.

If you want to edit a pin you've dropped manually, open it and tap or click "Edit Label." You can change the name, add notes, or delete the pin entirely. These changes sync across all your devices, so if you edit a pin on your phone, it updates on your computer too.

Sharing pins and lists with others

Google Maps lets you share individual pins or entire lists with friends and family. To share a list, open it, tap or click the three-dot menu, and select "Share List." You'll get a link you can send via email, text, or any messaging app. People who open the link can see all the pins in that list and add it to their own Google Maps account.

To share a single pin, open its details and look for a "Share" button or icon. Tap or click it to copy a link to that location, which you can then send to anyone. They don't need to have the pin in their own map — they can just open the link to see where it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my saved pins on Google Maps offline?

You can download a map area for offline use on mobile by opening Google Maps, searching for a place, and tapping your profile icon. Select "Offline Maps" and download the area you want. Your saved pins in that area will be visible, though you won't be able to search or get directions without an internet connection.

What's the difference between saving a place and starring it?

Saving a place adds it to your "Saved Places" list or another list you choose. Starring a place marks it with a star and adds it to your "Starred Places" list. Both are ways to bookmark locations; use whichever feels more natural to you, or use both to organize differently.

Can I change the color or icon of a pin?

You can change the color or icon of an entire list, which affects all pins in that list. Open the list, tap or click the three-dot menu, and select "Edit List." Choose a new color or icon and save. Individual pins within a list use the list's color, so you can't customize each pin separately.

What happens to my pins if I sign out of Google?

Your pins are tied to your Google account. If you sign out and sign back in later, all your saved pins and lists will still be there. If you delete your Google account, your pins are deleted too, so make sure you want to do that before you proceed.

Can I export my pins to another app or file?

Google Maps doesn't have a built-in export feature for pins. However, you can take screenshots of your lists, or use third-party tools that connect to Google Maps to export data — though these require you to grant them access to your account. Check the privacy settings of any third-party tool before using it.