Whether you’re trying to meet a friend at a crowded park, mark a hidden hiking trailhead, or save a parking spot in a massive lot, knowing how to drop a pin on iPhone is a essential modern skill.
While addresses are great, they don’t always point to the exact spot you need. A dropped pin provides precise GPS coordinates, ensuring you and your friends are always on the same page. Whether you use Apple Maps or Google Maps, the process is quick and intuitive once you know the secret “long press.”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for both major mapping apps and show you how to share those coordinates in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- The Long Press: To drop a pin, simply long-press any spot on the map until the red marker appears.
- Refining Location: Use the “Move” or “Edit” feature to drag the pin to the exact pixel you want.
- Sharing is Easy: Once a pin is dropped, tap the Share icon to send it via iMessage, WhatsApp, or Email.
- Apple vs. Google: Apple Maps is more integrated into iOS, while Google Maps is often better for sharing with Android users.
- Saving for Later: You can add dropped pins to your “Favorites” or “Guides” so you never lose that secret spot.
How to Drop a Pin in Apple Maps
Apple Maps is the default navigation app on your iPhone. It is deeply integrated with Siri and your contacts, making it the most convenient choice for most users.
1. Drop the Pin
Open Apple Maps and find the general area you want to mark. Touch and hold your finger on the map for about two seconds. A red pin will drop, and a “Marked Location” card will slide up from the bottom.
2. Adjust the Position
If the pin isn’t perfectly placed, tap Move. This will open a satellite view where you can drag the map underneath the pin to get it exactly where it needs to be. Tap Done when you’re finished.
3. Share or Save
To send the location to someone else, tap the Share icon (the square with an up arrow) on the location card. To save it for yourself, tap More (…) and select Add to Favorites.
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How to Drop a Pin in Google Maps
Many iPhone users prefer Google Maps for its robust street view and traffic data. It is also the best option if you are sending a location to someone who doesn’t use an iPhone.
- Long-Press: Open Google Maps and long-press the location you want to save. A red pin will appear immediately.
- See Details: Tap the “Dropped Pin” label at the bottom to see the address or coordinates.
- Share: Tap the Share button on the bottom menu to send the link via any messaging app.
- Labeling: You can tap Label to give the pin a custom name, like “Secret Fishing Spot” or “Dave’s House.”
Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Apple Maps | Google Maps |
| Default App | Yes (Built-in) | No (Download required) |
| Android Sharing | Send as Link (Web view) | Native App Link (Recommended) |
| Offline Maps | Yes (iOS 17+) | Yes |
| Siri Support | Excellent | Limited |
| Privacy | High (On-device processing) | Moderate (Data linked to account) |
How to Drop Your “Current” Location in iMessage
If you just want to send someone exactly where you are standing right now, you don’t even need to open a Maps app.
- Open an iMessage conversation.
- Tap the Plus (+) button next to the text field.
- Select Location.
- Tap the Pin icon on the mini-map to drop a pin on your current spot.
- Tap Send Pin.
Pro Tip: This sends a “static” pin of where you are at that moment. If you move, the pin stays behind. If you want them to follow you in real-time, choose “Share Live Location” instead.
Organizing Your Pins
If you drop pins frequently, your map can get cluttered. We recommend using Guides (Apple) or Lists (Google).
- In Apple Maps: Swipe up on the search bar, scroll to “My Guides,” and tap “New Guide.” You can then add your dropped pins to specific folders like “Summer Vacation” or “Client Sites.”
- In Google Maps: After dropping a pin, tap Save and choose a list (e.g., “Want to go,” “Favorites,” or a custom list).
Conclusion
Learning how to drop a pin on iPhone turns your phone into a precision navigation tool. It’s the best way to communicate locations that don’t have a traditional street address. Whether you’re a power user of Apple Maps or a Google Maps loyalist, the “long-press and share” workflow will save you time and frustration.
Would you like me to show you how to use the “Share Live Location” feature so your friends can see your movement in real-time?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why can’t I drop a pin in Apple Maps?
A: Ensure you are long-pressing on a blank area of the map. If you tap on an existing landmark (like a restaurant or park), it will select that business instead of dropping a new pin. Also, ensure Location Services are enabled in Settings > Privacy & Security.
Q: Can I drop multiple pins at once?
A: In Apple Maps, you can only have one “Dropped Pin” (temporary) at a time. If you drop a second one, the first disappears. To keep multiple markers, you must Save each pin to a Guide or your Favorites before dropping the next one.
Q: How do I remove a dropped pin?
A: On Apple Maps, tap the pin and select Remove. On Google Maps, simply tap anywhere else on the map, or tap the “X” in the search bar to clear the dropped pin.
Q: Does the person I share a pin with need an iPhone?
A: No. If you share an Apple Maps pin with an Android user, they will receive a link that opens in their web browser. However, for the best experience with Android users, it is usually better to send the pin via Google Maps.
