How-To

How to Change the Starting Point in Google Maps

By Adam Davidson

Published December 27, 2023

Google Maps uses your home location as the start location, but you can alter it. Here’s how to change the starting point in Google Maps.

If you’re using Google Maps on your mobile device, by default, the starting point will be your current location. This makes sense since the chances are you want to know how to get somewhere from where you are currently.

However, what if you want to find directions from a different starting point instead? If you’re away from home, you might want to find directions from your home instead of your current location, for example.

The good news is that you can choose whatever starting point you want; you’re not restricted to your current location. Here’s how to change the starting point in Google Maps.

What Does Google Maps Use as the Starting Point?

By default, when using Google Maps on mobile, your current location will be used as the starting point for directions, provided that you have granted Google Maps the appropriate permissions for location sharing. You can choose to use a different starting point, however, either by choosing a different location or by selecting your saved Home or Work locations.

On a desktop, the starting point is usually empty unless you choose to share your location. You can enter an address, select a point on the map, or use your saved Home and Work locations as the starting point.

How to Set Your Home Location in Google Maps on Desktop

Before you can use your Home location as the starting point for directions on Google Maps, you’ll need to set it up. The method for doing so is slightly different on desktop than it is on mobile.

1. Open Google Maps in a browser.
2. Click the Menu icon in the top left corner of the screen.
   
3. Toggle Show Side Bar.
   
   
4. Close the menu and click Saved in the sidebar.
   
5. Select the Labeled tab.
   
6. Click Home.
   
7. Start entering the address you want to use as your Home location and select the correct address from the search results.
   
8. Click Save.
   
9. Your Home address is now set.
   

How to Set Your Home Location in Google Maps on Mobile

If you need to set your Home location in Google Maps on your mobile device, just follow these steps.

1. Open Google Maps on your phone.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Saved tab.
   
3. Select Labeled.
   
4. Tap Home.
   
5. Start typing the address you want to use as your Home location.
   
6. Select the appropriate address from the results.
7. Your address should now show as your Home location.
   

How to Change the Starting Point in Google Maps on Desktop

Once you’ve set your Home location, you can use it as a starting point for your navigation. You can also use a different address by entering it manually.

1. Open Google Maps in a browser.
2. Click the Navigation icon.
   
3. In the top box, type Home to use your saved Home location.
   
4. Alternatively, type a different address and select the appropriate result.
   
5. Enter your destination location in the second box.
   
6. Your directions from your starting location to your destination will be generated.
   

How to Change the Starting Point in Google Maps on Mobile

Whether you want to drive somewhere or you’re planning a hike, when you’re using Google Maps on mobile, your current location will be used as the starting point by default. However, if you want to get directions from a different location, you can use your saved Home address, or add a different address manually.

1. Launch the Google Maps app.
2. On the map, tap the Directions icon.
   
3. Tap Your Location.
   
4. Tap Home to use your saved Home location as the starting point.
   
5. Alternatively, enter an address manually and select the appropriate address from the search results.
   
6. Tap Choose Destination and enter an address.
   
7. Google Maps will generate your directions.
   

The Benefits of Saving Locations in Google Maps

Setting up Home and Work addresses in Google Maps can make using the app a lot easier. After all, these are the locations that you travel to and from most often. By setting up these locations, you can quickly navigate to or from your work or home without having to enter the address manually each time. It’s also possible to set up other saved locations too, if there are places that you visit a lot.