To share your live location on Google Maps, open the app, tap your profile picture and select Location sharing > New share. Choose a sharing duration, select a contact and tap Share. Unlike a dropped pin, live location sharing lets the recipient see your changing position.
This can be useful when meeting friends in an unfamiliar area or letting a family member follow your journey.
Before You Start
You need a Google Account, an internet connection and location services enabled on your phone. Google Maps also needs the appropriate location permissions.
The person you share with may see your name, profile photo, location and battery status. Check who you are sharing with before confirming. Availability can depend on your account and region. (Google’s Location Sharing guidance)
How to Share Live Location on Android
- Open Google Maps and sign in.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Location sharing.
- Tap New share.
- Choose how long sharing should last.
- Select the intended contact.
- Tap Share.
For direct account sharing, add the recipient’s Gmail address to Google Contacts if necessary. (Google’s Android instructions)
Choose a limited duration for a one-time meetup. For example, an hour may be enough when you are travelling to meet someone nearby.
How to Share Live Location on iPhone
- Open the Google Maps app, not Apple Maps.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Open Location sharing > New share.
- Set the duration.
- Choose a contact and tap Share.
Respond to any location-permission prompts required for the feature to work. (Google’s iPhone instructions)
How to Send Your Location Through WhatsApp or Messages
If the recipient does not have a Google Account, use a sharing link.
From the new-share screen, copy the link on Android or use the messaging options on iPhone. Send it through WhatsApp, Messages or email.
Google states that ordinary location-sharing links can provide access for up to 24 hours. Anyone who obtains the link may be able to view the shared location, so avoid posting it publicly. (Google Maps Help)
How to Stop Sharing Your Location
Open Google Maps > profile picture > Location sharing, select the person and tap Stop. Review other active shares separately if you want to stop sharing with everyone. (Google Maps Help)
Make this a routine check after a journey, especially if you selected an open-ended sharing option.
Share Trip Progress Instead
For journey-specific sharing, start navigation, expand the information card and select Share trip progress. Choose the recipient and confirm.
This shares your progress and estimated arrival time. It ends when you arrive or stop navigation. (Google’s trip-sharing instructions)
Live Location vs a Dropped Pin
Use live location when someone needs to follow your progress.
Use a dropped pin when you want to identify a fixed meeting point, such as a station entrance. A meeting point can remain useful even after you move away from it.
For example, send a pin for the café where you will meet, then share your live location if your friend wants to follow your approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does live location sharing work without internet?
An active internet connection is needed to send fresh updates. Do not assume an older location marker shows the person’s current position. (Google Account Help)
Can I share my location without keeping Timeline on?
Yes. Google says Location Sharing can work even when Timeline is turned off. (Google Maps Help)
Is live location sharing suitable for emergencies?
Treat it as a convenience, not a guaranteed emergency-monitoring service. If someone needs urgent help, contact the relevant emergency service instead of relying on a map marker.
Final Thoughts
Choose the recipient and duration carefully, and stop sharing when it is no longer needed. For an ordinary meeting, a fixed pin may be sufficient; live sharing is useful when someone needs to follow your journey.
