To share a pin on Google Maps, touch and hold a spot on the map in the Google Maps app to drop a red pin, then tap Share on the Dropped pin card at the bottom and choose how to send it, such as Messages, email, or Copy. On a computer, click a spot on the map, click the coordinates that appear in the small card, and then click Share > Copy link. The person you send it to can open the link to see the exact location and get directions.
This guide covers dropping and sharing pins on Android, iPhone, and computers, sharing coordinates or a place, sharing your real-time location instead, and fixes for pins that land in the wrong spot.
Share a pin on Android or iPhone
- Open Google Maps and zoom in to the location.
- Touch and hold the exact spot until a red pin appears.
- On the Dropped pin card, tap Share (swipe the buttons left if you don’t see it).
- Choose an app to send it with, or tap Copy to paste the link anywhere.
Share a pin on a computer
- Go to maps.google.com.
- Click the spot on the map. A small card appears at the bottom with the coordinates.
- Click the coordinates to open the full place panel.
- Click Share, then Copy link, or choose Embed a map to put the map on a website.
You can also right-click the spot and click the coordinates at the top of the menu to copy them.
Share coordinates
The Dropped pin card shows latitude and longitude (for example, 40.7128, -74.0060). Tap the coordinates on mobile to copy them. Anyone can paste coordinates into Google Maps or another map app to find the spot.
Share a business or address instead
Search for the place, open its details, and tap Share. This shares the place’s name, address, and details, which is easier to read than coordinates.
Share your live location
If you want someone to follow where you are, use location sharing: tap your profile picture > Location sharing > New share, choose how long, and pick contacts. They see your real-time location until the time runs out or you stop sharing.
Tips for accurate pins
- Zoom in as far as possible before dropping the pin.
- Switch to Satellite view (the layers button) to place pins on specific buildings, parking spots, or trailheads.
- Drag the map (not the pin) to fine-tune the position on mobile, and drop the pin again if needed.
Troubleshooting
- No Share button – update the Google Maps app and swipe through the card’s buttons.
- Link opens the wrong place – make sure the recipient opens it in Google Maps, and share the pin again after zooming in.
- Can’t drop a pin – touch and hold without moving your finger; on a computer, single-click instead of double-clicking.
Related: delete an address from Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone without Google Maps open my pin?
Yes. The link opens in any web browser.
Can I save a dropped pin?
Yes. Tap Save on the card and choose a list, or tap Label to name it.
Does sharing a pin share my location?
No. It shares only the spot you pinned, not where you are.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.