Google Maps inquires about access to saved iPhone screenshots on your device.
Revamped Guide:
Bagging Locations Like a Pro with Google Maps' Screenshot Feature
Craving tacos from that trendy spot your friend posted on Instagram, or dying to check out that café everyone's raving about? Welcome to the future, my friend. Google Maps just got smarter! Now, it can turn your jam-packed group chats into a well-organized list of must-visit spots, all thanks to a nifty new feature using Gemini AI. Let's dive in and learn how to add multiple locations to Google Maps with ease, using screenshots.
Scanning for Spots: How Google Maps Finds Your Favorites
Google's got its eyes everywhere, or at least everywhere on your phone. The latest update to Google Maps on iPhone harnesses the power of Gemini AI to weed through your snaps and pinpoint places you're drooling over. It's a bit stalker-ish, but imagine saving precious minutes that you'd otherwise spend searching for 'that corner Mexican dive.' Here's how it works:
- Screenshots you take that include places (names, addresses, or even landmarks) are scanned by Gemini AI for recognizable locations.
- Textual or visual cues in your photos are matched to known listings within Google Maps, and voila! Your favorite food joints, coolest bars, and hidden gems are magically compiled within a new "Screenshots" list in your Google Maps app.
Unlock Success with iPhone's Newest Toy
Ready to get started? Just follow these steps to set up and reap the benefits of this life-changing feature:
- Stay Updated: Make sure you're running the latest version of Google Maps, as this new feature is part of a recent update, beginning May 2025.
- Opt-In: Open Google Maps and head to the "You" tab. Look for the new "Screenshots" list option. You'll receive a prompt to enable the feature; agree to grant Google Maps access to your photos for automated scanning.
- Photo Freedom: If you're not down with full photo access, manually upload your screenshots instead.
- Collect and Review: Once scanned, Google Maps notifies you of the new locations it's found in your screenshots. Review the detected places in the "Screenshots" list and choose which spots to save permanently.
Foiled Again? Time for Plan B
Lines blurred between convenience and privacy? No worries, my friend. You can still manually add places to your Google Maps list using the Screenshots feature for added control.
Paid Ad Alert:
While we're all about keeping it casual, here's something you should know: permitting Google Maps to access your photo library can make some folks a tad uneasy. If that's you, remember you can always deny full photo access when prompted. It's also a good idea to periodically check your photo permissions (check out how to do that here).
With Google Maps' newfound powers, saying "yes" to that spontaneous adventure becomes easier than pie. So go on, explore the world, and let Google Maps and its trusty sidekick, Gemini AI, do the heavy lifting for you.
- tech gadgets like smartphones and the latest update to Google Maps on iPhone are now enabled with the power of Gemini AI to scan and create a list of screenshot locations in the "Screenshots" section of Google Maps.
- To use this feature, tap the "You" tab in Google Maps, opt-in by enabling the feature, and grant Google Maps access to your photos for automated scanning.
- If you prefer manual control, tap the "You" tab, choose the "Screenshots" list option, and manually upload your screenshots for detection.
- Once the screenshots are scanned, review the detected locations in the "Screenshots" list and tap on the ones you want to save permanently.
- For those concerned about privacy, you can deny full photo access when prompted, or periodically check your photo permissions for added control.
