How to Share Location on Android? There have been many times when I’ve been in a new city, trying to locate a restaurant or meet up with friends in a crowded place. In such moments, sharing my real-time location has been a lifesaver.
Whether you’re heading to a family dinner, catching up with an online date, or on a road trip, knowing how to send your location makes things easier. With apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Google Messages, you can quickly let others know where you are.
It’s like having a digital compass guiding people right to you, even if you’re stuck in a tricky spot with no landmarks nearby.
If you’re using Android, you have multiple ways to share your location, whether for a temporary meet-up or on a continuous basis with protective pals or parents who like to keep an eye out.
The best part? You can also show your battery power, charging status, and even set arrival and departure times using Google Location Sharing.
However, be aware that some regions and Workspace domains don’t allow this feature, and users under 18 can only share their location for up to 24 hours. It’s a handy tool, but knowing the restrictions ensures smooth usage without unexpected warnings when trying to share.
How to Share Location- The Short Answer
What’s Location Sharing?
Location sharing is a helpful feature on smartphones that lets you share your exact geographic location with other people in real time.
Whether you need to find directions, locate a lost device, or stay connected with your spouse or kids, enabling location services can make life easier. While some prefer to turn off these settings for privacy or security reasons, others find it useful for safety and convenience.
With the right built-in settings, you can specify who can track your location ahead of time, ensuring seamless communication and peace of mind.
Why Would I Want to Share my Location?
- Security and privacy matter, so only share your whereabouts with trusted people or apps.
- If your device is lost or stolen, location sharing helps you track it.
- Keeping track of kids ensures their safety and gives peace of mind.
- Get a safe ride with Lyft® or order food via Uber Eats®.
- When late, your friends get an automatic update on your arrival time and exact location.
- In a crowded event like a concert or marathon, stay connected despite poor cellular reception.
- During emergencies, first responders can find you quickly if location services are turned on.
How to Share Your Location By Using Google Maps (Android or iOS)
When I’m running late for a meeting or planning an outdoor adventure, I rely on Google Maps to quickly share my current position.
This app is free, making it a great option for anyone looking for unlimited access to location-sharing.
Since most people are already familiar with it, sending your location feels effortless and secure. With just a few taps, you can let others know where you are, making it easier to connect.
Share Your Live Location Permanently (or for a Limited Time) on Google Maps
With Google Maps, you can share your live location for a limited time or permanently with just a few taps. Open the app, tap on your profile picture in the upper-right corner, and select Location Sharing.
A blue Share Location button will appear, letting you choose how long to share—as short as 15 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you need to keep it active for a longer period, you can even set it to remain on until you switch off the feature.
Once shared, the recipient can see your real-time tracking, ensuring they always know where you are.
Share Trip Progress
With Google Maps, you can easily share your trip progress with friends, family, or co-workers while on the move. Simply open the app on your phone, enter your destination, and start driving guidance.
Once on your way, click on the remaining drive time at the bottom of the screen and select Share trip progress. Choose who you want to share it with, and they will be able to track your journey in real-time. The app automatically stops sharing if it detects a longer break, like a meal stop, ensuring your privacy.
The best part? The recipient doesn’t need the Google Maps app—they can view your location using a web browser.
Share Location With A Person Who Doesn’t Have a Google Account
If the person you want to share your location with doesn’t have a Google account, you can still send them a Google Maps link.
Simply tap on More in your contacts, select Copy to clipboard, and a link will be generated. You’ll see an image of a paper clip next to your profile avatar—tap it to copy. Now, just share this link through a messaging app or email.
When they open it, they’ll be taken directly to Google Maps, where they can see your exact location on their device.
Share Location in Google Messages
With Google Messages, you can quickly share your current location without needing extra apps or complicated instructions.
Just tap the + button in the lower left hand corner, select share location, and choose either your current one or a list of nearby points.
Then, simply hit send with the arrow, and your recipient will get a link to an updated version of Google Maps, showing your exact coordinates.
This feature ensures your friends and family can keep tabs on you, offering peace of mind—especially in an emergency.
Share Your Location Using Trusted Contacts
With the Google app, you can easily share your location with Trusted Contacts to stay connected with loved ones. Simply launch the app on your device, search for Trusted Contacts, and install it from the Google Play store if needed.
Once inside, select people from your list, follow the instructions, and successfully share your current position. Setting it up in advance ensures smooth tracking of each other’s locations while keeping security and privacy intact.
Share Your Location With Facebook Messenger (Android or iOS)
Using Facebook Messenger, you can quickly share your location with friends on Android or iOS devices. Open the Messenger app and go to the chat where you want to send your live location or a static point on the map.
Tap the Location icon (or the four dots icon if needed) to access the location option. If prompted, grant location privileges to Messenger.
Then, press Share Live Location to send real-time updates, or manually drag and drop a pin on the map to choose a specific place.
Share Your Location With WhatsApp (Android or iOS)
Staying connected with friends and family is easy when you use WhatsApp to share your location. Just tap the plus button on an iPhone or the paperclip icon on an Android to access the option.
You can send your current location or enable live tracking for real-time updates as you move. This helps others know where you are every step of the way.
Once shared, your emergency contacts can see your location for 15 minutes up to 8 hours, making it a helpful and simple way to keep in touch.
Send Your Current Location By Using the Telegram App
Sending your current location through the Telegram app is a simple process. Open a conversation with the person you want to share it with, then tap the attachment icon at the bottom of the screen.
Choose Location and select Send My Current Location to drop your exact position. If you need to share movement updates, tap Share My Live Location and set the time period for tracking.
This gives your family member, friend, or teammate controlled access to your whereabouts.
Emergency Sharing Options on Android and iPhone
With Emergency Sharing, both Android and iPhone users can quickly share their contact numbers with friends and family in case of need.
On an Android device, go to Settings, open Emergency Services, and Enable the option to share contacts with loved ones.
For iPhone users, the Health app under the Medical ID tab lets you set up Emergency Sharing easily. Once activated, selected contacts receive notifications during an emergency.
Depending on your phone model, you may need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but these tips will help you get started.
How to Stop Location Sharing
If you no longer want to share your location, you can easily turn it off on your Android or iPhone using the steps below.
Android
- Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture.
- Select Location sharing and choose the person you want to remove.
- Tap Stop to disable location access for them.
- Confirm to stop sharing location permanently.
iPhone
- Open Google Maps and tap your user icon in the top right corner.
- Select Location Sharing and tap the contact you want to remove.
- Tap Stop next to Can see your location.
- Press the arrow in the top left corner to return.
- Repeat steps to remove location sharing with others.
- Double-check in Settings to ensure sharing is turned off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my phone location be tracked without me knowing?
Yes, unauthorized apps can access your GPS data without your knowledge, leading to privacy breaches. Always manage app permissions to stay aware of what’s using your location.
Can I use Find My Phone for my husband’s phone?
If your husband is part of your Family Sharing group, you can use Find My to see his location. His devices will be listed in the Find My app, allowing you to use it when needed.
How do I Turn on Location Sharing?
Open the Settings app, go to Location, and tap the toggle switch until the blue checkmark appears. Make sure to grant permission for individual apps that need access to your location data on Android.
How do I Stop Sharing my Location on Android?
Open the location-sharing settings, tap Location, and turn off the toggle switch until the blue checkmark disappears. You can also remove app permissions to prevent individual apps from accessing your location data on Android.
Can Android Share Location with iPhone?
Yes, Android users can share location with iPhone users using messaging apps like Google Maps or social media apps that support this feature. Simply select Share Location, choose the contact, and send the link.
Can I Share my ETA on Android?
Yes, you can share your estimated time of arrival (ETA) using navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. Just tap Share at the bottom of the navigation window to let someone else track when you’re due to arrive at your destination. This makes it easy to keep others updated while you’re on the go.
What’s the Best App for Sharing Location?
The best app for sharing your location depends on what you need. Google Maps, Findmykids, and WhatsApp are popular options that let you share your location easily. Do some research and choose the one that fits best for your use.
Final Words
Sharing your location on Android and iPhone is simple and useful for navigation, safety, and staying connected. Whether you use Google Maps, WhatsApp, or other apps, you can easily share, track, and manage permissions. Always check your privacy settings to control who can see your location and for how long.
That’s all! You can also check out How to Find Recently Deleted Apps on Android/iPhone 2025 and How to Reset Android Auto: A Step-by-Step Guide
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