Adding OpenStreetMap to WordPress does not require you to configure a Google Maps API key. With Easy Map, you can select OpenStreetMap as the default tile layer, create a map from your WordPress dashboard, and display it on any page or post using a shortcode.
In this guide, you’ll go through the complete setup—from installing Easy Map and selecting OpenStreetMap to entering your map coordinates, customizing the marker, copying the generated shortcode, and publishing the finished map on your website.
Can You Add OpenStreetMap to WordPress Without an API Key?
Yes. You can add OpenStreetMap to WordPress without creating or configuring a Google Maps API key.
Easy Map lets you set OpenStreetMap as the Default Tile Layer from your WordPress dashboard. Once selected, you can create and publish your map without connecting the website to the Google Maps API or setting up Google Cloud billing.
This guide specifically covers the OpenStreetMap setup. Other third-party mapping, tile, or geocoding services may have their own access or usage requirements.
What You Need Before Getting Started
Before you create your map, make sure you have:
- A working WordPress website
- Administrator access to the WordPress dashboard
- The Easy Map plugin
- The latitude and longitude of the location you want to show
- A WordPress page or post where you want to display the map
You do not need a Google Maps API key for the OpenStreetMap method covered in this tutorial.
If you need additional plugin setup information, you can also check the Easy Map documentation.
How to Add OpenStreetMap to WordPress Without an API Key
Easy Map handles the OpenStreetMap setup from inside WordPress, so you do not need to add custom JavaScript or manually connect a Google Maps API.
Follow the steps below to install the plugin, select OpenStreetMap, create your map, and publish it using the generated shortcode.
Step 1: Install and Activate Easy Map
Log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to:
Plugins → Add Plugin
Click Add Plugin to open the WordPress plugin directory.
Use the search field in the upper-right corner and search for:
Easy Map
Look for:
Easy Map – Store Locator Plugin for WordPress (No API Key Required)
by WP Easy Soft
Click Install Now, and once the installation finishes, activate the plugin.
After activation, a new Easy Map menu will appear in the left-hand WordPress admin menu.
You can learn more about the available features on the Easy Map WordPress map plugin page.
Step 2: Set OpenStreetMap as the Default Tile Layer
After activating Easy Map, go to:
Easy Map → Settings
Scroll down through the settings until you find:
Default Tile Layer
Open the dropdown menu and select:
OpenStreetMap
Then click Update to save the setting.
OpenStreetMap will now be used as the default tile layer for your Easy Map maps.
Because you are using OpenStreetMap rather than Google Maps, you do not need to create or configure a Google Maps API key for this setup.
Step 3: Create a New Map
Now go to:
Easy Map → Manage Map
The Manage Map screen is where you create and manage your maps. On a fresh Easy Map installation, this page will only show the option to add a new map.
Click Add New Map at the top of the page.
This opens the Add Easy Map screen, where you can configure your new OpenStreetMap map.
Step 4: Enter the Map Title, Latitude, Longitude, and Zoom
The Add Easy Map screen contains the basic settings that control where your map is centered and how visitors see the location.
Complete the following fields:
- Map Title: Enter a name that will help you identify the map later. For example, “New York Office,” “Silicon Valley Location,” or “Main Store.”
- Latitude: Enter the latitude of your location.
- Longitude: Enter the corresponding longitude.
- Zoom: Choose the default zoom level for the map.
A higher zoom number shows a smaller geographic area in greater detail, while a lower number displays a wider area.
The map preview on the right side of the screen helps you confirm that your coordinates and zoom level are showing the intended location.
If you do not already know the coordinates, find the latitude and longitude of your location before continuing.
Step 5: Customize the Marker and Popup (Optional)
You can publish a basic map using the default settings, but Easy Map also gives you options for customizing how the location appears to visitors.
This step is optional.
You can:
- Keep the default marker
- Choose a different marker icon
- Add text to the marker popup
- Add an image or other supported media
- Choose whether the popup should open automatically
For example, a business could use the popup area to display the location name, address, opening information, or an image.
If you only need a simple location marker, you can leave the default options unchanged.
Step 6: Save the Map
Once you have entered your map coordinates and finished any optional marker or popup customization, scroll to the bottom of the page.
Review your settings and click:
Save
Easy Map will save the map and make it available from the Manage Map screen.
Step 7: Copy the Generated Easy Map Shortcode
Go back to:
Easy Map → Manage Map
Each saved map has its own shortcode in the Shortcode column.
It will look similar to this:
[ easy-map ID=”26147″ ]
Copy the shortcode belonging to the map you just created.
Your map ID will be different from the example above, so always use the shortcode generated for your own map.
Step 8: Paste the Shortcode Into Your WordPress Page
Open the WordPress page or post where you want the map to appear.
Paste the shortcode you copied from Easy Map → Manage Map into the editor.
For example:
Make sure you are using the shortcode for the correct map.
Once it has been added, click Publish or Update.
WordPress will process the shortcode and display the map on the frontend of the page.
Step 9: View and Test the Published OpenStreetMap Map
Open the published page and check that your OpenStreetMap map appears where you inserted the shortcode.
Before finishing, check that:
- The map loads correctly
- The marker appears at the intended location
- The map opens at the expected zoom level
- Zoom controls work properly
- Popup content displays correctly if you added any
- The map fits the page properly
- The map remains usable on mobile devices
If everything works as expected, your OpenStreetMap map is now live on your WordPress website.
OpenStreetMap Not Working in WordPress? Try These Fixes
If the map does not display correctly after publishing, check the basic settings before creating the map again. Incorrect coordinates, page-layout issues, caching, or JavaScript optimization can sometimes affect interactive maps.
The Map Area Is Blank
If you see a blank area where the map should appear, refresh the page first.
If that does not help, check whether your theme, another plugin, or a JavaScript optimization setting is interfering with the map.
Also make sure the page or container gives the map enough visible space to render correctly.
For more setup help, check the Easy Map documentation.
The Marker Appears in the Wrong Location
Check the latitude and longitude you entered when creating the map.
Even a small mistake in the coordinates can place the marker far from the intended location.
Go back to the map settings, correct the coordinates, save the map again, and reload the published page.
The Map Does Not Load After Caching or Optimization
If the map worked before enabling caching or optimization, clear your WordPress cache and test the page again.
If necessary, temporarily disable JavaScript delay or minification to see whether an optimization setting is preventing the interactive map from loading properly.
Once you identify the issue, adjust the relevant optimization setting rather than leaving all optimization disabled.
The Map Does Not Fit Properly on Mobile
Open the map page on a mobile device and check its width and height.
If the map appears too narrow, too tall, or difficult to use, review the page layout and the container where the shortcode has been placed.
After making changes, test the page again on both desktop and mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions About OpenStreetMap in WordPress
Here are quick answers to common questions about using OpenStreetMap with Easy Map, including API keys, coordinates, shortcodes, and marker customization.
Does OpenStreetMap Require an API Key?
You do not need a Google Maps API key to use OpenStreetMap as the default tile layer in Easy Map.
Third-party services built around OpenStreetMap, such as separate tile or geocoding providers, may have their own access or usage requirements.
Do I Need a Google Maps API Key to Use Easy Map with OpenStreetMap?
No.
When OpenStreetMap is selected under:
Easy Map → Settings → Default Tile Layer
you can create the map without configuring a Google Maps API key.
Do I Need Latitude and Longitude to Create the Map?
Yes. The basic Easy Map creation form uses latitude and longitude to determine where the map should be centered.
Enter the correct coordinates for the location you want to display before saving the map.
Can I Customize the OpenStreetMap Marker?
Yes.
Easy Map lets you use the default marker or choose a different marker icon. You can also add popup content, including text and supported media, to give visitors more information about the location.
Can I Display the Map Using a Shortcode?
Yes.
Easy Map generates a unique shortcode for every saved map. Copy the shortcode from Manage Map and paste it into the WordPress page or post where you want the map to appear.
A shortcode may look like:
[ easy-map ID=”26147″ ]
Can I Add Multiple Markers or Locations?
Yes. Easy Map supports multiple locations and map markers.
A multi-location setup involves additional configuration beyond the basic single-map tutorial covered here, so it is better handled as a separate setup process.
Add Your First OpenStreetMap Map to WordPress
Adding OpenStreetMap to WordPress with Easy Map follows a simple workflow: install the plugin, select OpenStreetMap as the default tile layer, create a map, enter your latitude and longitude, customize the marker if needed, and save your settings.
Easy Map then generates a shortcode that you can paste into your WordPress page or post. Once the page is published, your OpenStreetMap map is ready for visitors.
Ready to create your own map? Explore Easy Map or visit the Easy Map documentation for additional setup guidance.
