How-To

How to Report Map Errors in Google Maps

By Ben Stockton

Published April 13, 2023

Encountered an error in Google Maps? You can report inaccuracies online or in the app to help fix the problem. This guide explains how.

Google Maps is a great tool for finding new places, getting route directions, and helping you to explore the world.

That said, it isn’t perfect—it can make mistakes. Perhaps you’ve noticed a wrong address, a missing road, or a closed-down business on Google Maps. Maybe you’ve followed some directions that led you to a dead end.

If you’re encountering map errors on Google Maps, you can report them and help improve the service for yourself and others. In this article, we’ll show you how to report map errors in Google Maps.

Why Should You Report Map Errors in Google Maps?

There are several reasons why you might want to report map errors in Google Maps:

• Correct inaccurate information. Outdated data, human error, or technical glitches might cause map errors. Reporting these errors can help Google update its maps with more accurate information.
• Enhance the Google Maps user experience. Some map errors might affect your navigation, search results, or recommendations on Google Maps. Reporting these errors can help Google improve its features and functionality for a better user experience.
• Contribute to the community. Some map errors might impact other users relying on Google Maps for travel needs. Reporting these errors can help Google provide more reliable and useful maps for everyone.

There’s no downside to reporting map errors on Google. It’s quick, easy to do, and can help improve the service for you and everyone else that uses it. After all, if the error appears on a route you’re taking, you will want to make sure it’s fixed.

How to Report Map Errors in Google Maps Using a PC or Mac

The easiest way to report map errors on Google Maps using PC/Mac is by using your web browser. You can do this on your PC, Mac, or another web-capable device, such as a Chromebook.

To report map errors in Google Maps on a PC or Mac:

1. Open your web browser and go to the Google Maps website.
2. Use the search bar or manually locate the place or area with an error on the map.
3. Right-click the red pin for the location that contains an error.
4. From the menu, select Report a data problem.
   
5. Choose one of the following options in the Send Feedback box, depending on what type of error you want to report:
   • Suggest an edit: Select this option to suggest a change to the item on the map.
   • Missing place: Select this option if the location is missing a landmark or business.
   • Add or fix a road: Select this option if there’s a problem with the road under this pin marker.
   • Wrong information: Select this option if there’s bad information listed about a business or landmark at the location of the pin marker.
   • Your opinions: Share any other feedback about Google Maps using this option.
     
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to provide more details about the error and submit your feedback.

Once you’ve submitted the map error, Google will investigate and (hopefully) resolve it quickly.

How to Report Map Errors in Google Maps on Mobile

You’re more likely to use Google Maps for directions on a mobile device. If that’s the case, you may want to report map errors in Google Maps using the Android, iPhone, and iPad mobile app.

To report map errors in Google Maps on a mobile device:

1. Open the Google Maps app on your Android/iPhone device.
2. Locate the location with an error on the map using the search tool or by manually moving the map view with your finger.
3. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen and tap Help & feedback.
   
4. Next, tap Edit the map on the menu.
   
5. Choose one of the following options depending on what type of error you want to report:
   • Add or fix a place: Use this option to add a missing place, change a place’s name or details, or move an incorrect marker.
   • Fix an address: If a particular address is wrong, use this option to fix it.
   • Add or fix a road: If a road layout has changed or a new road is in place, you can add it using this option.
   • Your opinions about Maps: Use this option to suggest improvements to the map (or Google Maps itself) or report inappropriate content.
     
6. Follow any other additional instructions on-screen to provide more details about the error and submit your feedback.

At this point, you’ve successfully reported a map error on Google Maps using your mobile device. Repeat it for any further errors on your device.

Fixing Google Maps Errors

Reporting map errors on Google Maps is a simple and helpful way to correct inaccurate information, enhance user experience, and contribute to the community. By doing so, you can help Google improve its maps—not just for yourself, but for everyone that uses it.

Are you getting started with Google Maps? You can try other things to get the most out of the platform.

For instance, you may want to set your home and work addresses in Google Maps to make it easier (and quicker) to get back and forth between your work and home locations.

Want to plan a secret trip? If you don’t want to have any trace of your journey, you can always use Google Maps in Incognito mode. This way, the journey won’t be recorded or appear in your search history.