How to report an incorrect location in Apple Maps

No map is perfect; all are approximations. But it’s infuriating to business owners when a modern digital map lists the wrong address, has incorrect hours of operation, or even says the business is closed when it’s still open. Many, many people email Mac 911 asking for help when customers can’t find them. Or, to take real examples I’ve received, when an address listed offered a dangerous exit that wasn’t the main entrance – or when everyone living in a new UK postcode was directed to their rural lane .

(Clarification: When people find the Mac 911 email address, they think we’re Apple. “Mac 911? That must be help!” We aim to try. Apple doesn’t offer support directly by e-mail.)

Apple Maps has a fix feature that has been slightly modified and expanded in recent versions for iOS/iPadOS and macOS. You don’t have to be a business owner to suggest changes or request a fix. Wrong addresses and routes of course affect landlords and renters, as well as nonprofits, schools, and other organizations. (Years ago, Google Maps placed my house four miles west for about six months, which was a constant problem for deliveries, service personnel, and parents trying to bring their children for play dates and birthday parties.)

Follow the steps below to report errors or add places that aren’t listed. Note that human beings review additions and changes; they are not made pell-mell.

If you don’t have access to an Apple device or don’t want to use a Maps app to report, you can use a little-known form to report the issue. Apple also says you can call their helpline, AppleCare (1-800-APLCARE), to report card issues, although I don’t know of anyone who has.

Fix and add in iOS/iPadOS

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Throw cards. To correct a list:

1. Tap a location.
2. Tap the three-dot menu to the right of Estimated Time of Arrival.
3. Faucet to report a problem.
4. Tap the issue you want to fix.
5. Edit the information.
6. Faucet Submit.

To add an announcement:

1. Hold down the card to create a Fallen pin.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Faucet Add to Maps.
4. Tap what you want to add (address, location, transit stop, etc.).
5. Fill in the details and make sure the pin is in the right place.
6. Faucet Send.

You can also tap Mark My Location at the bottom of the screen to quickly drop a pin to your location, then follow the steps above.

Fix and add macOS Big Sur and later

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Throw cards. To correct a list:

1. Click a place icon.
2. Then tap on the three-dot menu to the right of the location name.
3. Scroll to to report a problem at the bottom and click on it.
4. You can then edit and detail, including location, and click Submit.

It’s not immediately obvious that there’s more to the dialog in some cases, because the map might seem like the only thing you can select. Shake your pointing device to display the scroll bar or use a touchpad or scroll control on a mouse to scroll down to discover categories, times, and other details.

To add an announcement:

1. Control-click and select Pin.
2. Click the pin, then the three-dot menu and select Add a missing location (Big Sur to Monterey) or Add to Maps (Ventura).
3. Fill in the details and click Submit.

Fix and add macOS Catalina and earlier versions

Throw cards. To correct a list:

1. Select a location icon.
2. Click its information icon (i), then click to report a problem at the very bottom of its panel.
3. Select the type of problem. In Mojave, you’ll see these options: Location on map, Location details, Location closed, or Other issue. In Catalina, only Edit Location Details is displayed.
4. Click on Continue.
5. Perform the necessary action associated with this choice (see below).
6. Click on Send.

Each of the four actions has a distinct process:

• Map location: Move the pin to the correct location.
• Location Details or Edit Location Details: Review or add information.
• Place closed: write a description providing documentation.
• Another problem: in a free text, explain the problem.

To add a new item in macOS Mojave and earlier:

1. Control-click and drop a pin, then select it.
2. Click its information icon (i), then click to report a problem.
3. Click on Add a place and click Continue.
4. Move the pin to the right place, then click Continue.
5. Choose the type of place, like Business Or Markfill in the details, then click Submit.

The only way to add a list in macOS Catalina, which also works in Mojave and earlier:

1. Choose Maps > Report a problem.
2. Click on Add a missing location (catalina) or Add a place (Mojave and earlier) and click Continue.
3. Move the pin to the right place, then click Continue.
4. Choose the type of place, like Business Or Markfill in the details, then click Submit.

This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by igamesnews reader Anne.

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