How to Create a QR Code for a Google Maps Location

Short answer

A Google Maps QR code encodes a link to a specific location on Google Maps so anyone who scans it is taken directly to your pin — no address entry required. You can create a static (untraceable) version using any QR generator, or a dynamic version through Linkbreakers that tracks how many people scanned, when, and from where. For business use, the tracked version is almost always more useful.

How it works

When you open a location in Google Maps on desktop or mobile, the URL in your browser (or the share link Google generates) points to that exact pin. A QR code that encodes this URL behaves like any other URL-based QR code: scanning it opens the Maps app on iOS or Android, or the Maps website on desktop, and displays the location ready for navigation.

The core mechanic is simple — the QR code is just a link in visual form. What varies is whether that link is static (burned into the image at creation time) or dynamic (pointing to a redirect you can update and measure).

Step-by-step: create a tracked Google Maps QR code

1. Get the Google Maps share link for your location

On desktop:

1. Open maps.google.com
2. Search for your business or drop a pin on your exact location
3. Click Share → Copy link

This produces a short URL like https://maps.app.goo.gl/XXXX. Use this rather than the full URL from the address bar — it's shorter and more reliably opens the Maps app on mobile.

For businesses with a verified Google Business Profile, the share link always points to your official listing, which includes your hours, reviews, and photos.

2. Create a trackable link in Linkbreakers

In your Linkbreakers dashboard, create a trackable QR code and paste your Google Maps share link as the destination.

Name the link descriptively — "Maps – Main Entrance", "Maps – Parking Entrance", or "Maps – [City] Location" if you have multiple sites. This keeps your analytics readable when you have several location QR codes.

3. Customize and export the QR code

Download the QR code as SVG for print materials or high-resolution PNG for digital use. Add a label beneath the code — "Scan for directions" or "Find us on Google Maps" — so the scan intent is clear to anyone who sees it.

For minimum scannable sizes, see QR code size and print dimension benchmarks. As a rule: 3 cm × 3 cm for close-up scanning (table cards, badges), 5 cm × 5 cm for standard print (flyers, signs), 10+ cm for window or wall display.

4. Place where navigation intent exists

The scan rate for a Maps QR code is highest when placed where someone is actively trying to find you. Effective placements:

Placement	Context	Notes
Email signature	Confirmation or follow-up emails	Tap to navigate on mobile
Printed invoice / receipt	Repeat customers	Encourages future visits
Business card	Networking	Removes friction to visit
Event collateral	Booth or venue directions	Eliminates "where are you?" messages
Product packaging	If you have a showroom or store	Drives in-person visits
Rental or booking confirmation	Hotels, venues, studios	Guests navigate on arrival day

5. Track and iterate

Linkbreakers shows you scan counts, timing, device breakdown, and approximate location data for each code. If you have multiple locations, compare scan rates across them. A spike in scans before a weekend indicates the code is working for visitors planning trips — if you see this, make sure your Maps listing hours are up to date.

For campaigns where offline-to-online attribution matters, use UTM parameters on the destination URL to connect Maps QR scans to your analytics platform.

Limits and caveats

Google Maps share links occasionally change format. If Google updates its short URL scheme, existing dynamic Linkbreakers links are unaffected — you update the destination URL in one place without reprinting anything. With a static QR code, a broken destination means reprinting every copy.

Accuracy depends on the pin, not the QR code. If your Google Maps listing is pinned slightly off from your actual entrance, every scanner will see that same offset. Verify your pin placement in Google Business Profile before generating the QR code.

One QR code per entrance for complex venues. If your location has multiple entrances — a parking entrance, a main entrance, a delivery entrance — create separate QR codes for each, each pointing to the appropriate pin or directions mode. Linkbreakers lets you manage these as separate trackable links under one workspace.

The link opens Maps, not always the app. On most iOS and Android devices, the Google Maps share link opens the Maps app directly. On desktop browsers and some configured devices, it opens the Maps website instead. Both work for navigation, but the experience differs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my own website address instead of a Google Maps URL?

Yes. If your website has an embedded map or a directions page, you can point the QR code there instead. The advantage of linking directly to Google Maps is that it opens the navigation app immediately — no extra taps. Link to your own page if you need the user to see additional context (parking instructions, entrance photos) before navigating.

Do I need a Google Business Profile to create a Maps QR code?

No. You can drop a pin on any location in Google Maps and get a share link, even for an address with no business listing. However, a verified Business Profile improves the destination — it shows your hours, photos, reviews, and directions in a richer format that helps visitors confirm they're going to the right place.

What happens if I move locations?

With a dynamic Linkbreakers link, update the destination URL to your new Maps link. All existing printed QR codes automatically redirect to the new location — nothing needs to be reprinted. This is one of the primary advantages of dynamic versus static QR codes.

Can I track which marketing channel drives the most navigation requests?

Yes. Create a separate Linkbreakers link (and therefore a separate QR code) for each channel — one for your business card, one for email confirmations, one for printed flyers. Scan data in your Linkbreakers dashboard is broken down per link, so you can see exactly which placement drives the most navigation activity.

How do I include a QR code on a business card that links to my location?

Create the QR code in Linkbreakers, export it as a high-resolution PNG or SVG, and embed it in your business card design. Place it on the back with a label like "Find us" or "Get directions." For digital business cards, consider using a contact card with multiple links that includes your Maps location alongside your other contact details.