How to Share Live Location on Google Maps

Sharing your live location on Google Maps is one of the most useful safety and convenience features available today. Whether you’re traveling alone, meeting friends, tracking a family member’s arrival, or coordinating with colleagues, live location sharing helps people see exactly where you are in real time.

Instead of sending repeated messages like “I’m almost there” or “I’m 5 minutes away,” you can simply share your live location and let others track your movement on the map.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:

  • What live location sharing means

  • How to share live location on Android

  • How to share a live location on an iPhone

  • How to share location via link

  • How long can you share your location

  • How to stop sharing

  • Privacy and safety tips

  • Common problems and solutions

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to use Google Maps live location sharing confidently and safely.

What Is Live Location Sharing?

Live location sharing allows someone to see your real-time movement on Google Maps.

When enabled:

  • They can see your current position

  • They can track your movement

  • They can see the battery percentage

  • They can view the estimated arrival time

This continues for a selected duration or until you manually stop sharing.

It’s different from just sending a location pin. A dropped pin shows one fixed location. Live location updates continuously as you move.

When Should You Use Live Location Sharing?

Here are common situations where it’s helpful:

  • Traveling alone at night

  • Going on a long road trip

  • Meeting someone in a crowded area

  • Sending your ride details to family

  • Tracking a delivery route

  • Ensuring safety during outdoor activities

It adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.

Requirements Before Sharing Live Location

Before you start, make sure:

  • You have Google Maps installed

  • You’re signed into your Google account

  • Location services (GPS) are turned on

  • Internet connection is active

Without the internet and GPS, live sharing won’t work properly.

How to Share Live Location on Android

If you’re using an Android phone, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Google Maps

Launch the Google Maps app on your phone.

Step 2: Tap Your Profile Picture

In the top-right corner, tap your profile photo or initial.

A menu will open.

Step 3: Tap “Location Sharing”

Select:

Location sharing

You’ll see an introduction screen explaining the feature.

Tap:

Share location

Step 4: Choose Duration

  • 15 minutes

  • 30 minutes

  • 1 hour

  • Several hours

  • Until you turn this off

You can adjust the time using the + and – buttons.

If you want continuous sharing, choose:

Until you turn this off

Step 5: Choose the Person

You can:

  • Select a contact from your Google contacts
    OR

  • Tap “More options” to share via:

    • WhatsApp

    • SMS

    • Gmail

    • Copy link

Once selected, tap Share.

Your live location is now active.

How to Share Live Location on iPhone

The process is very similar on iPhone.

Step 1: Open Google Maps

Make sure you’re logged into your Google account.

Step 2: Tap Your Profile Picture

Located at the top-right corner.

Step 3: Tap “Location Sharing”

Then tap:

Share location

Step 4: Select Time Duration

Choose how long you want to share.

Step 5: Choose Contact or App

Select a person directly
OR
Share via messaging apps

Tap Share to confirm.

Your real-time location will now be visible to the selected person.

How the Other Person Sees Your Location

Once shared:

  • They receive a link

  • When they open it, Google Maps shows your moving position

  • They can see your battery percentage

  • They can get directions to you

They don’t need to share their location unless they want to.

How to Stop Sharing Live Location

You can stop sharing anytime.

On Android or iPhone:

  1. Open Google Maps

  2. Tap profile picture

  3. Tap “Location sharing.”

  4. Tap the contact

  5. Select “Stop”

Your location will immediately stop updating.

How to Share Live Location During Navigation

There’s also a quick method while driving.

Steps:

  1. Start navigation to a destination

  2. Swipe up on the bottom panel

  3. Tap “Share trip progres.s”

  4. Select contact

They’ll see your live journey until you arrive.

This is useful for ride tracking or informing family when you’ll reach home.

Is Live Location Sharing Safe?

Yes, if used properly.

Google Maps only shares your location with:

  • The people you select

  • For the duration you choose

You are always in control.

However, follow these safety tips:

  • Share only with trusted people

  • Avoid sharing publicly

  • Stop sharing when not needed

  • Check active sharing regularly

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: Location Not Updating

Solution:

  • Checthe k internet connection

  • Turn on GPS

  • Enable high-accuracy mode

  • Restart Google Maps

Problem 2: Can’t Find Location Sharing Option

Solution:

  • Update the Google Maps app

  • Make sure you’re signed in

Problem 3: Person Can’t See Location

Solution:

  • Ensure the link was sent properly

  • Ask them to open in Google Maps

  • Confirm sharing is still active

Problem 4: Battery Drains Quickly

Live tracking uses GPS, which consumes battery.

Solution:

  • Lower screen brightness

  • Close unused apps

  • Carry a power bank during long trips

Benefits of Sharing Live Location

Live location sharing offers:

  • Increased safety

  • Real-time tracking

  • Reduced communication confusion

  • Better coordination

  • Peace of mind for family members

It’s especially useful for parents, travelers, and professionals.

Who Can See Your Live Location?

Only the people you choose.

Google does not automatically share your live location publicly.

You must manually select each contact.

You can also see a list of active shares inside the Location Sharing section.

Difference Between Dropped Pin and Live Location

Feature Dropped Pin Live Location
Updates automatically No Yes
Shows movement No Yes
Best for Fixed location Travel tracking
Time-based No Yes

Use a dropped pin for static spots.
Use live location for movement tracking.

Final Thoughts

Sharing live location on Google Maps is simple, safe, and extremely useful. With just a few taps, you can allow trusted people to track your real-time movement for a chosen period.

All you need to do is:

  • Open Google Maps

  • Tap your profile

  • Select “Location sharing.”

  • Choose duration

  • Select contact

  • Tap Share

That’s it.

Whether you’re traveling late at night, coordinating a meetup, or ensuring your family knows you’re safe, live location sharing gives both convenience and peace of mind.

Now that you know how to sharea  live location on Google Maps, you can use this powerful feature confidently whenever needed.

Latest Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *