How to Drop a Pin in Maps on iPhone

Start by tapping and holding the location, then editing it to your satisfaction

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on October 9, 2022
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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What to Know

  • Launch Maps > tap and hold the location > tap Edit Location > tap Done when finished.
  • Swipe up on the Marked Location pane to see more options.
  • Add the location to your Favorites: Select the pin and swipe up Marked Location, then tap Add to Favorites.

This article explains how to drop a pin on your iPhone (running iOS 11 or later) so you can share your exact location with your contacts or save locations for custom maps and directions.

How to Drop a Pin in Apple Maps

Follow these steps to pin a location on Apple Maps using your iPhone:

  1. Launch Maps from the iPhone Home screen. The screen opens to your current location with a blue pin highlighting where you currently are.

  2. Tap and hold the location where you want to drop a pin.

    Maps icon, marker, dropped pin in iOS Maps

    If nothing shows up on the screen, you may need to zoom in on the map to set a precise location.

  3. Select Edit Location to reveal a satellite image of the selected location.

  4. You can drag the image around to set the correct location of the pin, or select Done if you are satisfied with the location.

    Edit Location, Marked pin in Maps for iOS

How to Get More From Your Apple Maps Pin 

After you pin a location, swipe up on the Marked Location pane to view more options:

  • To find the fastest route to the location, select Directions. The iPhone determines if the location is near enough for you to walk or if it needs to provide instructions for driving or public transit.
  • To send the location to a new or existing contact on your iPhone contacts list, select Create New Contact or Add to Existing Contact. 
Directions button, Create New/Add to Existing Contact in iOS Maps

To remove a marked location, press and hold the pin and select Remove Marker.

How to Save Pins as Favorites on Apple Maps

If you want to use a pinned location in the future, save the marked location to the Maps app by adding it to your Favorites. This makes it easier to locate.

  1. In the Maps app, select the pin.

  2. Swipe up on the Marked Location pane.

  3. Select Add to Favorites. The name of the location will default to the nearest address or landmark.

    In iOS 11 and 12 you would be prompted to name the location upon adding it to Favorites. With iOS 13, you must change the name from the Favorite Locations menu.

    Favorite button, Save button, Saved location in iOS Maps

How to View Favorite Locations in Maps on iPhone

To see the locations you've marked as favorites:

  1. Swipe up on the search bar at the bottom of the Apple Maps screen.

  2. Next to the Favorites, select See All.

  3. Select a location to display it on the map. Select the Info icon to edit the location, including its name.

    Search field, Favorites places, Favorites tag in iOS Maps

How to Share Pins

It's possible to share your location and dropped pins with friends. The Share option is in the same screen as the Favorite option.

  1. Tap a pin or select a Favorite Location.

  2. Swipe up on the Marked Location pane.

  3. Select Share.

  4. Select Message to send an iMessage or SMS text message that has the location and direction details attached.

    Marked location, Share button, Message button in iOS Maps
FAQ
  • How do I change the voice in Apple Maps?

    To change your Apple Maps navigation voice, you'll need to change Siri's voice. Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice. Choose from various American, Australian, British, Indian, Irish, and South African voices.

  • How do I add a stop on Apple Maps?

    Launch Apple Maps, enter your destination, and tap Go to begin your route. To add a stop, tap the up arrow and select Add a Stop. You can't add a specific address or location, however. You can only select from various categories like Dinner, Gas Stations, Coffee, Parking, and Convenience.

  • How do I avoid tolls on Apple Maps?

    To avoid tolls when traveling with Apple Maps, enter your destination, select your route, and swipe up to reveal Avoid options. Tap Tolls to avoid toll roads. Set this preference permanently by going to Settings > Maps > Directions > Driving > Avoid and tapping Tolls.

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