This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems.
The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work.
This article has been viewed 27,684 times.
Learn more...
This wikiHow teaches you how to find your location using Google Maps on a Windows and Mac computer. In order to find your location using Google Maps, you need to enable location services on your computer first.
Steps
-
Advertisement
-
Click Privacy. It's the blue icon that resembles a padlock.
-
Click Location. It's the second option from the top in the left column.
-
Slide the switch for "Location Service" to the 'ON' position . When enabled, the white knob will move the right side and the switch will be colored.
-
Click System Preferences. It's the second option from the top. This opens the main settings for your Mac.
-
Click Security & Privacy. It's the icon that resembles a house with a combination lock in the top row.
-
Click the Privacy tab. It's the tab at the top-right of the window next to "Firewall".
-
Click the padlock icon on the bottom-left. This will prompt a pop-up window asking for the administration password.
-
Enter your admin password. Enter the password for your current administrator account and press Unlock.
- Only system owners and administrators can edit privacy settings.
-
Click the checkbox for "Enable Location Services." Click the checkbox for "Enable Location Services" so it is checked and turns blue. This allows apps and programs on your Mac to access your location which will allow you find your location on the Google Maps website.
- If your web browser is listed in the window on the right, make sure the checkbox is checked for your web browser as well.
-
Go to https://maps.google.com in a web browser.
- Log in to Google with your email address and password, if you aren't logged in automatically.
-
Click the icon that resembles a crosshair with a dot in the center. It's in the lower-right corner above the zoom in (+) and zoom out (-) buttons. This locates your position and centers it within the map.
- If you see a popup window asking you if you want to allow Google Maps to access your location, click to allow it. You will only be asked the first time you use the service.
- If you are unable to find your location using Google Chrome, you may need to Enable Locations Services in the Google Chrome settings.