To attach pictures in a Google Maps review, open the place, tap “Write a review,” rate, hit the camera icon, pick photos, then post.
Photos make your comments believable and helpful. The steps are simple once you know where Google tucks the camera icon on each device. This guide walks through Android, iPhone, and desktop, then shows how to edit an old review to add images later, what file rules apply, and quick fixes when uploads stall.
Adding Pictures In A Google Maps Review — Step-By-Step
On Android (Google Maps App)
- Open Google Maps and search for the place.
- Tap the place name to open its listing.
- Scroll to the ratings area and tap Write a review.
- Choose your star rating and type your text.
- Tap the camera icon below the text box.
- Pick Take photo or Choose from gallery, select up to the images you want, then tap Done.
- Hit Post. Your review publishes with the pictures attached.
On iPhone (Google Maps App)
- Open Google Maps and find the place.
- Tap the listing, then tap Write a review.
- Select a star rating and write your text.
- Tap the camera icon, then pick Camera or Photo Library.
- Choose one or more photos, tap Use Photo (if prompted), then tap Post.
On A Computer (Maps Or Search)
- In your browser, open Google Maps or search for the business on Google.
- Click Write a review in the review panel.
- Pick your rating, add text, then click the photo icon under the text field.
- Drag-and-drop images or click to upload, then click Post.
Tip: If you only see a Photo tile on the listing (and not the camera icon in the review box), you can add images to the place first, then submit your review. Google lets you add photos or short videos to a place through Maps as a regular contribution, and those media items can sit alongside your review on the listing.
| Device/Path | What To Tap/Click | When It’s Handy |
|---|---|---|
| Android → Maps | Listing → Write a review → Camera icon → Pick photos → Post | You took pictures on your phone at the place. |
| iPhone → Maps | Listing → Write a review → Camera icon → Camera/Library → Post | Your shots live in the iOS photo library. |
| Desktop → Maps/Search | Write a review → Photo icon → Upload → Post | Photos are on your computer or in cloud storage. |
Edit An Old Review To Add Photos
Forgot to attach pictures the first time? No problem—you can edit your write-up and upload media later. On a computer, open Google Maps, go to Your contributions → Reviews, pick the review, choose Edit review, click the photo icon, add images, and save. On mobile, open the place, find your review under the reviews section, tap the three dots, choose Edit review, attach photos, and save. Google confirms that reviews are public and that you can return to edit or delete them any time. See the official help pages on editing reviews and what’s shown publicly.
Add Photos Straight To A Place (Without A Review)
You can also upload images directly to a place’s gallery. This is useful when you have helpful pictures but don’t plan to write text right now. On Maps, open the listing, look for the Add photo or Photos section, and upload. Google’s help page on adding or removing photos and short videos explains where this option appears and notes that you can’t attach media to raw map coordinates or addresses with no place listing.
What Photo And Video Rules Apply
Google applies content rules to keep listings clean and useful. Media must reflect a real visit, avoid text overlays or promotional graphics, and meet quality basics (clear subject, correct orientation). Short video clips are allowed. See Google’s policy hub for user-generated content rules and the practical page on posting media tips. If content breaks the rules, it can be rejected or removed. Google also publishes an enforcement dashboard that shows photos and reviews blocked or taken down.
File Types, Length, And Visibility
- Formats: Photos should be JPG or PNG; videos use standard formats supported by your device.
- Length: Short clips (up to 30 seconds) can be added for places through Maps contributions.
- Visibility: Reviews and attached media are public. Your profile name and other public contributions can appear alongside your review.
Troubleshooting Photo Uploads
The Camera Icon Is Missing In The Review Box
Some views compress the review composer. Scroll the listing a bit or rotate your phone. If the icon still doesn’t show, upload to the place gallery first, then submit or edit your review and attach the same images from your recent uploads.
Upload Stuck Or Fails
- Toggle Wi-Fi/cellular and try again.
- Force-quit Maps and reopen.
- Check that the photo isn’t a live image with unusual metadata; export a standard JPG and retry.
- Try the desktop review box to upload from a computer.
Your Photo Doesn’t Show Publicly
Media can sit in a short review queue. Policy checks screen out off-topic or low-quality shots. If a picture never appears, review the media tips page, remove heavy text overlays, crop a clear subject, and re-upload. In some cases, Google applies temporary posting limits to certain places when contributions trend off-topic; once limits lift, new uploads show again.
Privacy, Profile Details, And Public Signals
When you share media with a review, it’s visible to anyone who views the listing. Your profile name and other contributions may be linked to the review. That’s normal behavior documented by Google’s review help page. If you prefer lower exposure, keep identifying details out of photos (license plates, faces of companions) before you post. If you later change your mind, you can edit or delete your review, which also removes attached media from that review.
Quality Tips That Get Your Photos Seen
Frame For Clarity
Center the subject and keep edges clean. Avoid busy collages or heavy filters that make details hard to read.
Tell A Short Visual Story
Two or three strong shots beat a dump of similar angles. Pick one wide shot (context), one medium shot (the main thing), and one close-up (detail that others care about—menu section, room feature, seat view).
Respect The Place
Skip photos that reveal personal info or break house rules (no-photo zones, private areas). If people appear, use angles that don’t expose faces unless they consent.
Add Photos After Posting: Device Walkthroughs
Android: Edit Your Review And Attach Images
- In Maps, tap your profile picture → Your Profile or Your contributions → Reviews.
- Open the review → tap the three dots → Edit review.
- Tap the camera icon, select images, and save.
iPhone: Find Your Review And Add Images
- From the place listing, scroll to your posted review.
- Tap the three dots → Edit review.
- Attach photos, then tap Post to update.
Desktop: Use Your Contributions
- Open Maps in a browser and sign in.
- Click the menu → Your contributions → Reviews.
- Click the review → Edit → add images → Post.
| Item | What It Means | Where It’s Stated |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed Formats | Use JPG or PNG for photos; short clips allowed for places. | Posting media tips |
| Short Videos | Clips up to ~30 seconds can be added in the place gallery flow. | Add/remove photos & videos |
| Public Profile | Reviews and attached media show with your profile name. | Reviews are public |
| Policy Checks | Off-topic, promotional, or low-quality media can be removed. | UGC policy |
| Place-Only Uploads | You can upload to a place gallery even without a review. | Add photos to a place |
When Photos Get Flagged Or Hidden
Google takes down media that breaks its rules. In some cases, it also limits new submissions to specific places if recent contributions trend off-topic. If your image vanishes, check the policy pages linked above and try again with a clearer, relevant shot. You can also remove your own upload and repost a corrected version. For broader actions (like place-wide limits), you may need to wait until restrictions lift.
Make Your Photos Useful To Others
Name The Subject With Your Text
If your picture shows a menu board, mention the item. If it’s a hotel room, list the room type. This helps searchers find your review when skimming thumbnails.
Pick The Right Time
Low light and glare make images hard to parse. If possible, take a quick shot under even lighting so details like prices and signage are legible.
Keep Promotions Out
A big coupon overlay or sales pitch can trigger a removal. Keep media neutral and factual so it helps people decide.
Quick Summary For Each Device
Phone
Open the listing in Maps, tap Write a review, rate, type, tap the camera icon, add images, and post.
Computer
Use the review box in Maps or Search, click the photo icon, upload, and publish. To add images later, edit the review through Your contributions.
Why This Matters
A few clear photos answer the questions people ask before they visit: menu details, seating, accessibility, parking, or the exact item bought. Your images shorten the decision for the next person and make your review stand out.