How to Use Google Street View on Maps | Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re exploring a landmark, checking a business, or planning a visit, Street View helps you see the world as it really is.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use Google Street View on any device, and how it can help you navigate smarter, build trust, and stand out online.
Written by the virtual tour experts at 360 View, this step-by-step guide is ideal for anyone looking to turn Street View into a strategic advantage.
Google Street View lets you explore the world as if you were really there, walk down streets, look inside shops, and check out any location in full 360°. Whether you’re planning a trip, running a business, or just curious, this guide will show you exactly how to use Street View on Google Maps, and how to get the most out of it. No tech skills needed. Just simple, step-by-step tips you can use right away.
What is Google Maps Street View?
Google Maps Street View is a feature that provides panoramic views of streets around the world. This tool is incredibly useful for visualising destinations, checking out the exterior of a business, or even exploring neighbourhoods before moving.
With millions of images captured by Google’s camera-equipped cars, you can virtually travel almost anywhere. Accessing Street View is as easy as viewing normal pictures, making it user-friendly and accessible for everyone.
Street View’s power lies in its simplicity: type an address, drop Pegman, and start exploring. It’s that intuitive.
Here’s how to do it quickly on desktop.
How to Use Google Street View on Desktop
- Open Google Maps.
- Enter a location in the search bar.
- Drag and drop the yellow Pegman icon onto any blue-highlighted street.
- Click and drag to explore the surroundings.
- Use the arrows to move forward or look around.
This is ideal for previewing destinations, accessibility checks, or simply exploring a new area.
Here’s how it works on mobile.
To Use Google Street View On Mobile (Android & iPhone)
Exploring places on your phone with Google Street View is super easy. Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Open Google Maps on your iPhone or Android device.
- Search for your location, like “Buckingham Palace,” and the map will zoom in.
- Look for the Street View thumbnail at the bottom-left corner and tap it to enter Street View instantly.
If you’re just exploring or don’t have a specific place in mind, you can also drop a pin anywhere on the map. Just tap and hold a spot to drop a pin. If Street View is available, you’ll see the Street View icon appear. Tap it, and you can look around that area in 360°.
When you drop a pin in Google Maps, you’ll always see it appear on the map with a small info bar at the bottom. On the bottom-left, the Street View thumbnail will show if imagery is available — tap it to open the 360° view from that location.
Sometimes you’ll also notice a “View” button on the bottom-right, just below the pin. This option appears only when Google Maps has extra details or Street View access for that exact spot.
If you’re walking, you can also try Google’s Live View feature, which uses your phone’s camera to overlay arrows and directions on the real world.
How to Use the Pegman (That Little Yellow Figure)
Pegman is your gateway to Street View. Drag him from the corner of the screen onto any street outlined in blue. He’ll drop you into Street View mode instantly.
Watch the video bellow and learn how to use Pegman in this quick demo.
Want your business to appear like this on Google Maps? Learn about our Google Virtual Tours.
Why Google Street View Matters
Google Street View is more than just a tool, it’s a trust-builder. When users can see a location before they arrive, it boosts confidence, increases engagement, and improves the overall user experience.
Benefits for users:
- Preview your route or destination
- Explore neighbourhoods safely
- Understand the area around a business
Benefits for businesses:
- Attract new customers
- Build trust through transparency
- Enhance your Google Maps profile
Bring Your Business to Life with Street View
Business owners can take advantage of Google Street View by creating a professional 360° virtual tour. At 360 View, we help you:
- Capture stunning immersive imagery
- Seamlessly stitch and edit scenes
- Publish your tour to Google Maps and your website
- Update or refresh the tour as your business evolves
- Provide ongoing support with embedding and linking
You don’t need technical skills, just a desire to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Street View and how does it work?
Google Street View is a feature within Google Maps that lets you explore streets, landmarks, and places through 360° panoramic images. It uses photos captured by Google or by professional contributors to create an interactive view that helps people see real locations before visiting.
How do I use Google Street View on my phone or desktop?
You can open Street View on both mobile and desktop devices.
On desktop, drag the yellow Pegman onto any blue-highlighted street.
On mobile, search a location, drop a pin, then tap the Street View thumbnail if available.
(See detailed steps in the guide above.)
Is Google Street View free to use?
Yes, Google Street View is completely free for users. You can access it from Google Maps on your phone or computer without any subscription or login.
How often does Google update Street View imagery?
Street View imagery is updated periodically, but frequency depends on the area. Busy cities and landmarks are updated more often, while rural or private areas may change less frequently.
Can I view older Street View images?
Yes. On desktop, click the clock icon in the top-left corner of a Street View image to see previous captures where available. This is a great way to see how an area has changed over time.
Does Google have the right to photograph every street?
Google collects Street View imagery from public roads and locations where photography is legally permitted. It does not capture private areas or enter properties without consent.
If personal details or sensitive information appear in an image, anyone can request blurring through the “Report a problem” option in Street View. Google follows local privacy and data-protection laws in each country.
How can I share a specific Street View location?
After opening a Street View image, click the menu (⋮) and choose Share or embed image. On mobile, tap the Share icon. You’ll get a link that you can send or embed on a website.
What’s the difference between Street View and Live View?
Street View shows panoramic 360° imagery of real locations, while Live View uses your phone’s camera for augmented reality navigation, showing arrows and directions on the real world as you walk. Both are features within Google Maps but serve different purposes.
Can I add my business to Google Street View?
Yes, businesses can appear on Google Street View through an official Google Business Profile and a professional 360° virtual tour.
360 View helps businesses create these tours and publish them directly on Google Maps and Search.
How can Street View help my business grow?
A Street View virtual tour helps potential customers explore your space before visiting. It increases trust, improves visibility on Google, and encourages more clicks and visits, especially from local search results.
Want Your Business On Google Street View?
Google Street View is a remarkable free tool that empowers users and businesses alike. Whether you’re exploring the world or showcasing your business, mastering Street View creates trust, transparency, and better online experiences.
360 View is your partner for professional Google Maps 360° photography and virtual tours.
You now know how to explore Street View. The next step is letting customers explore your business. We publish 360 tours directly to Google Maps, so people can walk through your space before they visit. Tours stay live permanently with no monthly fees.
Get in touch or explore our latest projects to see how our Street View publishing, 360° photography, and Matterport services can help you stand out, be found, and trusted.
