Get GPS Coordinates in Apple Maps: Full Guide
Yes, you can get GPS coordinates from Apple Maps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You simply drop a pin at the location you need, tap or click it, and the latitude and longitude appear in the info card. This guide walks you through the exact steps for each device, explains how to use the coordinates once you have them, and covers common issues like copying the numbers and using them in other apps.
Why Apple Maps Makes Coordinates Hard to Find
Unlike Google Maps, which shows a coordinate readout in the search bar, Apple Maps hides the numbers inside the pin’s info card. This is a deliberate design choice: Apple wants the map to feel clean and consumer-friendly, so it buries the technical data. As a result, many people assume Apple Maps cannot show coordinates at all. It can, but you have to know where to look.
How to Get Coordinates on iPhone and iPad
The process is nearly identical on both devices since they run the same operating system. Here are the steps:
- Open the Maps app and navigate to the area you need.
- Touch and hold a spot on the map until a pin drops. You can also tap an existing place or search result.
- Tap the pin (or the place card at the bottom) to open the info panel.
- Scroll down in the info card until you see the Latitude and Longitude fields. They are listed as numbers like 37.3349° N, 122.0090° W.
- Tap the numbers to copy them, or long-press to select and copy manually.
On an iPhone, the info card slides up from the bottom. Swipe up on it to reveal the full details, including the coordinates. If you are looking for a specific address, search for it first, then tap the result to see its coordinates.
How to Get Coordinates on Mac
On a Mac, the process is similar but uses a mouse or trackpad:
- Open the Maps app on your Mac.
- Right-click (or Control-click) the location on the map. A pin will drop.
- Click the pin to open the info card on the right side.
- The coordinates appear near the bottom of that card, labeled Latitude and Longitude.
- Click the numbers to copy them to your clipboard.
If you are using a MacBook with a Force Touch trackpad, a firm press may also drop a pin, but right-clicking is more reliable.
How to Use the Coordinates You Get
Once you have the latitude and longitude, you can use them in several ways:
- Paste into another app – Send the numbers to a friend in Messages, or paste them into a spreadsheet or document.
- Navigate to a coordinate – In Apple Maps, you can type or paste the coordinates into the search field and press Enter. The map will jump to that exact point.
- Use in a GPS device – Many handheld GPS units accept decimal degree format (e.g., 37.3349, -122.0090). Make sure you convert if your device uses degrees/minutes/seconds.
- Share with others – Tap the share button in the info card to send the location as a map link, which includes the coordinates.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Users often run into a few issues when trying to get coordinates from Apple Maps:
- No coordinates showing – If you tap a pin and see no latitude/longitude, make sure you are looking at the full info card. On iPhone, swipe up on the card to expand it. On Mac, the coordinates are at the bottom of the right-side panel.
- Coordinates are in the wrong format – Apple Maps shows decimal degrees (e.g., 37.3349° N, 122.0090° W). If you need degrees/minutes/seconds, you must convert manually or use an online converter.
- Cannot copy the numbers – On iPhone, tap the coordinate row and a copy option should appear. If not, long-press the text and use the selection handles to copy.
- Pasting into search does nothing – Make sure you paste the coordinates exactly as they appear, including the degree symbol and N/S/E/W letters. If that fails, try using just the numbers with a comma (e.g., 37.3349, -122.0090).
Apple Maps vs. Google Maps for Coordinates
Google Maps makes coordinates more visible: you can tap and hold a spot and the coordinates appear in the search bar at the top. Apple Maps hides them in the info card, which is why many users think the feature is missing. However, Apple Maps does offer a benefit: it integrates seamlessly with iOS, so if you are already using an iPhone, you do not need to switch apps. For frequent coordinate work, Google Maps may be more convenient, but Apple Maps is perfectly capable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get coordinates for a place I search for?
Yes. Search for the place, tap the result, and then scroll down in the info card to find the latitude and longitude. This works for businesses, landmarks, and addresses.
How do I copy coordinates from Apple Maps on iPhone?
After tapping a pin, scroll down in the info card to the Latitude and Longitude section. Tap the coordinate row, and a menu will appear with the option to copy. Alternatively, long-press the text and use the selection handles.
Does Apple Maps show coordinates in degrees, minutes, seconds?
No, Apple Maps displays coordinates in decimal degrees (e.g., 37.3349° N, 122.0090° W). If you need DMS format, you will have to convert it yourself using a converter or formula.
Why are the coordinates not showing when I drop a pin?
Make sure you tap the pin after dropping it. On iPhone, swipe up on the info card to see the full details. On Mac, click the pin and look at the right-side panel. If you still do not see them, try zooming in and dropping a new pin.
Can I enter coordinates into Apple Maps to navigate there?
Yes. Type or paste the coordinates into the search field at the top of the map. Apple Maps will recognize them and show the location. You can then tap the result to get directions.
Is there a way to see coordinates without dropping a pin?
No, Apple Maps requires you to drop a pin or select a place to see coordinates. There is no built-in crosshair or cursor readout like some professional mapping apps have.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.