Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Apps & Services
    Beginner

    How to Explore the World with Google Earth

    Use Google Earth on your phone or computer to virtually visit cities, famous landmarks, and neighborhoods anywhere on the planet.

    3 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Get Google Earth on your device

    ~17s
    On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store and search for "Google Earth," then tap Get to install it. On an Android phone, open the Play Store, search for "Google Earth," and tap Install. On a computer, go to earth.google.com in your web browser — no download needed.
    2

    Search for a place

    ~21s
    Open Google Earth. You will see a spinning globe. Tap or click the search bar (the magnifying glass icon) and type any place you want to visit — a city, a famous landmark, or even a street address. Google Earth will fly you there automatically.

    Quick Tip

    Try searching for "Grand Canyon," "Eiffel Tower," or your childhood home address to see what comes up.

    3

    Zoom in and look around

    ~20s
    On a phone, pinch two fingers together to zoom out and spread them apart to zoom in. Drag one finger to move around. On a computer, scroll your mouse wheel to zoom in and out, and click and drag to move the view. Tilt the view on a phone by dragging two fingers up or down at the same time.
    4

    Drop into Street View

    ~22s
    When you are zoomed into a street or neighborhood, look for the yellow person icon (called "Pegman") at the bottom-right of the screen. Drag it onto a road that turns blue — those blue lines show where Street View is available. Drop it to see a ground-level 360-degree photo of that location.

    Quick Tip

    Not every location has Street View photos. Rural areas and some countries have limited coverage.

    5

    Try a Voyager tour

    ~15s
    Tap the compass or menu icon and look for "Voyager." This section has guided tours on topics like nature, history, and famous cities. Tap any tour to start, and Google Earth will take you on an automatic journey with photos and descriptions along the way.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Explore the World with Google Earth

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Google Earth is a free app that lets you fly anywhere on Earth and look at satellite photos, street-level images, and 3D views of buildings and mountains. You can explore your old neighborhood, check out places you want to visit, or take a virtual tour of famous landmarks — all from your couch.

    It is different from Google Maps. Google Maps helps you get from point A to point B. Google Earth is more like an interactive globe you can spin, zoom into, and explore at your own pace.

    Google Earth is free and works on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and in a web browser on any computer. You do not need a Google account to use it, though signing in lets you save places and create your own tours.

    On a phone, you control the view by tapping, pinching, and swiping. On a computer, you use your mouse to click and drag, and scroll to zoom in and out.

    Google Earth also has a feature called "Voyager" that offers guided tours of interesting places around the world — from the Amazon rainforest to ancient ruins. These tours include narration and photos, making them a great way to learn while you explore.

    Street View inside Google Earth lets you drop down to ground level and look around as if you were standing there. This is a great way to preview a neighborhood before visiting, or to revisit a place you have not been in years.

    Was this guide helpful?

    Your feedback helps us make TekSure better for everyone.

    Want to rate with stars?

    Still have questions?

    Ask TekBrain a follow-up question about this guide. It’s free, no sign-up needed, and the answer will be in plain English.

    google earth
    maps
    travel
    explore
    landmarks
    virtual tour
    geography

    Official Resources

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    How to Explore the World with Google Earth — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure