Create a QR code for any address or GPS coordinates. Scan to open in Google Maps and get directions instantly.
A location QR code encodes a Google Maps URL that opens a specific place on the map when scanned. On both iPhone and Android, the Maps app launches immediately with the location pinned — one tap and the user can get directions. No copying an address, no searching, no risk of a typo sending them to the wrong place. According to Google, "near me" searches have grown by over 200% in the past two years, reflecting how urgently people need fast, frictionless access to location information on mobile.
Use Address mode when you have a well-known street address — a business, venue, or landmark that Google Maps recognises by name. The URL format is https://maps.google.com/?q=Your+Address, which Maps resolves to the correct pin. This is the best choice for restaurants, hotels, offices, and retail stores. Google Maps has over 1 billion monthly active users across 220 countries, making a Maps-based QR code effective for virtually any audience.
Use Coordinates mode when precision matters — a remote trailhead, a specific entrance to a large venue, a parking spot, or a location that doesn't have a postal address. Latitude and longitude are unambiguous, so Google Maps will pin the exact spot you specify. The format is https://maps.google.com/?q=LAT,LONG. You can find coordinates by right-clicking any point in Google Maps on desktop and selecting "What's here?"
Restaurants and cafes: Put a location QR on your business card, menu, or delivery bag so customers can find you again or share your location with friends. Statista reports that 76% of people who search for a local business on their smartphone visit that business within 24 hours — a location QR code puts you one scan away from that visit. Events: Print on invitations and tickets so guests can navigate without needing to type the venue address. Real estate: Agents print location QR codes on property flyers — prospects scan to open the listing location in Maps and plan a visit. Delivery instructions: For awkward addresses (industrial estates, gated communities, remote properties), a coordinates QR with a note like "Use this to reach our gate" eliminates delivery confusion. Tourism and hiking: Trail markers, scenic viewpoints, and local maps can use coordinate QR codes to guide visitors to exact spots.
Location QR codes work best when printed at a minimum of 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 inches). Smaller than this and camera-based scanners may struggle, especially in bright outdoor light. Download the PNG at 4× scale from this generator for crisp printing at any size. Always scan your code in the same conditions it will be used — outdoor signage should be tested in daylight.
It opens Google Maps with the specified address or coordinates pinned. The user can immediately tap "Directions" to start turn-by-turn navigation. No copying or typing an address is needed — one scan gets them to your door.
On Android, Google Maps opens by default. On iPhone, a maps.google.com URL opens Google Maps if installed, otherwise it opens in the browser. Google Maps has over 1 billion monthly active users across 220 countries, so it is the most reliable format for global audiences.
Use an address for businesses, restaurants, hotels, and any location Google Maps recognises by name — it is easier to read and verify. Use coordinates for locations without a postal address: remote trailheads, specific building entrances, parking spots, or event setups in large venues where precision matters.
Yes. Print the QR code on event invitations, tickets, or signage so guests get directions with one scan. According to Statista, 76% of people who search for a local business on their smartphone visit within 24 hours — reducing navigation friction with a QR code keeps that momentum going.
A Google Maps URL (maps.google.com/?q=LAT,LNG) is more universally compatible and opens correctly on both iOS and Android. The geo: URI scheme has inconsistent support on iOS, so we use the Google Maps URL format here for the broadest device compatibility.
Yes. Scanning the QR code only requires a camera — no GPS needed. The destination location is encoded in the URL and does not depend on the user's GPS signal. However, turn-by-turn navigation from the user's current position will require their device to have a GPS or Wi-Fi fix to determine their starting location.
Create a contactless menu QR code for tables, takeaway bags, and delivery packaging.
Create Menu QR Code