Quick Links
After watching delivery drivers circle my neighborhood and eventually give up, I realized my perfectly clear address wasn’t so clear after all. Since I’d rather pick up my deliveries at my front door, I went in search of an alternative.
That’s when I discovered Google’s Plus Codes—a better way for anyone to locate you precisely, no extra effort required.
Here’s How to Share Your Exact Location With Google Plus Codes
There are two ways to share your exact location using Plus Codes: with your smartphone or PC.
If you’re using a mobile phone, all you need is the Google Maps app.
The steps are even more straightforward if you’re using a desktop PC. Just head to thePlus Codes Mapon any browser and allow the site to access your location.
After granting permission, you’ll find your Plus Code displayed at the bottom of the screen. Like the mobile app, you can use the Compass icon to refocus if that’s needed.
I’ve not had much luck with location accuracy via the desktop version. For instance, it puts me in Ibadan, Nigeria, when I’m miles away. This just means I have to improve my location accuracy andhelp Google Maps better locate my precise location, which I’m not really keen on at the moment.
Just like on mobile, you can easily copy your Plus Code on your desktop PC and use it in delivery apps or place it on your contact cards.
Plus Codes Are GPS Coordinates That Humans Can Actually Understand
Plus Codes is a Google Maps feature that generates simple code for any location, no matter how remote or difficult to describe. Essentially, they act like digital addresses, converting complex GPS coordinates into a user-friendly format that’s easier to share.
For instance, instead of decimal degrees (DD) 52.891312 and -97.733937, you’ll have 9644V7R8+GC.
Each Plus Code consists of a combination of letters and numbers that represent a precise geographic area. For instance, the code9644V7R8+GCpinpoints a specific location in Lake Winnipeg, Canada. Even though that part of Lake Winnipeg doesn’t have a formal address, it still has a Plus Code because it’s based purely on GPS coordinates—not street names or landmarks. This system works anywhere in the world.
In cities like Tokyo, where addresses are often block-based and confusing, or regions where streets don’t have names, Plus Codes offer a reliable way to navigate. They’re particularly helpful in developing areas, like parts of Latin America or Africa, where traditional addressing systems may be inconsistent or nonexistent.
Imagine visiting a country where locals give directions using landmarks, like “turn right after the second oak tree.” Instead of relying on these wild instructions, you can simply ask for their Plus Code and let Google Maps (or any other app that integrates the Plus Codes algorithm) guide you directly.
Since Plus Codes are integrated into Google Maps, they’re easy to use in everyday situations—whether you’re sharing directions to a coffee shop or finding a remote hiking trail. While not all delivery services support Plus Codes, they’re still helpful for navigating large parks, festival grounds, or urban neighborhoods with poor labels.
My Experience: When Plus Codes Saved the Day (And When They Didn’t)
I live in one of three similar-looking houses numbered 18 on my street—we use letters to tell them apart. As you can imagine, this often leads to confusion with delivery drivers, who get frustrated when they can’t easily determine which 18 is mine. I usually end up leaving my house to meet them because explaining that I’m not the first or second house is a hassle. However, Plus Codes can pinpoint exactly which 18 is mine without any issues.
The first time I used Plus Codes was when I was visiting a friend in another city. She gave me her address and the name of her apartment building, but when I asked around, no one seemed to know where it was. After some wandering, I helped her find her Plus Code and entered it into Google Maps, and locating her place was a breeze.
However, Plus Codes haven’t always worked out as smoothly. When I tried using one for a food delivery, the driver didn’t know what to do with it. Even though services like Uber technically support Plus Codes, many drivers still rely on traditional addresses and landmarks or just navigate through general areas out of habit. Some drivers prefer instructions like “look for the blue gate” over inputting and following a precise digital code on the map.
Another limitation is that not all services and companies integrate Plus Codes yet, so you may need to provide a traditional address for deliveries or official purposes. While the technology behind Plus Codes is open source, its full potential is mostly realized within Google Maps—which might not be everyone’s preferred navigation app.
That said, ifGoogle Maps is your go-tofor getting around, Plus Codes can be a game-changer for you and your friends. And with a few apps supporting them, they can still be a convenient tool in the right situations.
