Places can be saved by scanning screenshots with Google Maps for iPhone
Following its announcement in March, Google Maps has officially launched a new feature for iPhone users that leverages Gemini AI to scan screenshots and detect location data. This tool is designed to simplify how users save and revisit places they come across online, in apps, or on social media. Rather than manually scrolling through their photo gallery to recall a place’s name and then searching for it again in Maps, users can now rely on this intelligent feature to identify and store those locations automatically.
To start using the feature, ensure you have the most recent version of the Google Maps app on your iPhone. Then navigate to the “You” tab, where a new section labeled “Screenshots” will appear as a private list. A demo animation will guide users through how the feature works.
When a screenshot includes place names, landmarks, or addresses, Google Maps detects the location details and pulls up the corresponding map listing. You’ll be presented with a “Review” screen highlighting all identified spots. From there, you can choose to either “Save” the location or dismiss it by selecting “Don’t Save.” Approved places will be added to your new Screenshots list, and you’ll also have the option to organize them into custom collections for easier access.
If you grant Google Maps permission to access all photos, an auto-scan feature will continuously check for new screenshots that contain location-related information. These will appear in a dedicated carousel within the app, allowing for quick review and management. Users who prefer a manual approach can explore their photo gallery to select and import images themselves. A toggle labeled “Turn on/off auto-scan” is conveniently located beneath the carousel for easy control of this feature.
Currently, this intelligent screenshot-scanning function is available for iOS users in US English, with plans to expand to Android devices at a later stage.
