How to make a QR code for a location
- Enter an address or place nameFor example "Eiffel Tower, Paris" or a full street address.
- Or use exact coordinatesIn Google Maps, long-press the spot and copy the numbers (e.g. 48.85837, 2.294481). Coordinates are best for entrances, parking lots and rural places.
- Choose how it opens"Google Maps link" works on every phone. "Default map app" opens Apple Maps on iPhone.
- Download and testScan it from a phone and check the pin lands where you expect.
Two ways to share a location
1. Address or place name. The code contains a Google Maps search link such as https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Eiffel+Tower. It works on iPhone and Android, with or without the Google Maps app, and picks up Google's listing (opening hours, photos, reviews) if your place is a business.
2. GPS coordinates. Latitude and longitude point to an exact spot: the side entrance, a festival gate, a trailhead or a field with no street address. You can encode them as a Google Maps link or as a geo: link that opens the phone's default map app.
How to find your coordinates
- Google Maps (phone): long-press the spot to drop a pin; the coordinates appear in the search bar.
- Google Maps (computer): right-click the spot; the first menu item shows the coordinates; click to copy.
- Apple Maps: drop a pin, swipe up, and you'll see the latitude and longitude.
Use at least 5 decimal places, which is accurate to about one meter.
Ideas for location QR codes
| Use | Tip |
|---|---|
| Wedding and party invitations | Use coordinates for the venue entrance, see wedding QR codes |
| Event posters and tickets | Link to the gate, not the venue's postal address |
| Holiday rentals | Put the code in the booking confirmation and the welcome book |
| Deliveries | Stick a code at the loading dock for drivers |
| Real-estate signs | The exact property location for viewings |
| Hiking and tourism | Trailheads, viewpoints and parking spots |
For an event, combine it with an event QR code so guests can add the date to their calendar too.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sharing the postal address of a big venue. Stadiums, hospitals, campuses and business parks have many entrances; the postal address often sends people to the wrong side. Drop a pin on the exact gate instead.
- Swapping latitude and longitude. Latitude (north–south, −90 to 90) always comes first. If your pin lands in the ocean, you've probably swapped them.
- Using a shortened maps.app.goo.gl link from someone else's phone. Those links sometimes include personal search context. Building the link from the address or coordinates, as this tool does, gives a clean, neutral link.
- Forgetting people without data. Print the address in words next to the code as a fallback.
Location codes for businesses
- Delivery instructions: a code on the back gate or loading dock with exact coordinates for drivers.
- Real estate: codes on brochures that open the property location, not just the street.
- Tourism: codes on signs at viewpoints and trailheads linking to the next stop.
- Hotels and rentals: a code in the welcome book for the nearest pharmacy, beach or supermarket.
Get directions automatically
A Google Maps link opens the place, and people tap Directions. To open navigation straight away, paste a directions link into the URL generator instead:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.85837,2.294481
Add &travelmode=walking (or driving, transit, bicycling) to pre-select the travel mode.
Accuracy checklist
- Coordinates have at least 5 decimal places.
- Latitude first, longitude second.
- The pin is on the entrance, not in the middle of the building.
- Tested in Google Maps on Android and in Maps on iPhone.
- The address is also printed in words for people without data.
Frequently asked questions
Will the location QR code work on iPhone?
Yes. The Google Maps link opens Google Maps if installed, otherwise maps in Safari. Choose "Default map app (geo: link)" if you prefer Apple Maps. Note that some older scanner apps ignore geo: links.
Address or coordinates: which is better?
Use the address for normal businesses (people see your listing and reviews). Use coordinates for exact spots like entrances, car parks and outdoor venues.
Can I link to my Google Business listing?
Yes: on Google Maps open your business, tap Share → Copy link and paste it into the URL QR code generator.
How precise are the coordinates?
Five decimal places are accurate to about 1 meter, which is plenty for any entrance or meeting point.
Does it need an internet connection?
The phone needs data to load the map, unless the user has offline maps downloaded.
Does the code expire?
Never. The location is stored inside the code.
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Last updated October 27, 2026 by the QR Code Haven team. Found a problem? Tell us.
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