You can add a place to Google Maps in a few minutes using the Google Maps app or website
Google Maps lets you add a business, landmark, or any location that is missing from the map. The process is straightforward: you open Google Maps, search for the location or area where the place should be, and use the "Add a place" button to fill in basic details like the name, address, phone number, and what kind of place it is. Google reviews your submission before it appears on the map, which usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks.
You do not need to own the business or location to add it. Anyone with a Google account can submit a new place. However, if you are adding a business you own or manage, you should also set up a Google Business Profile afterward so you can edit the listing, add photos, and respond to reviews.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Maps, find the exact location where the place should appear, and tap or click the "Add a place" button to start your submission.
- Fill in the place name, address, phone number, website, and category, then describe what kind of business or location it is.
- Google will review your submission and may ask you to verify information or provide additional details before publishing.
- If you own or manage the business, create a Google Business Profile after the place is added so you can keep the listing up to date.
- Adding a place takes a few minutes, but it may take several days or weeks for Google to review and publish it on the map.
How to add a place using the Google Maps app on your phone
Open the Google Maps app and search for the address or area where the place should be located. Zoom in on the map until you can see the exact spot. Tap and hold on the location where the place should appear — a red pin will drop on that spot.
At the bottom of the screen, you will see a card with the coordinates or address. Tap the card to open it fully, then look for "Add a place" or a plus icon. Tap it. A form will open asking you to name the place, choose a category (restaurant, store, landmark, etc.), and add details like the address, phone number, and website. Fill in as much information as you have, then tap "Submit."
If the address is not quite right, you can drag the red pin to adjust it before you submit. Make sure the pin is on the correct building or lot, not just the general neighborhood.
How to add a place using Google Maps on a computer
Go to Google Maps in your web browser and search for the address or area. Zoom in on the map to the location where the place should be. Right-click on the exact spot where the place should appear and select "Add a place" from the menu that pops up.
A form will open on the left side of the screen. Enter the place name, select a category from the dropdown list, and fill in the address, phone number, website, and any other details you know. You can also add a description of what the place is or what it does. When you are done, click "Submit."
If you need to move the location pin, you can drag it directly on the map before submitting. Double-check that the pin is on the correct address before you send your submission.
What information Google needs from you
At minimum, Google needs the place name and the correct location on the map. The address is the next most important piece — if you do not have the exact street address, you can still submit with just the neighborhood or intersection, but your submission is more likely to be approved quickly if the address is complete and correct.
Phone number and website are optional but helpful. If the place is a business, adding these details makes it easier for people to contact or visit. You can also choose a category that describes what the place is — restaurant, grocery store, park, library, gas station, and hundreds of others are available in the dropdown menu.
Do not invent information. If you do not know the phone number or website, leave those fields blank. Google will review your submission and may contact the business owner to fill in missing details, or other people may add that information later.
What happens after you submit your place
Google sends your submission to a review team that checks whether the place actually exists, whether the location is correct, and whether the information you provided is accurate. This review usually takes a few days, but it can take up to two weeks depending on how busy the team is and whether Google needs to verify the information.
If Google approves your submission, the place will appear on Google Maps and in search results. If Google rejects it, you will receive a notification explaining why — common reasons include the location being in the wrong place, the address being incomplete, or the place not meeting Google's guidelines (for example, private residences cannot be added).
If your submission is rejected, you can try again with corrected information. If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can also appeal through the same form where you received the rejection notice.
Setting up a Google Business Profile for a place you own or manage
Once the place appears on Google Maps, you should create a Google Business Profile if you own or manage the business. This gives you control over the listing — you can add photos, update hours, respond to customer reviews, and make sure the information stays current.
Go to Google Business Profile (google.com/business) and sign in with your Google account. Search for your business name and address. If it appears in the results, click "Manage this business" to claim it. If it does not appear yet, you can create a new profile by clicking "Create a new business profile" and filling in your details.
Google will ask you to verify that you own or manage the business. You can do this by phone, email, or postcard — Google will send you a verification code that you enter to confirm ownership. Once verified, you have full control over your listing and can update it anytime.
Common reasons a place submission gets rejected
Google rejects submissions when the location is wrong, the address is incomplete or does not match a real street, or the place does not actually exist. Private homes and residences cannot be added to Google Maps, even if they are used for business purposes like a home office.
Submissions are also rejected if the category does not match what the place actually is — for example, submitting a gas station as a restaurant. If you are not sure which category fits best, choose the closest match and add a description in the details section to clarify.
Duplicate submissions are rejected too. If the place already exists on Google Maps under a slightly different name or address, Google will not add it again. Before you submit, search for the place name and nearby addresses to make sure it is not already there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a place to appear on Google Maps after I submit it?
Google usually reviews submissions within a few days to two weeks. The exact timing depends on how many submissions Google is processing and whether they need to verify the information with the business owner or through other sources. You will receive a notification when your submission is approved or rejected.
Can I add a place if I do not know the exact address?
You can submit with just an intersection or neighborhood, but your submission is more likely to be approved quickly if you provide the complete street address. If you only have a general location, make sure the pin is as close as possible to where the place actually is.
What if the place I want to add already exists on Google Maps but under the wrong name or address?
Do not submit a duplicate. Instead, search for the existing listing and look for an "Suggest an edit" option on the place card. This lets you propose corrections to the name, address, or other details without creating a second entry. Google will review your suggestion and update the listing if it is correct.
Do I need to own the business to add it to Google Maps?
No, anyone with a Google account can add a place to Google Maps. However, if you own or manage the business, you should create a Google Business Profile afterward so you can control the listing, add photos, and respond to reviews.
What categories can I choose when I add a place?
Google offers hundreds of categories including restaurants, stores, parks, libraries, offices, schools, and landmarks. When you fill out the submission form, a dropdown menu shows all available categories. Choose the one that best describes what the place is.