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How To Expunge That Address From Google Maps: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to perform a little digital housekeeping, eh? Perhaps a former residence is still lingering in your Google Maps memory, or maybe you want to scrub an old business location. Whatever the reason, removing an address from Google Maps is a common task. Here’s the skinny: there isn’t one single “delete” button. Instead, the process depends on what you’re trying to remove. If it’s an address you’ve saved privately, the solution is straightforward. If it’s an address that’s publicly listed (like a business), you’ll need to suggest an edit or report the issue to Google. Let’s dive into both scenarios.

Removing Saved Addresses (Private Addresses)

These are addresses you’ve personally saved, labeled (like “Home” or “Work”), or frequently searched for. They’re tucked away within your Google Account and visible only to you. Here’s how to banish them:

On Your Computer (Web Browser):

Open Google Maps: Head to maps.google.com in your preferred browser.
Sign In: Ensure you’re logged into the Google Account where the address is saved.
Access Your Saved Places: Click the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Then, select “Saved.”
Navigate to the Correct List: On the left-hand panel, you’ll see different lists: “Starred places,” “Favorites,” “Want to go,” and most importantly, “Labeled.” If the address is one you specifically labeled (like “Home” or “Work”), click on the “Labeled” tab. Otherwise, check the other lists where you might have saved it. You can also check “Visited” places under “Your Timeline” if you have Location History enabled.
Find the Offending Address: Scroll through the list until you locate the address you want to remove.
Remove the Address: Once you’ve found it, there will usually be a “Remove” or “Unsave” option associated with the address. Click it. If the address is in your “Labeled” list, you’ll see a pencil icon; click it to edit the label. You can then remove the label altogether, effectively deleting it from your saved places. If it is in “Your Timeline,” you can delete the specific visit, or disable Location History altogether.

On Your Mobile Device (Android or iOS):

The process is very similar on mobile:

Open the Google Maps App: Launch the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet.
Sign In: Make sure you’re signed in to the correct Google Account.
Tap “Saved”: At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see several icons. Tap on the “Saved” icon (it looks like a bookmark).
Browse Your Lists: As on the web, you’ll see lists like “Favorites,” “Want to go,” “Starred places,” and “Labeled.” Check the list where you believe the address is saved. Again, check “Your timeline” as well.
Locate the Address: Find the address you want to eliminate from your memory.
Remove It: Tap on the address to open its details. You should see options like “Unsave,” “Remove from list,” or the pencil icon (for labeled addresses). Choose the appropriate option to delete the address. In “Your Timeline,” tap the three dots, then “Delete.”

Removing Publicly Listed Addresses (Businesses, Landmarks, etc.)

This is where things get a little more complex. You can’t directly delete a publicly listed address. Instead, you need to suggest an edit to Google Maps. This process informs Google that the information is inaccurate or outdated. Here’s how it works:

Suggesting an Edit on Google Maps:

Find the Address: Search for the address in Google Maps.
Suggest an Edit: On the address details page, scroll down until you find the “Suggest an edit” link. Click or tap on it.
Choose the Correct Reason: You’ll be presented with several options, such as:
- “Change name or other details”: Use this if the address is correct, but other information (like the business name, hours, or phone number) is wrong.
- “Mark as closed or permanently closed”: Use this if the business has shut down permanently.
- “Remove place”: Use this option if the place never existed, has moved, is a duplicate, or is otherwise inappropriate.
Provide Details: Depending on the option you choose, you’ll need to provide further details. Be as specific as possible. For example, if the business has permanently closed, mention the date it closed. If the address never existed, explain why you believe it’s inaccurate. If it has moved, provide the correct address.
Submit: Once you’ve filled out the information, click “Send.”
Wait: Google will review your suggestion. This process can take some time, from a few days to several weeks. You may receive an email notification when your edit is approved or denied.

Reporting Problems (Inaccurate Information or Policy Violations)

If the address is inaccurate or violates Google Maps policies (e.g., contains offensive content), you can report the problem directly to Google.

Find the Address: Search for the address in Google Maps.
Report a Problem: On the address details page, look for a “Report a problem” or “Flag as inappropriate” link. The exact wording may vary depending on the context.
Choose the Reason: Select the appropriate reason for reporting the problem. Common reasons include:
- Incorrect address
- Spam or fake content
- Offensive or inappropriate content
- Privacy concerns
Provide Details: Explain the problem in detail. Be as clear and concise as possible.
Submit: Click “Send” to submit your report.

What if My Suggestion is Ignored?

Sometimes, Google doesn’t immediately approve suggested edits. Here’s what you can do:

Be Patient: Google processes a vast number of edits. Give it some time.
Try Again: If your suggestion is denied or ignored after a reasonable period, try submitting it again with more detailed information and supporting evidence. Include photos if possible.
Consult Google Maps Help Forums: The Google Maps Help Community is a valuable resource. You can post your issue there and get advice from other users and Google product experts.
Contact Google Support: While not always easy, you can try to contact Google Support directly through their help center.

FAQs: Your Google Maps Address Deletion Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle those burning questions you probably have swirling around in your head.

1. Can I delete my home address entirely from Google Maps?

This is a tricky one. If your home address is publicly listed due to information from public records, you can’t directly delete it. However, you can request blurring of your home on Google Street View for privacy reasons. You can also try contacting data brokers to have your information removed from their sites, which might eventually lead to it being less prominent in search results.

2. How long does it take for Google to approve a suggested edit?

There’s no guaranteed timeframe. It can range from a few days to several weeks, or even longer in some cases. Factors like the complexity of the edit and the volume of submissions Google is processing can affect the processing time.

3. What if the business has moved and the old address is still showing?

Suggest an edit using the “Change name or other details” option. Provide the correct, updated address and, if possible, a link to the business’s website or social media page that confirms the new location.

4. Can I remove an address from Google Maps on behalf of someone else?

Technically, no. You should encourage the person to submit the edit themselves. Google prioritizes requests from the actual business owner or resident.

5. What if someone is listing a fake business at my address?

This is a serious issue. Report the problem immediately to Google using the “Report a problem” option. Explain that the business is fake and operating without your consent. You may also want to consider contacting local law enforcement if you suspect fraudulent activity.

6. Is it possible to remove an address from Google Maps search results entirely?

Highly unlikely. Google indexes information from various sources. Removing it completely is extremely difficult. Focus on correcting inaccurate information and protecting your privacy.

7. How do I prevent Google Maps from saving my location history?

You can disable Location History in your Google Account settings. Go to your Google Account, then “Data & privacy,” and turn off “Location History.” Note that this will also affect other Google services that rely on your location data.

8. What is the difference between “Suggest an edit” and “Report a problem?”

“Suggest an edit” is for correcting factual inaccuracies like incorrect addresses, business hours, or contact information. “Report a problem” is for reporting issues like spam, offensive content, privacy violations, or policy breaches.

9. How do I claim my business on Google Maps?

Claiming your business allows you to manage its listing on Google Maps, ensuring accurate information and enhanced visibility. Go to Google Business Profile and follow the instructions to claim and verify your business.

10. Can I remove my name from appearing with my saved addresses on Google Maps?

No, you cannot directly remove your name from your own saved addresses. These are private to your Google Account. If you are concerned about your name appearing publicly with an address not saved by you, focus on the suggestions and reports listed above.

11. Will deleting an address from Google Maps affect other search engines?

No. Deleting an address from Google Maps only affects Google Maps. Other search engines like Bing or DuckDuckGo will have their own separate databases.

12. What can I do if I am experiencing harassment due to an incorrect address on Google Maps?

If you are experiencing harassment or stalking due to an incorrect or misleading address on Google Maps, report the problem immediately to Google, as mentioned above. Furthermore, contact local law enforcement and document all instances of harassment. This situation requires immediate and decisive action.