Choose how you appear publicly on Google Maps & Search

You’re in control of how you appear when you post publicly on Google Maps and Search. When you post publicly for the first time, you’ll be prompted to choose between two options:

• Use the name and picture on your Google Account.
• Use a custom name and picture.

Edit custom name & picture on your public profile

Important: The option to use a custom name and picture is currently only available for users who contribute to Google Maps or Search for the first time.

Your custom name and picture are shared across Google Maps and Search. When you edit your custom name or picture in Google Maps or the Google app, it’s automatically updated in the other.

In the Google Maps app

To edit your custom name or picture:

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap Contribute  View your profile  Edit profile .
3. Check the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

   • To post publicly with your Google Account profile name and picture instead, uncheck the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

4. Edit your custom name or picture:
   • To edit your picture: Tap your Profile picture.
     • You can choose from either Illustrations or Device photos.
   • To edit your name: Tap Display name and make the necessary changes.
5. Tap Confirm.

In the Google app

To edit your custom name or picture:

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google app .
2. At the top right, tap your profile picture or initial   Your profile  Edit profile.
3. Check the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

   • To post publicly with your Google Account profile name and picture instead, uncheck the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

4. Edit your custom name or picture:
   • To edit your picture: Tap your Profile picture.
     • You can choose from either Illustrations or Device photos.
   • To edit your name: Tap Display name and make the necessary changes.
5. Tap Confirm.

In your Google profile

To edit your custom name or picture after you create them:

1. Go to your Google profile.
2. Tap Edit profile.
3. Check the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

   • To post publicly with your Google Account profile name and picture instead, uncheck the box next to "Use a custom display name & picture for posting."

4. Edit your custom name or picture:
   • To edit your picture: Tap your Profile picture.
     • You can choose from either Illustrations or Device photos.
   • To edit your name: Tap Display name and make the necessary changes.
5. Tap Confirm.

Where your custom name & picture appear

You can use your custom name and picture to make public contributions across Google Search and Maps. Examples of contributions include:

• Google Maps reviews
• Google Maps photos & videos
• Google Maps profiles
• Google Maps questions & answers
• Google Maps photo updates
• TV or media reviews on Google Search
• Any new public contribution on Search

Content and information that's saved privately and unrelated to public posts will still be associated with your Google Account profile. For example, Location Sharing, Merchant Messaging, and List Sharing in Google Maps.

Block a user profile

You can use a mobile device to block someone from being able to find your profile on Maps. Google Maps won't let them know you blocked them.

Important: People you block may still be able to find your contributions on Google Maps, but they won't find them on your profile. Also, if a blocked user isn't signed into the account that you blocked, they'll be able to find your contributions. Learn how to block or unblock people's accounts.

Related resources

• How can I control what info is shown across Google services?
• Block or unblock people's accounts