Google Maps has a variety of features that provide its users with valuable real-time results, and among these is the ability to share their live location. Users can enable Google's location-sharing capabilities and notify trusted individuals of their position on a map for a specified length of time. This is a Google Maps setting worth looking into and switching on as a safety precaution during travels, especially to unfamiliar places. Show A computer can be used to control location sharing settings on Google Maps. However, a mobile device is required to actually share a user's location on Google Maps in real-time. Apart from Maps, other Google products also allow a user to share a one-time location with others. Even instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram offer a live location sharing feature. SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY Related: Google Maps Now Tracks Fires Before a user can share their live location with a fellow Google account holder, the recipient's Gmail address will need to be saved in Google Contacts. Launch the Google Maps app on an Android or iOS device and sign in. Tap on the profile circle on the top-right corner of the screen, select Location sharing, then hit Share location or New share. Under Share your real-time-location, tap the time selector and specify the timeframe desired for sharing. Users can use the + and - signs to increase or decrease the number of hours before the feature turns off, or choose the manual option by selecting Until you turn this off. Tap the Google profile of the person to share a location with and give Google Maps access to contacts if asked. Tap on Share. Verify Age To Enable Location SharingPhotograph: Simon Hill via Google Maps
You can review the list of people you are sharing your location with on that same Location sharing tab, and you will see their profile picture on the map if they are also sharing their location with you. To stop sharing or to get directions to their location, tap on the profile picture or their name listed at the bottom. How to Share Your Location Using Find My If you and the people you want to share your location with are using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, then the Find My app is the easiest way to do it. Here’s how: Photograph: Apple
You can stop sharing your location on the same People tab by tapping on the relevant person and choosing Stop Sharing My Location. You can quickly stop sharing with everyone by selecting the Me tab and turning off Share My Location. How to Share Your Location Using Facebook Messenger If you are already chatting to the person or group you want to send your location to in Facebook's popular Messenger app, then you can share your location right there without exiting it. This works on Android and iOS. Photograph: Facebook
How to Share Your Location Using WhatsApp If the person or people you want to share with use WhatsApp, it’s easy to share your location with them. This is available on both Android and iOS. Photograph: Simon Hill via WhatsApp
How to Use Emergency SOS on an iPhone Apple's iPhone has a feature called Emergency SOS. When triggered, it sends a text message and shares your location with your emergency contacts.
It might be a good idea to try this when you set it up (and give your emergency contacts a heads-up) so you know exactly how it works. How to Use Emergency Sharing on Android Unfortunately, the emergency options for sharing your location differ from manufacturer to manufacturer with Android phones. You can usually hold down the power button to access emergency information or an emergency mode. On most Android phones:
Samsung phones offer something called SOS Messages. Here's how to set it up:
Google Pixel phones have an Emergency SOS function enabled in the Personal Safety app. Here's how to use it:
Remember to check who you are sharing your location with every now and then. If you're sharing your location regularly for safety reasons, you might want to read our guide, The Best Personal Safety Devices, Apps, and Alarms. Is Google location Sharing live?However, if you have an Android device, or want to share your location with someone who does, Google Maps allows you to share your real-time location on a temporary or continuous basis.
How do I copy a live location from Google Maps?Share a map or location. On your computer, open Google Maps.. Go to the directions, map, or Street View image you want to share.. On the top left, click Menu .. Select Share or embed map. If you don't see this option, click Link to this map. ... . Copy and paste the link wherever you want to share the map.. |