Subject: Request for Support as a Google Maps Local Guide
Dear Google Team,
My name is Himesh Maderna, and I have been an active and dedicated contributor to Google Maps as a Local Guide Level 5. I have consistently worked to provide accurate and helpful information on the platform, benefiting many users in my community and beyond.
I am proud of the role I’ve played so far and I am committed to continuing my contributions with even greater dedication. However, my current phone has unfortunately been damaged and is no longer functioning properly, making it difficult for me to continue contributing effectively.
If Google could support me by providing a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, I assure you that I will give my 100% to Google Maps and continue my work with renewed enthusiasm and commitment.
I truly hope Google recognizes my efforts and considers this request positively. I would be sincerely grateful for your support.
Thank you and best regards,
Himesh Maderna
Local Guide Level 5
@DeniGu Hope you’re doing well! He brought up a wonderful suggestion—something I’ve been too shy to express for a long time . My phone is quite old now, which makes it difficult for me to contribute effectively. If active Local Guides were provided with mobile devices, it would definitely boost our motivation.
And if that ever happens, please consider giving me one too!
Hello @Himehmaderna and welcome to Local Guides Connnect.
Local Guides is a community based platform that relies on voluntary contributions from users to help others make informed decisions about places. The Local Guides program encourages users to write reviews, share photos, answer questions, and edit map information. While participants earn points and levels for their contributions, the program is not designed to generate perks.
Here you can read more details about this topic Question about a Local Guides reward email? Read this first
But yes, Recognition comes through badges, levels, and occasional perks, which are offered based on the quality and consistency of contributions. To be eligible for perks, users must enable perk-related emails in Local Guides settings and remain active contributors.
Participation is entirely voluntary, with the main goal being to assist others and improve the map experience for everyone.
I think it’s s valid request and Google should consider. Though, Local Guide community doing contributions as volunteer effort for years and Google use the data for paid services.
I see you’ve gotten a few helpful answers already. Surely your request can’t be granted. If you can’t contribute as a result of lack of mobile phone,feel free to contribute whenever you’re able to get one.
Meanwhile I’ve changed the tag on your posts to Google maps and tricks-How tos seeing you’re asking a question
@Himehmaderna We’ve seen quite a few of these posts lately, and I think we really need to move away for this kind of thinking. There’s nothing wrong with asking, and that’s what I usually do as well when I want something. What’s the worst thing that can happen? They say no. But I think we need to be reasonable about it.
I can assure you these kind of requests won’t be granted. You don’t need a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL to be able to provide high quality content on Google Maps. If your current phone no longer works (which you probably should get it taken care of anyway), you can use any camera then upload the photos through a computer.
At the end of the day is the person that’s taking the photos. I’ve seen photographers use low spec mobile phones to take photos and they still turns out better than most of the low quality photos I’ve encountered on Maps. It’s all about composition, lightning, and creativity.
Thank you all for your reply and thoughts. I’d like to clarify a few things:
As a Google Local Guide, I’ve always tried to contribute as much as I could. I didn’t do it for any reward, but simply to help others. When I expressed interest in receiving a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, it wasn’t because I felt entitled to it — I just wanted to share that I’m currently unable to continue contributing as actively as before because my phone is no longer working properly.
I was only hoping for a little support from Google, not demanding anything. I understand that the Local Guides program is voluntary and that Google is not obligated to provide rewards. Still, I’m grateful to everyone who responded and supported me.
I would love to continue helping as a Local Guide, but at the moment, I’m not in a position to buy a new phone. Thank you to all who have been part of this journey with me.
Let’s be honest, @Himehmaderna, asking for a top-tier Pixel 9 after contributing so little raises eyebrows. Many Local Guides contribute thousands of photos, reviews, and edits without asking for anything in return.
You said you didn’t do it for rewards, yet your post was essentially a request for a very expensive reward. If your goal is to help the community, why not continue contributing in ways that don’t rely on a flagship phone?
Anyway, instead of aiming for a flagship, maybe purchase an affordable used or refurbished phone after selling your current one. A functional mid-range phone can still contribute just fine.
@iyudhi
Thank you for sharing your opinion. I understand and respect your point of view.
I requested the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL because I want to contribute better as a Google Local Guide. My current phone is not working properly — it has multiple defects, which makes taking and uploading photos very difficult.
I don’t have any other camera or computer to upload content through other means. That’s why I asked for help—not for any special privilege, but out of a genuine need.
I specifically requested the Pixel 9 Pro XL because it is a reliable Google device known for its long life and its camera is very suitable for taking high-quality photos for platforms like Google Maps.
You are absolutely right that good photos depend not only on the device but also on the creativity and understanding of the person behind the camera. However, it is also true that a better camera enhances the quality, especially when sharing content on a public platform.
I made this request only in the hope that, if possible, Google could assist me in my situation so I can continue contributing as a Local Guide.
I hope you understand my circumstances and intention.
@Himehmaderna at this point your priority should be trying to get a replacement for your phone then, or try to get it fixed. Contributing on Maps can wait.
@iyudhi “This is exactly why I’m asking Google for this kind of support—so I can get a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and continue contributing to Google Maps more effectively in the future.”
@Hope
I understand your point, and I truly respect the contributions of all Local Guides.
I want to clarify that I never intended to demand any kind of reward. My current phone is no longer working properly, and unfortunately, I’m not in a financial position to buy a new one—even a second-hand or budget device.
That’s why I reached out to Google for help—not because I’m asking for anything extra or luxurious, but simply for a phone that would allow me to continue contributing as a Local Guide.
I specifically mentioned the Pixel 9 Pro XL because it’s a high-quality device that would make it easier for me to take good photos, use maps efficiently, and support the platform better. For a company like Google, offering one phone to support a passionate contributor shouldn’t be a big deal.
Being part of this program has taught me a lot, and if I receive support, I’m committed to contributing even more actively and meaningfully to the community.
A very sensible answer, I’d say @Himehmaderna
I greatly appreciate that you stood your ground for a fair and just expectation.
Many in India and globally are aware that Pixel phones were distributed generously at Connect LIVE back in 2019 or may be 2018, not sure.
Also not sure about the contribution levels of those who got this surprize bonanza but I am sure not everyone of those 150 or 200 were top notch.
No need to clarify to everyone. There are people out here who are dormant the whole year on Connect, never attend to anyone else’s post, no emoji, no appreciation, no Connecting with others on the platform, and pride themselves as the Connect Police.
Little they realize that they have unknowingly morphed into Connect Sharks and now into Connect Nazis, attacking new and innocent local guides at the slightest opportunity, making a mockery of public forum general rules like mutual respect and courtesy, and leaving etiqquettes and manners to the dust.
Best not to reply to such lurking sharks who know nothing but attacking others ruthlessly.
@TusharSuradkar
I truly appreciate your thoughts and the way you’ve expressed them.
Your response reflects a mindset of maturity, fairness, and integrity — qualities that are much needed on public platforms like Connect. In a space where many are quick to criticize without understanding, your clarity and stand for fairness are admirable.
To be honest, I am not in a financial position to afford a phone like a Pixel. But that doesn’t mean I expect or demand one. I never asked that someone must give me a phone. All I did was request support — if Google or the Pixel team ever feels like helping, I would be grateful. That’s all.
Unfortunately, as you rightly pointed out, some people immediately jump in with harsh and judgmental comments, as if asking for help is a crime. I wasn’t trying to take advantage — I was just hoping for a little kindness, if possible.
Your words are not just honest, but also inspiring. It’s voices like yours that help maintain the true essence of community — respect, empathy, and support.
Let’s continue to contribute positively and make Connect a more inclusive and encouraging space for everyone.
. My phone is quite old now, which makes it difficult for me to contribute effectively. If active Local Guides were provided with mobile devices, it would definitely boost our motivation.
