How to Transfer Google Maps Saved Places to Apple Maps

Why Transfer Google Maps Data 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 all your saved places in minutes with an 87% success rate.

Step-by-Step: Export Google Maps Saved Places

Step 1: Download Your Google Maps Data

Google provides a data export service called Google Takeout that lets you download all your saved places as a CSV file.

1. Go to takeout.google.com
2. Click "Deselect all" at the top (you only need Maps data)
3. Scroll down and select "Maps (your places)" — this includes all your Google Maps saved places, starred locations, favorites, and custom lists
4. Click "Next step"
5. Choose delivery method: "Send download link via email" (recommended)
6. Select file type: "Export once" and format: ".zip"
7. Click "Create export"

Step 2: Extract the CSV File

Once your Google Takeout export is ready:

1. Download the .zip file from the link in your email
2. Unzip/extract the downloaded file
3. Navigate to: Takeout/Maps (your places)/Saved Places.csv
4. This CSV file contains ALL your Google Maps data: saved places, favorites, starred locations, want-to-go lists, and custom collections

Step 3: Import to Apple Maps with GoToAppleMaps

Now for the easy part—converting your Google Maps data to Apple Maps format:

1. Visit GoToAppleMaps.com
2. Click the "Upload a File" tab, then drag-and-drop (or browse for) your Saved Places.csv file
3. Watch real-time progress as each location is matched and converted
4. Once complete, click the Apple Maps Guide link to view your transferred places
5. You can also copy individual Apple Maps URLs for each location

Understanding the Conversion Process

What Gets Transferred?

• Location Names: Restaurant names, business names, landmark titles
• Addresses: Street addresses and location coordinates
• Categories: Place types (restaurants, shops, parks, etc.)
• Notes: Your personal notes are preserved in the conversion results
• Multiple Lists: All your Google Maps lists are combined into one comprehensive Apple Maps guide

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 Enhancement: Uses address data from your file (KML descriptions, notes) for better matching
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. Fallback URLs: If no exact match found, creates generic Apple Maps search URLs with your coordinates

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I transfer multiple Google Maps lists at once?

Yes! The "Saved Places.csv" file from Google Takeout includes ALL your lists in one file. When you upload it to GoToAppleMaps, every list, favorite, and starred location is converted together into a comprehensive Apple Maps guide.

Will my notes and reviews transfer?

Personal notes you've added to Google Maps places are included in the export and displayed in the conversion results. However, Apple Maps guides currently have limitations on per-location notes. The tool preserves your notes in the output, and we're working on enhanced note export features.

What if some locations don't match?

Locations that don't match perfectly still get Apple Maps URLs based on their coordinates, so you won't lose any places. Generic pins like "Dropped pin" or coordinates-only entries may appear as search results rather than specific business listings.

Is my data private and secure?

Yes. No account or login is required. Your file is uploaded over HTTPS, processed on Cloudflare's edge network, and the results are available only via a unique job link. Uploaded files and results are automatically purged — nothing is permanently stored or shared. No tracking, no advertising, completely privacy-focused.

Can I sync Google Maps to Apple Maps automatically?

Unfortunately, there's no automatic real-time sync between Google Maps and Apple Maps (they're competing services). GoToAppleMaps provides the fastest manual transfer process—just re-export from Google Takeout whenever you want to update your Apple Maps guide with new places.

Does this work on iPhone, iPad, and Mac?

Yes! GoToAppleMaps is a web-based tool that works on any device with a browser. Upload your CSV from any device, then open the generated Apple Maps guide link on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The guide syncs across all your Apple devices via iCloud.

Tips for Best Results

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 to your device: Open the Apple Maps guide link on your iPhone to add it to your collections
• 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

Alternative Methods (Not Recommended)

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.

Supported File Formats

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.

How to Switch from Google Maps to Apple Maps

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

On iOS 18 and later, go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps and select Apple Maps as your navigation app. On earlier iOS versions, Apple Maps is already the system default — links from Messages, Mail, and Siri open in Apple Maps automatically.

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 that syncs across all 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 supports offline map downloads synced via iCloud across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
• Look Around: Apple's street-level imagery covers major cities with higher-resolution capture than Street View in supported areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Google Maps saved places to Apple Maps?

Yes. Export your saved places from Google Takeout as a CSV file, then upload it to GoToAppleMaps.com. The tool matches each location to Apple Maps and creates an Apple Maps Guide with all your places. The entire process takes under 5 minutes.

What file formats does GoToAppleMaps accept?

GoToAppleMaps supports Google Takeout CSV, GeoJSON, KML, KMZ, Google Timeline JSON, GPX, WKT CSV, and most CSVs with Name/URL/Lat/Lng columns. The format is auto-detected when you upload.

Is it free?

Yes, GoToAppleMaps is completely free. No signup, no subscription, no hidden costs. There is also a native iOS/macOS app available on the App Store for offline conversions.

How long does the conversion take?

Most conversions complete in 2–3 minutes for 100+ locations. You'll see real-time progress as each place is matched to Apple Maps.

Is my data private?

Yes. Your file is uploaded over HTTPS, processed on Cloudflare's edge network, and results are only accessible via a unique job link. Nothing is permanently stored or shared. No account required, no tracking.

Does this work on iPhone, iPad, and Mac?

Yes. Upload your CSV from any device with a browser, then open the generated Apple Maps Guide link on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The guide syncs across all your Apple devices via iCloud.

Conclusion

Transferring your Google Maps saved places to Apple Maps doesn't have to be complicated. With GoToAppleMaps, you can export, convert, and import all your locations in under 5 minutes—completely free, with no signup, and full privacy protection.

Whether you're switching from Android to iPhone, want better privacy, or simply prefer Apple Maps' iOS integration, GoToAppleMaps makes the migration seamless. Use the converter now and bring years of curated locations to your Apple ecosystem!