Never forget where you parked with this simple Google Maps solution

You’ve been around the block three times. You’re now almost a mile away from the restaurant that you and, seemingly, everyone else have been looking to visit for months. Finally, you found a place to park. You do the best side job since your first driving test and turn off the engine. The easy part is over. Now how will you remember where you parked? Google Maps to the rescue. You know, the app that dings because you left turn-by-turn navigation on while you looked for parking.

The app you’ll use to post a scathing review after receiving cold scrambled eggs. And the app that lets you know where you parked, provided you have a GPS signal. To mark your parking spot on Google Maps, tap the blue dot indicating your current location (make sure your device is calibrated and the blue dot isn’t too big), scroll down the bar at the top and select “Save Parking.” You’ll see a new pin with a “P” on it and a label that says “You parked here.”

This pin is also searchable. When you’re done with your work, select the pin, open the list tab, and tap Clear to remove it. Using the List tab, you can also change your location, share it, add notes, and set a timer, which is handy if you leave your car in an airport parking lot for a few days. You may need to allow Maps to set timers and reminders.

Google has enabled an additional feature exclusive to iPhone and iPad users that automatically marks a parking spot. Connect your device to your car via USB, Bluetooth or CarPlay and make sure your iPhone or iPad is set as the audio source. After you disconnect your device, Maps automatically saves the location for 48 hours unless you start driving again or manually remove the PIN.

In the Google Maps iOS app, you can find special settings for this feature by tapping your avatar, selecting Settings, then Navigation. If you don’t use Bluetooth, you can enable the “Let Maps use your movements to record your parking” option. Maps can also detect your parking spot if the app’s location services are still enabled. To check if this is the case, go to System Settings, select Privacy & Security, then scroll down to Location Services and select Google Maps. While you’re at it, you might want to check if Apple Maps is tracking you too.