A shared pin is useful for an entrance, trailhead, pickup point, or unaddressed location—but only after you verify the pin and its approach. Send the place name or access note with the link so the recipient can recognize an accidental shift.
Drop and share a pin in Google Maps
- Open Google Maps and zoom closely into the location.
- Press and hold the exact point until a pin appears.
- Open the location card and inspect the address or coordinates.
- Tap Share and choose the recipient.
On a computer, clicking an unmarked point or using coordinates can create a shareable location. Google's location-search guidance explains searches by address, intersection, airport code, and latitude/longitude.
Drop and share a pin in Apple Maps
- Touch and hold the map until the marker appears.
- Use Move or the current adjustment control to refine it.
- Open the pin card and tap Share.
Apple's current pin instructions also explain how to copy coordinates and save pins to Places.
Verify the pin before sending
- Zoom in far enough to distinguish the correct side of a building or road.
- Request directions to the pin and preview the final approach.
- Confirm that the approach is public and appropriate for the recipient's vehicle.
- Compare the map with official venue, park, or property instructions.
- Open the shared link once to make sure it resolves to the intended point.
Add one line of context
Use a message such as: “West visitor entrance from Pine Street; do not use the service gate on Oak Road.” For a pickup, add the level, door, terminal, or landmark. Avoid including access codes or private information in a link that may be forwarded.
Static pin or live location?
A static pin identifies one place and does not show your movement. It is usually the better privacy choice for a meeting point. Use time-limited live location only when another person genuinely needs trip progress.
When coordinates are appropriate
Coordinates can help with remote, unaddressed places, but a copied digit error can move the point significantly. Include the coordinate format and a recognizable description. Never use a pin to direct someone onto private land or an unverified backcountry road.
Related guidance
- Create an entrance-specific arrival pin
- Choose between static and live sharing
- Report a misplaced public pin
Feature review dated July 19, 2026. Sharing controls and link behavior vary by app and device.