Tech

Here's How to Make Changes or Suggest Edits in Google Maps

By Alex • June 5, 2026
Here's How to Make Changes or Suggest Edits in Google Maps

Here's How to Make Changes or Suggest Edits in Google Maps

You probably fire up Google Maps to get from A to B, or to find out if that new sushi spot is open. But here's a little secret: Google Maps isn't a static, unchangeable beast. You, the savvy user, can actually contribute to its vast wealth of information, making it better for everyone. Think of it as a collaborative superpower!

Whether your local cafe's hours are all wrong, or Maps insists on sending people down a muddy goat path to your front door, you have the power to fix it. Every submission gets reviewed by Google, so while there's no instant gratification guarantee, your efforts help billions. Ready to become a map-hacking hero? Let's dive in.

Adding Your Stamp: New Places to Google Maps

Got a cool new discovery or a business that's not on the map? Adding it is surprisingly simple:

  1. Drop a Pin: Open the Google Maps app and press and hold on the exact spot where the new place is located. A red pin will appear.
  2. Choose Your Path: Swipe up on the pin's info card. You'll see options like Add a missing place or Add your business to Maps.
    • If it's your business, you'll go through a verification process.
    • For a general missing place, you'll need to provide a name and a category (e.g., Food & drink, Shopping, Services, Outdoors & recreation).
  3. Detail It Up: While a name, location, and category are enough, adding extras like a contact number, opening hours, and photos dramatically increases the chances of approval. The more info, the better Google can verify it!

Google blends automated checks with human reviewers, so a well-detailed submission is your best bet.

Fixing What's Already There: Editing Place Details

Sometimes, a place is on the map, but the details are just… wrong. Google actively encourages you to correct these!

  1. Select the Spot: Tap on the existing location you want to edit.
  2. Pull Up the Info: Swipe up on the info card to see all the details.
  3. Suggest Edits:
    • On the Overview tab, look for options like Suggest new hours or Update location if the pin is off-kilter.
    • Head to the About tab for more specific attributes. For a restaurant, you might see Edit features to update info on delivery, parking, accessibility, and more.

Google keeps its review process under wraps to prevent abuse, but consistency from multiple users and your own contribution history can influence approval. You might even get an email update on your edits!

Mapping the Roads: Routes & Road Changes

Roads change, routes get updated, and sometimes Google just gets it wrong. Here's how to straighten things out:

  1. Road Updates: In the mobile app, tap the Contribute tab, then find the Update road button. This lets you:
    • Add missing roads
    • Edit road names
    • Mark a road as private or closed
    • Specify one-way or two-way traffic
  2. Route Feedback (Web Only): For incorrect driving directions, you need to hit the desktop version of Google Maps.
    • Get your directions on screen.
    • Click Details next to the directions on the left panel.
    • Scroll to the bottom right and click Send product feedback. You can then flag specific steps and explain the issue.

Fair warning: I've been trying to get Google Maps to stop sending people down an unpaved track to my house for years. The directions are still wrong. So, some fixes might take persistence!

For any other general feedback or issues with the app, tap your profile picture (top right in the mobile app), then navigate to Help and feedback > Send product feedback.

Start hacking your map today – your fellow users (and probably future you!) will thank you.