How to update your home and work locations
Google Maps stores your home and work addresses so you can get directions faster and see commute times at a glance. To change either one, open Google Maps on your phone or computer, tap or click your profile picture in the top right corner, select Settings, then choose Home or Work from the menu. Type the new address, confirm it matches the right location on the map, and save.
The process takes less than a minute on either device. Your changes sync across all your devices once you're signed into the same Google account. If you've never set a home or work address before, the same menu will let you add them for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Access home and work address settings through your Google profile menu, then select Settings and the address type you want to change.
- You can update these addresses on your phone, tablet, or computer, and the changes appear everywhere you're signed in.
- Google Maps will not let you save an address that doesn't exist on its map database, so if a new address doesn't appear, try entering it a different way.
- Removing a home or work address is just as simple as changing it — select the address and delete it from the same menu.
Changing your address on an Android phone
Open the Google Maps app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Scroll down to Settings and tap it. You'll see options for Home and Work — tap whichever one you want to change.
A search box will appear. Type the new address or the name of the place. As you type, Google Maps will show suggestions. Tap the one that matches where you actually live or work. The map will zoom to show that location. Once you confirm it's correct, tap Save or the checkmark button. The address is now updated.
Changing your address on an iPhone
The steps are nearly identical on iPhone. Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture in the top right, and go to Settings. Tap Home or Work, then type the new address into the search box. Select the correct location from the suggestions, and tap Save.
If you're using an older version of the Google Maps app, the menu layout may look slightly different, but the Settings option will still be in your profile menu. Updating the app from the App Store ensures you have the latest version and the clearest menu structure.
Changing your address on a computer
Go to maps.google.com in your web browser and sign in with your Google account if you're not already signed in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings. You'll see a section labeled Your places with options for Home and Work.
Click the address you want to change. A box will open where you can type a new address or search for a location by name. Once you've entered it, click outside the box or press Enter to save. The change takes effect immediately and syncs to your phone within a few minutes.
What to do if your address won't save
Google Maps can only save addresses that exist in its database. If you type an address and it doesn't appear in the suggestions, the location may be too new, too remote, or entered in a way Google Maps doesn't recognize. Try entering just the street name and number first, then add the city. If that doesn't work, try the business name or landmark nearest to where you actually live or work.
If you recently moved to a new development or a rural area that isn't yet on Google Maps, you may need to wait for the map to update, or use the nearest recognized address as a temporary placeholder. You can always change it again once the correct address appears in the system.
Removing a home or work address
To delete a home or work address entirely, follow the same steps to open Settings and select the address type. Instead of editing it, look for a delete button — usually a trash icon or the word Remove. Tap or click it, and the address will be deleted from your account. You can add it back anytime by following the same process.
Removing an address doesn't affect your location history or any trips you've already saved. It only stops Google Maps from showing that address as a quick option when you ask for directions.
How your home and work addresses are used
Once you've saved a home or work address, Google Maps uses it to show you commute times in search results, estimate how long a trip will take, and suggest faster routes during rush hour. When you search for a restaurant or store, Google will tell you how far it is from your home or work. You can also use "home" or "work" as a voice command — just say "directions to home" or "directions to work" and Google Maps will start navigation.
These addresses are stored in your Google account and are private to you. Only you can see them unless you share your location with someone else through a separate sharing feature. Changing your address doesn't notify anyone or affect shared location settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one home or work address?
Google Maps only lets you save one home address and one work address at a time. If you split time between two homes or offices, you'll need to update the address each time you move. Some people use the "Starred places" feature to save multiple locations as favorites instead.
Will changing my address affect my Google account or location history?
No. Changing your home or work address in Google Maps only updates those two quick-access locations. It doesn't change your account settings, your actual location, or your location history. Your past trips and saved places remain unchanged.
Do I need to change my address on every device I own?
No. Once you change your home or work address on one device while signed into your Google account, the change syncs to all your other devices automatically. You only need to update it once.
What if I don't want Google Maps to know where I live or work?
You don't have to set a home or work address. Google Maps works fine without them — you can search for any location and get directions. The home and work addresses are optional shortcuts for your convenience only.