Google Maps now lets you share real-time location — here's how

Messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Signal, and similar platforms have long allowed users to share their location with contacts. It's a convenient method for friends and family to stay informed about your whereabouts or provide live location updates for navigation. Now, Google is integrating real-time location sharing directly within its Maps app across Android, iOS, and PC platforms. Through the Location Sharing feature on Google Maps, users can now share their live location with their contacts.

Google Maps Location Sharing

Google Maps' Location Sharing feature offers users the ability to control who can view their location details and for how long. It introduces several additional features beyond standard live location sharing commonly found in messaging apps. 

For instance, when using Google Maps' Location Sharing, recipients of your location can also monitor your device's battery status and charging status. Additionally, users can share their estimated time of arrival when navigating towards a destination.

According to Google's support documentation on Location Sharing, the feature functions even when Location History is disabled in Maps. Its functionality remains consistent on both Android and iOS platforms. 

How to use Google Maps Location Sharing

To initiate location sharing, users need to access the Google Maps app on their Android devices, iPhones, or iPads.

Then, tap the profile icon situated at the top right corner, and select Location Sharing. This prompts users to specify the duration for which they wish to share their location (ranging up to a full day or until manually turning off Location Sharing). Users can select from their Google contacts to share their location by tapping the contact's profile and choosing Share.

For sharing locations outside Google contacts, users can select "More options" in the Location Sharing menu and share the link for their real-time location via other messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage. To stop location sharing, users can tap the profile of the person with whom they're sharing their location and select "Stop."

Share ETA with contacts

Additionally, while navigating to a destination on Google Maps, users can share their estimated time of arrival (ETA) with a contact. They can do so by accessing Maps, setting a destination, initiating navigation, tapping "More," and selecting "Share trip progress." Location sharing automatically discontinues upon reaching the destination or when navigation is stopped.