Google maps uses labels to show points of interest such as restaurants, shopping centers, and parks. They also serve as informational hubs for hours, directions, and reviews. Normally these labels are helpful, but sometimes you need to see only the map without them. You can remove labels directly in Google Maps when in satellite view but for Map view you’ll have to create your own map with My Maps.
How to Remove Labels from Google Maps
If you need to view a satellite version of the map without labels, you can do so directly in Google Maps.
Open maps.google.com in your browser and click the Menu icon (
) at the upper left.
Click Satellite at the top of the menu to change to satellite view.
Click the same Menu icon again and click Labels on under Satellite to toggle them off.
Remove Labels with Google My Maps
To see a map without labels in map view, you’ll have to create your own map in Google My Maps. It’s a lot easier than that sounds and can actually be done in only a few clicks – here’s how.
You’ll have to sign into your Google account to use My Maps so make sure you’re already signed in or do so when prompted.
Open mymaps.google.com in your browser and click the Create a new map button at the upper left.
At the bottom of the Untitled map box, click the arrow next to Base map and select either Light Political or Mono City.
You can save your new map by clicking Untitled map and clicking the Save button.
You can even share, export, download, print, or embed this new map by clicking the 3 dots next to the name and selecting the option you want.
