How to Transfer Google Maps Saved Places to Apple Maps

If you're switching from Android to iPhone, or simply want to take advantage of Apple Maps' deep integration with iOS, transferring your Google Maps saved places is essential. Apple Maps offers better privacy protection, seamless Siri integration, Apple Watch support, and native CarPlay functionality.

The challenge? Google Maps and Apple Maps are separate ecosystems with no official sync tool. That's where GoToAppleMaps comes in—a free, privacy-focused converter that transfers your saved places in minutes, matching most of them automatically.

What Gets Transferred?

• Place names: each saved place is looked up by name in Apple Maps
• Locations: the coordinates in your file help pick the right place when several share a name
• Lists: each list becomes its own Apple Maps Guide — a .zip upload converts the list with the most places
• Unmatched places: anything Apple Maps can’t find is listed with your result, with a search link
• Notes and labels: not carried over — a Guide link holds only the places

How the Matching Algorithm Works

GoToAppleMaps uses a sophisticated multi-step process to ensure accurate location matching:

1. Name + Coordinates: First tries to match using exact place names and GPS coordinates
2. Address lookup: Rows with a street address but no coordinates are located from the address first
3. Apple Maps Search: Searches Apple Maps using place name and coordinates to find matching place IDs
4. Fuzzy Matching: Uses similarity algorithms to handle name variations (e.g., "McDonald's" vs "McDonalds")
5. Unmatched places: If nothing matches, the place is listed with an Apple Maps search link built from its name and coordinates

Before Exporting from Google Maps:

• Clean up your lists: Remove duplicate or unwanted places before exporting
• Add descriptive names: Generic pins like "Location" won't match well—rename them with actual place names
• Verify addresses: Make sure important places have full addresses, not just coordinates
• Update old places: Businesses change—verify your list is current before transferring

After Converting to Apple Maps:

• Review the guide: Check that key locations matched correctly
• Save the Guide: Open the link on your iPhone and tap Add to Guides (on iOS 18: Add to Library)
• Share with others: Apple Maps guides can be shared with friends and family
• Edit in Apple Maps: You can add/remove places or adjust details directly in Apple Maps

Some users try manual methods like:

• Copying each address individually: Extremely time-consuming for large lists
• Third-party paid apps: Often have monthly subscriptions and privacy concerns
• Custom scripts: Requires programming knowledge and API setup

GoToAppleMaps combines the best of all approaches: free, automated, privacy-focused, and no technical skills required.

GoToAppleMaps supports a wide range of file formats beyond basic CSV:

• Google Takeout CSV — The standard export from Google Maps saved places
• GeoJSON — FeatureCollection format with coordinates and properties
• KML / KMZ — Google My Maps and Google Earth exports
• Google Timeline JSON — Location history data from Google
• GPX — GPS exchange format from fitness and navigation apps
• WKT CSV — Well-Known Text geometry format
• Custom CSV — Any CSV with Name, URL, Latitude, or Longitude columns

The converter auto-detects your file format — just upload and GoToAppleMaps handles the rest.

Switching your default maps app and transferring your saved places are two separate steps. Here's what to know about each.

Set Apple Maps as Your Default

In most countries Apple Maps is already the iPhone's system maps app — there's nothing to change. In the EU (iOS 18.4 or later) and Japan (iOS 26.2 or later), you can choose it under Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Navigation. Either way, google.com/maps links still open in Safari or Google Maps, so convert them first.

Transfer Your Saved Places

Follow the steps in this guide to export your Google Maps data from Google Takeout and convert it with GoToAppleMaps. Your saved places become an Apple Maps Guide; once you save it, it syncs across your devices.

Key Differences: Apple Maps vs Google Maps

• Privacy: Apple Maps does not build an advertising profile from your location data. Searches are anonymized and not tied to your Apple ID.
• Siri & CarPlay: Apple Maps integrates natively with Siri voice commands, CarPlay dashboard, and Apple Watch directions without third-party setup.
• Offline maps: Apple Maps can download maps to use on iPhone without a connection.
• Look Around: Apple's street-level imagery covers major cities with higher-resolution capture than Street View in supported areas.