How to Fix Incorrect Location in Google Maps on Any Device

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What to do if Google has you located in the wrong place
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Google Maps identifies your current location using a combination of GPS, nearby Wi-Fi networks, and cellular towers in your area. If Google Maps shows that you're in a different location than you are, there are simple ways to fix it. If you've come across a place, including your home or work, that appears incorrectly or has the wrong address in Google Maps, that's also easy to fix. Read on to learn how to correct a location on Google Maps using any computer, phone, or tablet.

Incorrect Location on Google Maps: Easy Fixes

  • If your location is wrong, enable Location Accuracy in your Android's settings, or Precise Location on iPhone/iPad.
  • On a computer, your location may be wrong in Google Maps if location services are turned off or have too strict permissions.
  • If your home address is incorrect on any Google product, including Maps, you can fix it in "Your data in Maps."
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Fixing Wrong Location on Android

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  1. If, when you open Google Maps, your location (the blue dot) is in the wrong place, tapping the small target icon at the bottom-right will often bring it to the correct location . [1]
    • If this doesn't work, continue troubleshooting.
  2. Google Maps uses nearby Wi-Fi networks and cellular towers to determine your location. If either feature is turned off, swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, then toggle on Wi-Fi and Mobile Data. [2]
    • Even if you're on the go and don't have a Wi-Fi network to connect to, turning on Wi-Fi can still fix your location accuracy.
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  3. This feature of your Android helps improve GPS accuracy in apps like Google Maps. If the feature is turned off, your location may show up wrong.
    • Open your Android's Settings.
    • Tap Location .
    • Tap Location Services or Advanced .
    • Select Location Accuracy .
    • Turn on Improve Location Accuracy . [3]
  4. If the blue dot jumps around the map to random locations, it's usually because Battery Saver mode is enabled. Turning this power-saving feature off should fix your location.
  5. If the blue location dot is very wide or pointing in the wrong direction, your Android needs to be calibrated. With Google Maps open and the blue dot visible, perform these steps:
    • Hold your phone or tablet in your hand, with the screen facing up.
    • Move your phone in a figure-8 formation and continue to watch the blue dot or beam on the screen.
    • Keep moving your phone until the beam narrows and points in the correct direction.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Fixing Wrong Location on iPhone or iPad

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  1. It's the gray compass icon at the bottom-right corner of the map. If, when you open Google Maps, your location (the blue dot) is in the wrong place, tapping this icon will usually zoom you into the correct location.
    • If this doesn't work, or you see a red compass icon with a question mark inside, continue troubleshooting.
  2. If location services are disabled or the "Precise Location" setting is turned off, your location may appear incorrectly on the map.
    • Open your iPhone or iPad's Settings app.
    • Tap the Privacy menu.
    • Tap Location Services .
    • If Location Services is turned off, tap the switch to turn it on.
    • Select Google Maps .
    • Select Always to allow Google Maps to access your location.
    • Toggle on the "Precise Location" switch at the bottom.
  3. Google Maps uses nearby Wi-Fi networks and cellular towers to determine your location. If either feature is turned off, open Control Center , and toggle on both the mobile data and Wi-Fi controls.
    • Even if you're on the go and don't have a Wi-Fi network to connect to, turning on Wi-Fi can still fix your location accuracy.
  4. If your iPhone or iPad is low on battery, it may go into Low Power Mode to preserve your battery . You can also enable Low Power Mode manually. [4] However, when this mode is enabled, Google Maps may not be able to identify your location accurately. To turn it off:
    • Open your iOS Settings app.
    • Tap Battery .
    • Toggle off "Low Power Mode."
  5. If the blue location dot is very wide or points in the wrong direction, your iPhone or iPad needs to be calibrated. With Google Maps open and the blue dot visible, perform these steps:
    • Hold your phone or tablet in your hand, with the screen facing up.
    • Move your phone in a figure-8 formation and continue to watch the blue dot or beam on the screen.
    • Keep moving your phone until the beam narrows and points in the correct direction.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Fixing Wrong Location on a Computer

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  1. If your location is accurate, you will see a blue dot on or near your current location. If the dot is in the wrong place, continue troubleshooting.
  2. If your location is not shared in your browser settings, Google Maps will not be able to identify your current location accurately.
    • Google Chrome:
      • Click the three-dot menu at the top-right corner.
      • Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings .
      • Select Location under "Permissions."
      • Select Collapse unwanted requests (recommended).
      • Scroll down and look for Google Maps under "Not allowed to see your location." If it's there, click the trash icon to remove it.
    • Microsoft Edge:
      • Click the three-dot menu and select Settings .
      • Select Cookies and site permission .
      • Select Location .
      • Turn on "Ask before accessing (recommended)."
      • If Google Maps is in your block list, remove it.
    • Safari:
      • Click the Safari menu and select Settings .
      • Click Websites .
      • Select Location in the left panel.
      • Select Ask from the "When visiting other websites" menu.
      • If Google Maps is in the list, click its corresponding menu and select Allow .
  3. If you're using a VPN to access the internet, your Google Maps location will appear as the VPN server's location, not your actual location. Turning off your VPN will fix the problem.
  4. If your PC or Mac is not sharing your location, Google Maps may default to the wrong location.
    • Windows:
      • Open the Start menu and click Settings .
      • Click Privacy (Windows 10) or Privacy & security (Windows 11).
      • Click Location .
      • If Location Services are toggled off, click the switch to turn them back on.
      • Under "Let apps access your location," scroll down and look for your web browser. Ensure its corresponding toggle switch is in the On position.
    • Mac:
      • Open the Apple menu and select System Settings .
      • Click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.
      • Click Location Services .
      • Ensure Location Services are enabled.
      • Scroll down and look for your web browser. If location services are disabled for your browser, turn them back on. [5]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Fixing Wrong Home Address on Google

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  1. If Google Maps, or Google in general, shows an incorrect address for your home or work, it's very easy to fix on any device.
  2. If you're using a computer, click the menu ☰ and select Your data in Maps . On an Android or iPhone, tap your profile photo or initial, then tap Your data in Maps .
  3. If Home or Work are set to the wrong address (or no address at all), tap the one you want to edit.
  4. If you don't want to make your correction manually, just tap Choose on map and center the map on the correct home or work location.
  5. Google Maps, and all other Google products, will now have your correct address.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Fixing Wrong Places in Google Maps

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  1. If you find an incorrectly named place, missing address, wrong address, or other problem with a Google Maps location, you can report it easily. On a computer, tap the three-line menu ☰ at the top-left corner. On a phone or tablet, tap your profile photo or initial instead.
  2. You can skip this step if you're using a computer.
  3. This opens a menu of issues you can report for wrong information, addresses, and more.
  4. For example, if there's an incorrect road name, a missing road, or a road that should be marked private, tap Add or fix a road , and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    The map is incorrect The name of the beach is wrong and incorrectly names it as a leash free dog beach when it is not. How can I get this corrected as it is causing civil unrest?
    Community Answer
    Follow the steps in this article. If they do not work, you may need to contact Google.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How to tell Google the location they have for something is wrong? Example: my house shows halfway down a street when it is not, it is a corner lot.
    Avicii GB
    Community Answer
    Google Maps has an option when you take directions to give map advice about how good the directions were. You can comment using this.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Google has given street names to driveways in our subdivision.
    Smith clark
    Community Answer
    Report the issue via the app or website. Describe the problem and submit it for correction. Additionally, inform your local authorities or community groups to expedite resolution. Accurate mapping is crucial for navigation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/2839911?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1
      2. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/my/support/mobile-devices/how-to-connect-wi-fi-network-on-my-samsung-device
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/3467281?sjid=13365304537475941805-NC#location_accuracy
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/101604
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/allow-apps-to-see-the-location-of-your-mac-mh35873/mac

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