How to Report an Incorrect Place or Road in a Navigation App

Navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze rely on user reports to keep their maps accurate. If you spot a wrong road name, a missing turn, a closed business, or a misplaced pin, you can submit a correction directly from the app. This guide walks you through the general process for the three major platforms, plus what to do if your report gets rejected.

What You’ll Need

The navigation app installed on your phone or tablet (Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze).
An internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) to submit the report.
Your account signed in (Google account for Google Maps, Apple ID for Apple Maps, Waze account for Waze).
Optional but helpful: a photo of the incorrect sign or location, and the exact address or coordinates if you know them.

Step-by-Step

Open the app and find the incorrect place or road. Use the search bar to type the name of the business, landmark, or street. Alternatively, pan the map to the area and tap directly on the incorrect pin or road.
Select the location. In Google Maps, tap the place or road to bring up its info card at the bottom. In Apple Maps, tap the pin or the road name label. In Waze, tap the map location, then tap the address bar at the bottom.
Look for the “Report a problem” or “Suggest an edit” option. In Google Maps, scroll down in the info card and tap “Suggest an edit.” In Apple Maps, scroll to the bottom of the info card and tap “Report an Issue.” In Waze, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the location card, then tap “Report a problem.”
Choose the type of issue. You’ll see categories like “Wrong address,” “Place is closed or moved,” “Road name is wrong,” “Road is missing,” or “Turn is not allowed.” Select the one that matches your problem.
Provide details. Fill in the fields with the correct information. For a road, type the correct name. For a place, update the address or move the pin to the correct spot on the map. Add a note in the “Additional information” box if needed, such as “The road sign says Maple Street, not Maple Avenue.”
Add a photo (optional but recommended). If you have a picture of the street sign, the storefront, or the missing road, attach it. This helps reviewers verify your report faster.
Submit the report. Tap “Submit” or “Send.” You’ll usually get a confirmation message. Google Maps may ask you to confirm your identity via a captcha or a text message code.
Track the status (if available). In Google Maps, you can see the status of your edits under “Your contributions” in the menu. In Waze, check “My Reports” in the menu. Apple Maps doesn’t provide a public tracker, but you’ll get an email if they need more info.

Common Mistakes

Choosing the wrong category. For example, reporting a wrong road name as “Road closed” will delay the fix. Always pick the most specific category.
Not providing enough detail. Just saying “This is wrong” without the correct name or address often leads to rejection.
Reporting a temporary change. Construction detours or seasonal closures are not permanent map errors. Don’t report them unless they’ve been in place for weeks.
Moving the pin to the wrong spot. If you’re correcting a place’s location, zoom in and place the pin precisely on the building’s entrance, not the middle of the block.
Submitting duplicate reports. Check if someone else has already reported the same issue. Duplicate reports slow down the review process.

Tips

Use the desktop version for complex edits. Google Maps on a computer lets you draw missing roads and adjust road geometry more precisely than on mobile.
Be patient. Map updates can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the app and the complexity of the change.
Add a photo of the official street sign – it’s the fastest way to get a road name correction approved.
If your report is rejected, re-submit with more evidence. A screenshot from a government website or a photo of the building’s signage can help.
For Waze, join the local editor community. Waze has volunteer editors who review reports; you can message them through the app or the Waze forum for urgent issues.

Troubleshooting

“Report a problem” button is missing. In some apps, you need to tap the location first, then look for the three-dot menu or the “Suggest an edit” link. If it’s still missing, try updating the app or using the desktop version.
Your report was rejected. This usually means the reviewer couldn’t verify the change. Re-submit with a photo or a more detailed description. In Google Maps, you can appeal a rejection from your “Contributions” page.
The app keeps crashing when you submit. Close the app, restart your phone, and try again. If it persists, clear the app’s cache (Android) or reinstall the app.
You can’t find the road to report. If the road is missing entirely, use the “Add a missing road” option in Google Maps (desktop) or the “Report a problem” > “Map issue” in the mobile app. In Waze, use “Report a problem” > “Map issue” > “Missing road.”
The app asks for a verification code but you don’t receive it. Check your spam folder, make sure your phone number is correct, and wait a few minutes. If it still doesn’t arrive, try a different phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a correction to appear?

It varies. Simple address changes in Google Maps can take a few days. Road geometry changes in Waze can take weeks, especially if they require approval from senior editors. Apple Maps typically updates within a week.

Can I report a wrong road name without an account?

No, you need to be signed in to your Google, Apple, or Waze account. This helps prevent spam and allows you to track your reports.

What if the app shows a road that doesn’t exist?

Use the “Report a problem” option and select “Road doesn’t exist” or “Road is missing.” Provide a description of the area and, if possible, a photo showing the actual terrain.

Will I get notified when my report is fixed?

Google Maps sends a notification when your edit is applied. Waze shows the status in your “My Reports” section. Apple Maps doesn’t send a notification, but you can check the map later.

Can I report a problem with a turn restriction (e.g., no left turn)?

Yes. In Google Maps, tap the road, then “Suggest an edit” > “Road details.” In Waze, use “Report a problem” > “Map issue” > “Turn not allowed.” You’ll need to specify the turn and the time of day if it’s time-based.

Is it possible to report a wrong business hours or phone number?

Yes, that’s a common edit. In Google Maps, tap the business, then “Suggest an edit” > “Change name or other details.” In Apple Maps, tap “Report an Issue” > “Business information.” In Waze, you can update the place’s details through the “Report a problem” menu.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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