How to Share Your Exact Location with Google Plus Codes

That's where Google Plus Codes — a better way for anyone to pinpoint their exact location without any extra effort — comes into play.

How to Share Your Exact Location Using Google Plus Codes

There are two ways to share your exact location using Plus Codes: Using your smartphone or PC.

If you are using a mobile phone, all you need is the Google Maps app.

1. Launch the app and you should see a blue dot indicating your current location. If for some reason you don't see this blue dot, tap the Compass icon to get your location back.
2. Click the blue dot when you see it.
3. Pull up the Your Location banner .
4. Scroll to the bottom and you will see your Plus Code with a Copy code button .

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The steps are even simpler if you're on a PC. Just visit Plus Codes Map on any browser and allow the site to access your location.

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Once you grant permission, you'll see your Plus Code displayed at the bottom of the screen. Just like the mobile app, you can use the Compass icon to retrieve your location if needed.

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Just like on mobile, you can easily copy your Plus Code on your PC and use it in delivery apps or put it on your business card.

Plus Code is GPS coordinates that humans can actually understand

Plus Codes is a Google Maps feature that generates a simple code for any location, no matter how remote or hard to describe. They essentially act as digital addresses, converting complex GPS coordinates into a more user-friendly, shareable format.

For example, instead of decimal coordinates (DD) 52.891312 and -97.733937, you would have 9644V7R8+GC.

Each Plus Code is a combination of letters and numbers that represents a specific geographic area. For example, the code 9644V7R8+GC identifies a specific location in Lake Winnipeg, Canada. Even though that area of ​​Lake Winnipeg does not have an official address, it still has a Plus Code because it is based solely on GPS coordinates, not street names or landmarks. This system works anywhere in the world.

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In cities like Tokyo, where addresses are often block-based and confusing, or areas where streets don't have names, Plus Codes provide a reliable way to navigate. They're especially useful in developing regions, like parts of Latin America or Africa, where traditional addressing systems may be inconsistent or non-existent.

Imagine a country where locals give directions using landmarks, such as 'turn right after the second oak tree.' Instead of relying on these vague instructions, you could simply ask them for a Plus Code and let Google Maps (or any other app that integrates the Plus Code algorithm) guide you directly.

Because Plus Codes are built into Google Maps, they're easy to use in everyday situations—whether you're sharing directions to a coffee shop or finding a remote trail. While not all delivery services support Plus Codes, they're still useful for navigating large parks, festival grounds, or urban areas with hard-to-find addresses.

Marvin Fry

Update 30 October 2024