How to Report a Missing Place or Business on Google Maps

Google Maps is an incredibly comprehensive database of the world, but it is not perfect. Because new businesses open, old ones close, and rural areas are constantly developing, you may occasionally search for a local shop, a new park, or even a friend’s newly built house and find that it simply isn’t on the map.

Google relies heavily on crowdsourced data to keep its maps accurate. If you notice a missing location, you don’t have to wait for a Google Street View car to drive by; you can manually add the missing place yourself. Once approved, your contribution will be visible to everyone who uses Google Maps.

This guide explains how to report and add a missing place or business in Google Maps.

How to Add a Missing Place (Mobile App)

The easiest way to add a missing location is directly from your smartphone while you are physically standing at the location.

1. Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android device.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap on the Contribute tab (it has a plus ‘+’ icon).
3. At the top of the Contribute menu, tap the Add place button.
4. A form will appear. You must fill out the required information:
   • Place name: Enter the exact, official name of the business or location.
   • Category: Tap the field and search for the most accurate category (e.g., “Coffee Shop,” “Public Park,” “Apartment Building”).
   • Address: Type the street address. Alternatively, you can tap Edit map location and manually drag the red pin to the exact GPS coordinates of the building’s front door.
5. Optional but recommended: Tap “Add more details” to input the business hours, phone number, website, and opening date. Adding photos of the storefront drastically increases the chances of your edit being approved quickly.
6. Tap the blue Submit button at the bottom (or top right) of the screen.

How to Add a Missing Place (Desktop)

If you prefer using a computer, the process is very similar.

1. Open your web browser and go to google.com/maps.
2. Click the Hamburger menu (the three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner next to the search bar.
3. Scroll down the sidebar and click on Add a missing place.
4. A pop-up form will appear in the center of the screen.
5. Fill in the Name, Category, and Address exactly as described in the mobile steps above. Use the map interface to ensure the pin is dropped precisely on the correct building.
6. Click Submit.

The Approval Process

Your edit will not appear on Google Maps instantly. Google uses automated systems and human moderators to verify your submission against public records and other user reports to prevent spam and vandalism.

You will receive an email confirming your submission, and another email a few days later letting you know if your addition was approved and published or rejected.