You can delete a custom map from Google Maps in about 30 seconds
If you created a custom map in Google Maps and no longer need it, you can remove it permanently. The process is straightforward: open Google Maps, find your map in the "Your places" section, and delete it. Once deleted, the map is gone — you cannot recover it, so make sure you do not need it before you proceed.
This guide covers deleting maps on a computer and on a phone. The steps are slightly different depending on which device you use, but both methods take less than a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Custom maps live in the "Your places" section of Google Maps, not in your main map view.
- On a computer, right-click the map name and select "Delete map" from the menu that appears.
- On a phone, tap the three dots next to the map name and choose "Delete" from the options.
- Deleting a map is permanent — Google Maps does not keep a trash folder or recovery option.
- You can only delete maps you created yourself; you cannot delete maps that other people shared with you.
How to delete a map on a computer
Open Google Maps in your web browser and look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Click it, then click "Your places." You will see tabs at the top of the panel that appears — click the "Maps" tab.
Find the map you want to delete in the list. Right-click directly on the map name. A small menu will pop up with several options. Click "Delete map." Google Maps will ask you to confirm — click "Delete" again in the confirmation box that appears. The map is now gone.
How to delete a map on an iPhone or Android phone
Open the Google Maps app and tap the profile icon in the top right corner (it looks like a circle with your initial or photo inside). Tap "Your places," then tap the "Maps" tab at the bottom of the screen.
Find the map you want to remove and tap the three dots (vertical menu icon) next to its name. Tap "Delete" from the menu. Confirm by tapping "Delete" again when Google Maps asks you to verify. The map will be removed from your account.
What happens to a map after you delete it
Once you delete a map, it disappears from your "Your places" section immediately. If you shared the map with other people before you deleted it, those people will no longer be able to see it or open it. The map cannot be recovered — Google Maps does not store deleted maps in a trash folder or archive.
If you think you might need the map again in the future, consider exporting it first. You can download a map as a KML file (a format that stores map data) before you delete it, then import it back into Google Maps later if you change your mind.
How to export a map before deleting it
If you want to keep a backup of your map, you can download it as a file. On a computer, open your map from the "Your places" section and click the three dots menu in the top right corner of the map itself. Click "Export to KML/GeoJSON" and choose which format you prefer. Your browser will download the file to your computer.
On a phone, open the map, tap the three dots at the top, and look for an export or download option. Not all phones display this option in the same place — if you cannot find it, the easiest route is to use a computer instead. Once you have downloaded the file, you can delete the map safely, knowing you have a copy saved.
Deleting maps you no longer use
If you have created many maps over time, your "Your places" section can become cluttered. Deleting maps you no longer reference keeps your account organized and makes it easier to find the maps you actually use. There is no limit to how many maps you can create, so deleting old ones does not prevent you from making new ones.
Before you delete, take a moment to check whether you shared the map with anyone. If you did, those people will lose access as soon as you delete it. If the map contains information others rely on, you might want to let them know before you remove it, or transfer ownership to someone else instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a map deletion?
No. Google Maps does not have an undo feature or trash folder for deleted maps. Once you confirm the deletion, the map is permanently removed. If you need the map back, you will have to recreate it from scratch or restore it from a KML backup file you downloaded before deleting it.
What if I delete a map by accident?
Unfortunately, there is no way to recover an accidentally deleted map through Google Maps itself. Your only option is to restore it from a backup file if you exported it as a KML file before deletion. If you did not export it, you will need to recreate the map by adding the locations again.
Can I delete a map someone else created and shared with me?
No. You can only delete maps that you created yourself. If someone shared a map with you and you no longer want to see it, you can remove it from your view by clicking the three dots next to the map name and selecting "Remove from your places" or a similar option, but you cannot delete the original map.
Will deleting a map affect my Google account or other Google services?
No. Deleting a map from Google Maps only removes that specific map. It does not affect your Google account, your other maps, your Google Drive, or any other Google service. Your account will function normally after deletion.
How do I know which maps are safe to delete?
Review each map before deleting it. Open it and check whether it contains information you might need later or whether you shared it with others who still use it. If you are unsure, export it as a KML file first — that way you have a backup if you change your mind after deleting it.