Google Maps is a terrific tool for exploring and learning about new locations, whether you're on vacation or looking for recommendations in your city. It lets you read through reviews and ratings from other users, as well as receive suggestions based on your preferences.
Given that people are more likely to visit a place with reviews and higher ratings, you can play a role by providing recommendations, sharing your experiences, and writing evaluations in addition to receiving them. It's simple to share information on Google Maps to let people know about the great meal you had or how terrible your experience was, whether you do so by uploading images of your meal, giving it a simple rating, or writing a thorough review.
Doing so is straightforward. All you need is an Android smartphone, a computer, or one of the best Android tablets.
How to leave a Google Maps review from your smartphone
The easiest way to leave a review is by using your phone. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Google Maps app on your phone.
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Tap the Contribute button at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose to Write a review or Add a photo. You can also pick among the other options on your screen, depending on what you feel like sharing. Google Maps also suggests places based on your location history, so you don't have to think about the venue you want to talk about.
- Google Maps automatically shows the locations closest to you, assuming you're about to write a review for a place you're visiting. If this is the case, tap the location's name. Otherwise, tap Search for a place or address in the lower-left corner.
- Search for the place you want to talk about and tap its name when the suggestion appears.
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Select a star rating and leave your review.
Sharing details about your experience is recommended for others to understand your rating. You can write the review in the language of your choice. Google automatically translates it for people who speak a different one. Be as specific as possible to help others when looking for recommendations and to earn points to become a local guide. Complete your review with a couple of photos, making it thorough and worthy of being read by others.
Depending on the type of venue you're leaving a review for, the review screen might include additional questions, such as the type of travel you booked or whether you ordered takeout or dined inside. This feature is in beta and may not appear for everyone. If it does, complete it to provide better guidance for others and earn more points.
Once you're done writing your review, give it a final look and tap Post in the upper-right corner. Maps will congratulate you by showing how many points you earned from your review.
How to leave a Google Maps review on your computer
If you prefer to complete the process from the comfort of your computer, the process is also easy:
- Open Google Maps in Google Chrome or your favorite web browser.
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Click the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner.
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Click Your contributions. The screen automatically recommends places you recently visited in a list view on the left or on the map.
- Choose the place you want to write about and select Write a review.
- If you can't find the place you want to write about in the list, search for it like you would in Google Maps. Select the place's name and scroll down to the Review Summary section. You'll see a button that says Write a review.
- Give it a star rating and share your experience in detail.
- When you're done, click Post to publish.
How to edit a Google Maps review
There are some cases where a review needs editing. Whether it's to correct a typo or rewrite it because your opinion changed, Google Maps makes it easy to update your reviews.
Update your review from a smartphone or tablet
On your phone, the steps are straightforward:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap the Contribute button at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap View my profile.
- Scroll down to see your recent review. You can also select See all reviews to display older ones.
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Tap the overflow (⋮) menu next to the review you want to edit and click Edit review.
- Once you're happy with the changes, tap the Post button in the upper-right corner.
Update your review from a desktop computer
It's also easy to make changes using your computer:
- Open Google Maps in your favorite web browser.
- Click on the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner.
- Click Your contributions.
- Click Reviews.
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Scroll down to the review you want to edit, click the overflow (⋮) menu next to the review you want to edit, and click Edit review.
- Make the changes and click Post to publish.
How to become a local guide
Leaving reviews on Google Maps goes beyond simply complaining about a deceiving experience. It's a genuine way to give insights to a large community of users and help them find suitable places by sharing your experience. To incentivize this, you'll earn points for each review, photo, or comment you submit. The more points you earn, the higher your level on Google Maps, and once you reach 250 points, you become a "local guide." As a local guide, your reviews appear first and you'll have access to exclusive features and rewards. To earn more points, visit the Contribute tab on Google Maps and see what opportunities are available.
Google Maps is much more than reviews
Google Maps is the most complete mapping solution available. (Sorry, Apple Maps). While it may seem simple at first, it offers numerous features that many users are unaware of. If you're new to the app or want to learn more about what it can do, check out our list of the top Google Maps tips and tricks to save time with just a few small tweaks.