Pins are one of the primary ways of interacting with Google Maps. A pin allows you to pinpoint/mark a location or a building. Furthermore, it allows you to see features, hints and use tools for the point where the pin is dropped. Here is how to drop a pin in Google Maps using the web browser and the mobile app.
Dropping a pin on Google Maps on computer
Method 1: Dropping a pin by clicking on the map
- Visit Google Maps on a browser.
- Click on any building, school, hospital, store, restaurant, or marked location on the map to drop a pin.
A red pin will appear on that point you clicked on. And that’s it! You just dropped a pin on Google Maps. The left side of your screen will bring up an information panel to show you more details and options about the place where you just dropped a pin.
Click on any major place or point of attraction on the map to drop a red pin. You can also drop a pin on unmarked or random locations on the map. Clicking once on random locations that aren’t buildings or points of attractions will drop a black pin. To turn a black pin into a red one, click on the map coordinates in the “quick direction” box at the bottom. This will also bring up the information panel.
Click on a random location to drop a black pin. Click on the coordinates at the bottom to change the black pin to a red one. 
The black pin changes to a red pin after clicking on the map coordinates at the bottom of the screen
Method 2: Dropping a pin on Google map by searching for a place on the search bar
Enter a place on the Google Maps search bar. Click on the place once it pops up among the suggestions. Google Maps will locate the place on the map and automatically drop a pin on it.
Drop a pin on Google Maps mobile app
Dropping a pin on the Google Maps mobile app is easy. The steps below were done on an Android phone, but the procedures are similar for iPhones and iPads.
Method 1: Dropping a pin by tapping or long pressing on the screen
- Launch Google Maps on your phone
Launch the Google Maps app on your phone - Long press on any point on the map to drop a pin. A red pin will pop up immediately when you long press on the screen. In addition, a notification at the bottom of the screen will indicate that you have dropped a pin.
Long press on the screen to drop a pin. If you want to drop a pin on a marked building or location, tap on it (no need to long-press), and a red pin will be dropped on the map.
Dropping a pin on a marked building, restaurant, school, theatre, or point of attraction will bring up an information panel at the bottom with more options about the place, such as directions, phone directory, opening and closing hours, pictures, reviews, etc.
Drop a red pin on a marked point of attraction to bring up an information panel
Method 2: Dropping a pin by searching for a place on the mobile map
Search for a place on the Google Maps search bar and tap on the place when it shows up among the search suggestions on the screen. A pin will automatically be dropped on that location.
