7 Easy Ways To Share Location on Android [2026]

Keep your loved ones in the loop with real-time updates by learning how to share your location on Android. This guide simplifies seamless navigation and enhances personal safety in today’s digital world.

Sharing your whereabouts on an Android phone or iPhone has become a common practice, but it also brings some security concerns. One major issue is that careless broadcasting can make users more vulnerable to cybercriminals. For instance, personal information such as an address, phone number, or even credit card details could be compromised if users aren’t cautious about how and with whom they reveal their position.

Additionally, enabling tracking may allow others to monitor your movements. Since many users skip reading privacy policies and terms of service, they often don’t realize the extent of the data they’re providing when opting into geolocation services. This lack of awareness can increase the risk of intrusion by hackers or other malicious actors.

The good news? There are ways to send your coordinates safely. If you’re looking for tips on how to share your position on an Android phone or iPhone without compromising your privacy, keep reading. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know!

Contents:

• How to Share Your Location by Using the Google Maps App (Android or iOS)
  • Share Your Live Location Permanently (or for a Limited Time) on Google Maps
  • Share Trip Progress
  • Share Location With A Person Who Doesn’t Have a Google Account
• Share Location in Google Messages
• Use Google Personal Safety (Emergency Sharing)
• Share Your Location With Facebook Messenger (Android or iOS)
• Share Your Location With WhatsApp (Android or iOS)
• Send Your Current Location By Using the Telegram App
• Android Location Sharing: Feature Comparison Table
• Emergency Sharing Options on Android and iPhone
• Bonus Source—How to Safely Share Your Child’s Geolocation
• FAQs

How to Share Your Location by Using the Google Maps App (Android or iOS)

Credit: Findmykids

Connecting with others has never been easier or more secure than with the Google Maps app. Whether you’re running late for a meeting or planning an outdoor adventure, the ability to quickly and easily update friends on your current spot can come in handy.

Since Google Maps is a platform that many of us are already familiar with (and it’s free, meaning you’ll always have unlimited access), it’s a great option. Here are three ways you can let others see your movements with Google Maps.

Share Your Live Location Permanently (or for a Limited Time) on Google Maps

Letting someone track you can be simply done on Google Maps. All you need to do is launch the Google Maps app, tap on your profile picture (normally located in the upper-right corner), and then tap Location sharing.

A blue New Share button should appear. Once selected, you will have to make the choice of what time period you want your coordinates visible for, from as little as 15 minutes to up to 24 hours. For a limited time, sending updates is usually best for short meetups.

Credit: Findmykids

For longer periods, you can even choose to keep it active permanently (“Until you turn this off”). You’ll be able to select who you want your whereabouts to be visible to, and the recipient should be able to access real-time tracking.

Pro Tip: If you select “Until you turn this off,” remember to set a reminder for yourself to disable it later so you don’t accidentally leave your tracking active for days.

Share Trip Progress

Google Maps also lets you show the progress of your commute or trip to those closest to you. All you have to do is open up the Google Maps app on your mobile device, select your destination, and start driving guidance.

Credit: Findmykids

As you’re driving, simply tap on the remaining drive time at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up an option to Share trip progress. From there, all that’s left is to select who you want to update, whether that’s friends, family, or co-workers, and you’re ready to go!

The platform automatically stops sharing when it detects a longer break in your journey, like during a meal stop, giving users the privacy they need when traveling as well. It’s important to note that for this feature, the recipient doesn’t have to have the Google Maps app on their phone; the link can work with a web browser.

Share Location With A Person Who Doesn’t Have a Google Account

Credit: Findmykids

Copying a Google Maps link and sending it to someone who doesn’t have a Google account is also an easy process. All you need to do is swipe through your contacts until you reach the icon labeled “More” and tap it. This will reveal a list of options, including one titled “Copy to clipboard.”

Once you tap that option, you’ll notice there’s an image of a paper clip located alongside your profile’s avatar. Tap on that, and it will generate a link in the middle of the screen that can be copied even if not all of it is visible.

Simply share this link with whoever you are trying to contact via the messaging app or email of your choice. Upon opening this link, they will be brought directly to Google Maps, allowing them to see your exact location on their device.

Share Location in Google Messages

Credit: androidpolice.com

With Google Messages’ geolocation feature, you can easily share your current spot with anyone in a single text message. This saves you the trouble of downloading apps or trying to explain directions over the phone.

All it takes is a few taps of your finger, and you’re done; no extra special software is required on their end, either.

1. Open a conversation in Google Messages.
2. Click the plus (+) button (in the lower left-hand corner).
3. Select Location.
4. Tap the send icon to transmit your coordinates.

Your recipient will receive a link to an updated version of Google Maps for them to view, which includes your exact position. For added peace of mind, this easy task lets your friends and family keep tabs on you in case of an emergency.

Use Google Personal Safety (Emergency Sharing)

For users with a modern Android phone (especially Pixel, Samsung, and other updated models), the old Trusted Contacts service has been replaced by a much more powerful system: the Personal Safety app.

This pre-installed tool allows for sophisticated safety checks and emergency updates. Here is how to use it:

1. Open the Safety or Personal Safety tool on your Android phone.
2. Tap Emergency Sharing.
3. Select which contacts will receive your real-time position.
4. You can also enable Safety Check. This feature asks you to confirm you are safe at a specific time (e.g., after a late-night run). If you do not respond, the service automatically starts sharing your coordinates with your emergency contacts.

This method is superior for critical situations because it works deep within the Android system, often bypassing “Do Not Disturb” modes to ensure your loved ones get the message.

Share Your Location With Facebook Messenger (Android or iOS)

Credit: wired.com

Sending your whereabouts using Facebook is simple! In three easy steps, you can update others on your live position or a static point on the map across both Android and iOS devices.

First, open up the Messenger platform and choose the exact conversation with whom you want to connect. Now choose either the Location icon (arrow) or the four dots icon to access the Map option. You may need to grant Messenger access privileges at this stage.

Finally, press “Share Live Location” on the map, or if you would like a static point, search for a place or drag and drop a pin.

Share Your Location With WhatsApp (Android or iOS)

Credit: Findmykids

Sharing your current or live location with friends and family on WhatsApp is a helpful and simple way to keep in touch with them. By tapping the “plus” button on an iPhone or the “paperclip” icon on an Android phone, you gain access to the option to open WhatsApp and broadcast your current or live status quickly and easily.

With this feature, you can either send a captured snapshot of where you are at that moment or your real-time movements, so they can know where you are every step of the way. To do this, all you have to do is open WhatsApp and choose who you want to transmit it to.

And once you’ve sent it, if it’s a Live update, your emergency contacts will be able to see your spot for anywhere from 15 minutes up to 8 hours! To end it early, simply tap Stop sharing in the chat.

Send Your Current Location By Using the Telegram App

Credit: Findmykids

Sending your position via Telegram is easy. All you have to do is open a conversation with the person you’d like to update. Next, click the attachment icon (this is located at the bottom of the page) and choose Location. Then click Send my current location.

If you only want to show your live movements for an increment of time, simply tap Share my live location and select the time period. That way, you have full control over when your teammate, family member, or friend can see where you are.

Android Location Sharing: Feature Comparison Table

If you’re wondering which tracking method on an Android phone is right for you, this table breaks down the key features of the most popular options. Whether you need real-time monitoring, privacy, or child-friendly tools, compare services side by side to find the best fit for your situation.

Emergency Sharing Options on Android and iPhone

The good news is that with both Android phones and iPhones, you can access the Emergency Broadcasting feature. This allows you to easily share contact numbers with friends and family so that they can be contacted if needed.

Credit: Findmykids

To set up Emergency services on an Android device, start by going into your Settings menu and opening the Safety & Emergency section. There, you will find the option for providing your contacts with loved ones.

On an iPhone, open the Health tool and select the Medical ID tab to get started with setting up emergency access. Once activated, both platforms make it easy for your chosen contacts to receive notifications in case of an emergency.

Again, you may need to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific make and model of phone you have, but the next steps above should help you get started.

Bonus Source: How to Safely Share Your Child’s Geolocation

Credit: Findmykids

Thought we were done at seven? We have one more tool to help you monitor a position! This is the ideal resource for parents of kids of all ages.

You have several options for approaching this matter. The first one is to use Google Maps, which will require creating a Google Account for your child. It will have to be the kid’s version of that service. Once you enter their Google Account and approve tracking, you can enter the Family group to monitor their whereabouts.

But there’s an easier and more convenient way than going via a Google account. It’s an all-around platform that can contribute to overall child safety. It’s an ideal resource for parents of kids of all ages, the Findmykids app.

The Findmykids app was created to provide parents with a sense of peace and tranquility, no matter where their child is. The service provides tracking so that the parent can keep a tab on their kid’s real-time movements and routes. Furthermore, immediate notification alerts are triggered if the child ever exits any pre-set safety zones such as home, school, or daycare.

With this tool, parents can rest assured that they will always know where their kid is and never worry or panic again. For a better overview, here’s how Findmykids performs against Google Maps and Facebook Messenger:

Show Where You Are

Letting your loved ones know where you are—without compromising your own safety and security and without having to explain the technology that is overcomplicated to not-so-technologically-savvy loved ones!—shouldn’t be an arduous process. With location tracking technologies, it doesn’t have to be!

Follow the tips above to help your family and friends keep tabs on you (but only when you want them to, of course!).

FAQs

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Does Android have location sharing?

Yes, Android devices offer Location Sharing as a built-in feature. It allows users to share their real-time location with family, friends, or a spouse. This can be done through Google Maps by selecting the “Location Sharing” option in the app menu.

Can Androids share location like iPhones?

Yes, Android and iOS phones actually use similar technology with location sharing. They rely on GPS technology to determine the whereabouts of the device and then send information about it to the other specified parties.

How do I turn on location sharing?

To turn on location sharing on Android, open the Settings app, select “Location,” then tap the toggle switch next to “Location” so that a blue checkmark appears. You may also need to grant permission for individual apps that need access to your location data.

How do I stop sharing my location on Android?

To stop sharing your location, open the location-sharing settings and select “Location.” Tap the toggle switch next to “Location” so that it turns off (the blue checkmark should be replaced by a blank circle). You can also turn off permissions for individual apps that have access to your location data.

Can Android share location with iPhone?

Want to know how to share location from iPhone to Android, or vice versa? The good news is that many of the popular messaging and social media apps allow users on both Android and iOS devices to share their locations with each other. The procedures vary depending on which app and device you’re using, so consult your manufacturer for more information on how to share location from iPhone to Android.

Can I share my ETA on Android?

If you are using navigation/mapping software such as Google Maps or Waze, you can easily share your estimated time of arrival (ETA) with someone else by tapping Share at the bottom of the navigation window. This will allow them to track when you’re due to arrive at a destination.

What’s the best app for sharing location?

The best app for sharing locations depends entirely upon what you plan to use it for, but some popular options include Google Maps, Findmykids, and WhatsApp. Do some research into each option and choose one that fits best with what you need!

How do I track my family’s location on Android?

To track your family’s location on Android, you can use built-in features like Google Maps’ Location Sharing or a family tracking app. Simply open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, select “Location sharing,” and choose the family members you want to share with.

You can also use the Findmykids app for more advanced tracking and safety features.

How do I always share my location on Android?

To keep your location shared at all times, go to Google Maps, tap your profile picture, select “Location sharing,” and choose “Until you turn this off” for continuous sharing. Additionally, some Android devices offer system-wide location-sharing settings under Privacy & Security > Location, where you can allow apps like Google Maps to always access your location.

How to share location on Android with your spouse?

To share your location with your spouse, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Maps on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
3. Select Location Sharing from the menu.
4. Tap “Share Location” and choose your spouse from your contact list or send them a link.
5. Set the duration for sharing, or choose “Until you turn this off” for ongoing sharing.

How do I send my location to someone?

You can send your real-time location using Google Messages or other messaging apps. In Google Messages, open a chat, tap the “+” icon or attachment button, select Location, and send your current location. Alternatively, you can share your location through Google Maps by tapping the blue dot (your current location) and selecting “Share your location”.

Does Samsung have location sharing?

Yes, Samsung offers built-in location-sharing features through Samsung’s Find My Mobile and Google Maps. You can also use Samsung’s “Live Location” feature in the Samsung Messages app to share your real-time location with contacts. For parental controls or family tracking, Samsung users can use SmartThings Find or other third-party apps (like Findmykids).

How can someone track my location on Android?

If someone has access to your device’s tracking features, they may be able to monitor your real-time person’s location via services like location in Google Maps. You can check or manage who you are connected with by opening the app, tapping your profile picture, and selecting Location Sharing. Adjust or tap stop anytime for added privacy.

The picture on the front page: TippaPatt/Shutterstock.com