Update Your Home Address in Google Maps
Your home location on Google Maps is stored in your Google Account settings, not in the Maps app itself. To change it, you open Google Maps on any device, tap or click your profile picture in the top right corner, select Settings, then go to Your places and choose Home. From there you can enter a new address or pin a location on the map directly.
The process takes about two minutes. Once you save the change, Google Maps will use that address for directions, estimated travel times, and location suggestions across Google services. If you use multiple devices, the change syncs automatically because it's tied to your Google Account, not to a single phone or computer.
Key Takeaways
- Your home location is stored in your Google Account settings under Your places, not saved locally on your device.
- You can enter an address by typing it in or by tapping a location directly on the map to pin it.
- The change takes effect when ready and syncs across all your devices signed into that Google Account.
- You can also set a work location, and both home and work appear as quick-access buttons in Google Maps.
- Deleting your home location removes it from all Google services, but you can add it back anytime.
How to Change Your Home Address on a Phone or Tablet
Open the Google Maps app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. Tap Your places, then tap Home under the "Your labeled places" section.
You now have two options. You can type a new address into the search box at the top of the screen, then tap the result to confirm it. Or you can tap anywhere on the map to drop a pin, then tap the blue pin and select Set as home. Either way, the address saves automatically once you confirm it.
If you don't see a Home option yet, tap the + button or Add a label to create one. Google Maps will then remember that location for future use.
How to Change Your Home Address on a Computer
Go to maps.google.com in your web browser and sign in to your Google Account if you're not already logged in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings.
Click Your places in the left sidebar, then click Home under "Your labeled places." A search box will appear at the top. Type your new address and press Enter, then click the result to confirm. The address saves when ready.
If you prefer to use the map instead of typing, click anywhere on the map to drop a pin, then right-click the pin and select Set as home. This method is useful if you're not sure of the exact address or want to pinpoint a specific spot on your property.
Why Your Home Location Matters in Google Maps
Google Maps uses your home address to calculate travel times when you ask for directions. If you live in one place but your home location is set to somewhere else, the app will give you incorrect estimates. This affects commute times, arrival predictions, and the routes Google suggests.
Your home location also appears in Google Search results when you search for nearby businesses or services. If the address is wrong, you'll see results based on the incorrect location. Additionally, some Google services like Google Assistant use your home address to provide location-based information.
Setting a work location alongside your home location gives you quick access to both in Google Maps. You can tap either one to get when ready directions without typing an address each time.
What to Do If Your Home Address Won't Save
If you enter an address and it doesn't save, first check that you're signed into your Google Account. Open your account settings and confirm that location services are turned on for Google Maps. On a phone, go to Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Permissions and make sure Location is enabled.
If the address still won't save, try clearing the Google Maps cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Storage and tap Clear Cache. On iPhone, delete and reinstall the Google Maps app. Then sign back in and try adding your home address again.
If you're using a computer and the address won't save, try a different web browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies. Sometimes a browser extension or cached data can interfere with the save function.
How to Delete or Change Your Home Location Later
To remove your home location entirely, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, select Settings, then Your places. Tap Home and then tap the trash icon or Delete. The address is removed from Google Maps and all connected services.
You can change your home location as many times as you need. If you move, straightforward follow the same steps to enter your new address. There's no limit to how often you can update it, and the old address is replaced when ready.
If you want to keep your home location private and not store it in Google Maps at all, you can straightforward leave the home field empty. You'll still be able to search for addresses and get directions, but Google Maps won't have a default starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my home location affect my Google Account or other services?
Changing your home location in Google Maps only affects how Google Maps and Google Search show location-based results. It does not change your account address, billing address, or any other Google Account settings. You can update it without affecting your email, payments, or security settings.
Can I set multiple home locations?
Google Maps allows one home location and one work location as labeled places. If you need to track multiple addresses, you can save them as regular favorites by searching for the address, tapping the star icon, and naming it. These appear in your saved places but not as quick-access buttons like home and work.
Does my home location show up on Google Maps for other people?
No. Your home location is private and stored only in your Google Account. Other people cannot see it unless you share your location with them through a separate sharing feature. Setting a home address in Google Maps does not make it visible to anyone else.
What if I don't have a street address?
You can pin your home location directly on the map by tapping or clicking a spot, even if there's no formal street address. Google Maps will save the coordinates of that location. This works for rural properties, unmarked buildings, or any place you want to mark as home.
Can I change my home location from a shared device?
Only if you sign into your own Google Account on that device. Your home location is tied to your account, not the device itself. If someone else uses the device with their own account, they'll see their own home location. Always sign out of shared devices when you're done to keep your information private.