How to Update Your Home Address in Google Maps (With Privacy Tips)

Updating your home address in Google Maps ensures faster navigation for the destination you visit most often. However, before saving your exact residence, it is wise to consider the security risks: if your device is stolen or accessed by someone else, they can easily view your precise location through Maps or connected services like Uber.

To mitigate this risk while retaining quick navigation, many users choose to save a nearby public location, such as a grocery store or restaurant, as their “home” label instead. This provides a convenient proximity shortcut without exposing your actual address.

Updating Your Address on the Web

If you are using a browser, navigate to Google Maps and sign in if necessary. When you click the search bar, “Home” and “Work” options should appear at the top; click “Edit” to modify them.

If these entries do not appear immediately, click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Manage your Google Account.” From there, go to the “Personal info” tab on the left sidebar and scroll to find “Home address.” You can enter your new address, utilize autocomplete suggestions, or click “Choose on map” to place a pin manually. This pinning method is also useful if you prefer to label a nearby public venue. If you wish to delete the entry entirely, select “Remove.” This section also allows you to update your work address for commute estimates.

Updating Your Address on Mobile

In the Google Maps app for Android or iOS, tap the “You” icon on the bottom navigation bar. Select the “Labeled” list from the page that appears; if it is not visible, tap the “More” arrow to reveal all lists.

You will see entries for “Home” and “Work.” Tap the three-dot menu next to “Home” and choose “Edit home.” Enter your new address in the search bar at the top, which will populate suggestions as you type. Alternatively, use “Choose on map” to drag a pin to your desired spot.

For a personalized touch, you can also change the icon associated with these labels by selecting the “Change icon” option. Choices range from standard markers to novelty icons like a treehouse, submarine, or barn. To delete the saved location, tap “Remove.”

Using Labels and Contact Addresses

Beyond setting permanent home and work addresses, Google Maps allows you to add custom labels to any location. These are particularly helpful for frequently visited spots, such as a gym, allowing you to use voice commands like “Navigate to Gym” rather than spelling out a full address. You can even label places without formal addresses, such as a specific campsite GPS coordinate.

To add a label on a computer, click a location on the map, scroll down in the info panel, and select “Add a label.” On mobile devices, swipe left on the icon row below the place’s information, tap “More,” and select “Add label.” Labeled places appear on the map with a blue icon, keeping your “Labeled” list clean and free of extraneous data like reviews or opening hours.

Finally, Google Maps can display addresses stored in your contacts. If saved addresses do not appear, verify that your Google contacts are synced with your device and that the Maps app has permission to access your contacts.