Whether you’re trying to meet a friend at a new café, save the exact spot you parked your car, or remember a perfect sunset spot for later, dropping a pin on your iPhone is one of the easiest and most useful things you can do.
In the age of smartphones, location sharing and navigation have become second nature, and the iPhone—powered by Apple Maps and other apps—makes the process seamless. Yet many users still don’t fully know how to drop a pin or use that pin in practical ways.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to drop a pin on your iPhone, how to use it for directions, how to save it, and how to share it with others. Whether you’re using Apple Maps, Google Maps, or third-party apps, this article will help you master location pinning on your iPhone.
What Does “Dropping a Pin” Mean?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clarify the concept.
Dropping a pin means:
- Marking a specific geographic point on a map.
- Saving a location that doesn’t have an address or isn’t listed.
- Creating a custom point of reference for directions, sharing, or saving.
In simpler terms, it’s like sticking a pushpin into a digital map—except now it’s on your iPhone screen.
Why Would You Drop a Pin?
There are plenty of reasons to drop a pin, even in everyday life:
- Mark your exact location to share with someone.
- Save places that don’t appear in search, like hiking trails or scenic overlooks.
- Drop a pin where you parked your car or bike.
- Share a meeting point with friends in a large park or event venue.
- Save future travel spots or new discoveries.
- Get back to a favorite fishing hole, picnic area, or quiet corner in a busy city.
How to Drop a Pin Using Apple Maps (iPhone’s Built-In Map App)
Apple Maps is the default navigation app on iPhones and comes pre-installed on all iOS devices. Here’s how to drop a pin using Apple Maps:
Step-by-Step:
- Open the Maps app
Tap the Maps icon on your Home Screen. - Find the location you want to mark
You can zoom in/out or search the area manually. - Tap and hold on the spot
Press your finger on the exact spot where you want to drop the pin. - A red pin will appear
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see location details (such as address or coordinates). - Tap “Add to Favorites” or “Share” for further action (optional).
You’ve now dropped a pin!
What You Can Do After Dropping a Pin in Apple Maps
Once you’ve dropped a pin, you’re not limited to just looking at it. Here are your options:
🔹 Get Directions
Tap the Directions button to navigate to that pin from your current location.
🔹 Share the Location
Tap Share, then choose Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or another method to send the location.
🔹 Save the Pin
Tap Add to Favorites so you can find this spot later under Guides or Recents.
🔹 Create a Guide
In newer iOS versions, you can organize pins into Guides—like a folder of your favorite spots.
🔹 Edit or Remove the Pin
Tap Remove Marker to delete the pin, or drop a new one in a different spot.
How to Drop a Pin Using Google Maps on iPhone
While Apple Maps is built-in, many users prefer Google Maps for its wider search options and street view features.
Here’s how to drop a pin using Google Maps:
Step-by-Step:
- Open the Google Maps app
- Navigate or scroll to the spot you want to pin.
- Tap and hold on the map—exactly like in Apple Maps.
- A red location pin will appear with location details at the bottom.
- You can then:
- Tap Directions to navigate
- Tap Save to bookmark it
- Tap Share to send it via any method
- Tap Label to add a custom name (like “Secret Café” or “Parking Spot”)
Google Maps pins also sync with your Google account if you’re signed in—perfect for using the same pin on desktop or other devices.
How to Drop a Pin for Your Current Location
Want to quickly send someone your live location or exact position?
Apple Maps:
- Open Maps
- Tap the blue dot that shows where you are
- Swipe up from the bottom to see details
- Tap Share My Location
Google Maps:
- Open Google Maps
- Tap the blue dot (your current location)
- Tap Share your location
- Choose how long to share and who to share with
This is especially helpful when meeting someone in a crowded or unfamiliar area.
How to Drop a Pin Without Being There (Remote Locations)
You can drop a pin anywhere in the world, even if you’re not physically there.
Apple Maps:
- Scroll around the map or search for a city or region.
- Tap and hold on any location.
- A pin will drop just like if you were there.
Google Maps:
- Same steps: scroll, tap, and hold to drop a pin.
This is useful for planning travel routes, suggesting meetup spots, or saving places you want to visit later.
How to Share a Dropped Pin
Sharing a pin lets someone else navigate to the exact spot you marked.
Apple Maps:
- After dropping a pin, tap the location info card
- Tap Share
- Choose Messages, Mail, AirDrop, WhatsApp, or another sharing method
Google Maps:
- Tap the location card
- Tap Share
- Choose how you want to send the link
Once shared, the recipient will be able to open the pin in their map app, even if they’re using Android or another device.
How to Save a Dropped Pin for Later
Don’t want to lose track of your pinned spot? Save it for later.
In Apple Maps:
- Tap the pin → Swipe up
- Tap Add to Favorites
- You can now access it under:
- Guides → Favorites
- Recents under search
In Google Maps:
- Drop the pin
- Tap the Save button
- Choose a list: Favorites, Want to go, Starred places, or make a custom one
How to Name or Label a Pin
Naming your pins helps keep things organized, especially if you save many of them.
Google Maps:
- After saving, tap Label
- Enter a custom name (like “Parking Garage 5th Street” or “Ben’s House”)
Apple Maps:
- Currently, Apple doesn’t support full pin labeling yet, but you can add custom names using Contacts if you save the address.
How to Remove or Delete a Dropped Pin
To avoid cluttering your map, you can remove pins easily.
Apple Maps:
- Tap the red pin
- Swipe up the info card
- Tap Remove Marker
Google Maps:
- Tap the pin’s label or card
- Tap Clear or swipe down to dismiss it
Tips for Dropping Pins Like a Pro
- Zoom in first for better accuracy when dropping a pin
- Label your pins if using Google Maps regularly
- Save frequently visited spots like your office, gym, or favorite coffee shop
- Use pinning during travel to keep track of places you discover
- Combine pinning with screenshot + notes for memory keeping
Common Questions About Dropping Pins on iPhone
Q: Do dropped pins stay forever?
Only if you save them. Otherwise, they may disappear after closing the app or switching views.
Q: Can I drop multiple pins at once?
Not exactly in Apple Maps. However, you can create Guides to save multiple spots.
Q: Can I drop a pin and get directions immediately?
Yes! After dropping the pin, just tap Directions and choose your starting point.
Q: Will the other person need the same app to view a shared pin?
No. Most shared pins open in the recipient’s default map app, whether it’s Apple Maps or Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to drop a pin on iPhone may seem like a small thing—but it unlocks a world of convenience. From planning trips to meeting friends or keeping track of personal landmarks, pinning helps you navigate and share your world with ease.
Apple and Google have both designed their apps to make dropping pins incredibly simple, yet surprisingly powerful when you take full advantage of the features.
So the next time you discover a hidden spot, a scenic viewpoint, or just want to send someone your exact location—drop a pin. It’s fast, smart, and makes life a whole lot easier.
Would you like a shorter summary or a checklist graphic to go with this article?