Why Share Your Location in Google Maps?

Whether you're meeting friends at a busy festival, letting a family member track your commute, or keeping a travel companion updated, Google Maps' built-in location sharing is one of the most convenient ways to share your whereabouts in real time. It works across both iOS and Android, requires no additional app, and gives you full control over who sees your location and for how long.

What You'll Need

  • The Google Maps app installed on your phone (available free on iOS and Android)
  • A Google account signed in to the app
  • Location permissions granted to Google Maps

Step-by-Step: Sharing Your Location on Android

  1. Open Google Maps on your Android device.
  2. Tap your profile photo or initials in the top-right corner.
  3. Select "Location sharing" from the menu.
  4. Tap the blue "Share location" button.
  5. Choose how long you want to share — options range from 1 hour up to 3 days, or you can select "Until you turn this off" for indefinite sharing.
  6. Choose who to share with: select a Google contact, or use the share sheet to send a link via WhatsApp, SMS, email, or any other app.
  7. Tap Share to confirm.

Step-by-Step: Sharing Your Location on iPhone (iOS)

  1. Open Google Maps on your iPhone.
  2. Tap your profile photo in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap "Location sharing".
  4. Tap "Share location".
  5. Set the duration — choose a specific time window or "Until you turn this off."
  6. Select a contact from Google Contacts or tap "More options" to generate a shareable link.
  7. Tap Share.

Note: On iPhone, make sure Google Maps has "Always" or "While Using" location access enabled in Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Google Maps.

How the Other Person Views Your Location

If you share with a Google contact, they'll receive a notification in their Google Maps app and can view your real-time position on the map. If you share a link, anyone with that link can see your location in a web browser or the Maps app — no Google account required on their end.

How to Stop Sharing Your Location

  1. Open Google Maps and tap your profile photo.
  2. Go to Location sharing.
  3. Tap the contact or link you want to stop sharing with.
  4. Tap Stop and confirm.

Your location will immediately become invisible to that person. Sharing also stops automatically once your chosen time limit expires.

Can Others See My Location History?

People you share with can only see your current, real-time position — not your historical movement data or past locations. Your Google Maps Timeline (location history) remains private to your account only.

Tips for Better Location Sharing

  • Use time limits when sharing with acquaintances — there's rarely a reason to share indefinitely with someone who isn't a close contact.
  • Check who you're sharing with periodically by visiting Location Sharing in the app. It's easy to forget active shares.
  • If battery life is a concern, consider using Apple's Find My (iOS) as an alternative — it's generally more battery-efficient for continuous sharing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Location not updating: Ensure Background App Refresh is enabled for Google Maps in your phone settings.
  • Can't see the "Share location" option: Update Google Maps to the latest version.
  • Share isn't received: Ask the recipient to update their Google Maps app and check their notifications.