Can You Location Share on Waze?

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Does Location Sharing on Waze Mean?

Location sharing on Waze means letting others see your live driving route and estimated time of arrival (ETA) while you are actively navigating with the app. Unlike apps that share your location continuously, Waze limits sharing to the duration of your trip. When you start navigation to a destination, you can send a link to trusted contacts that shows your current position on the map and your progress along the route. This enables those contacts to track your trip live until you reach your destination or stop navigation.

This limited, trip-specific sharing helps balance convenience and privacy. For example, if you’re driving to a friend’s house, you can share your trip so they know when you’ll arrive without giving them ongoing access to your location outside of the trip. Once your navigation ends, the live location sharing stops automatically, so no location data is shared beyond your active journey.

By focusing on route-based sharing rather than continuous tracking, Waze provides a simple way to keep others informed without exposing your general location history. This makes it useful for coordinating plans, enhancing safety, and reducing the need for frequent updates during a drive.

How Does Location Sharing on Waze Work?

Waze location sharing works through its "Send ETA" feature, designed to share your live trip details with others during navigation. Here’s how it works step-by-step:

1. Open Waze and enter your destination address.
2. Tap "Go" to start navigation along your chosen route.
3. On the navigation screen, tap the "Send ETA" button, usually found near the bottom or as a share icon.
4. Choose one or more contacts from your phone’s contacts or enter phone numbers or email addresses manually.
5. Waze sends a link via text message or email to your selected contacts.

The recipients can open this link on any device with a web browser to view your real-time location on the route and see your updated estimated time of arrival. The link does not require the recipient to have the Waze app installed.

For example, if you are driving to a family gathering, you can send your ETA to relatives who want to know when you’ll arrive. They can refresh the link or keep it open to watch your progress live. If you encounter traffic or stop for a break, the ETA updates automatically, providing an accurate arrival estimate.

When you reach your destination and end navigation, Waze stops sharing your location, and the link becomes inactive. This automatic stop ensures your location is not shared beyond the trip duration, maintaining your privacy.

Why Is Location Sharing on Waze Useful?

Location sharing on Waze is valuable for safety, convenience, and coordination. Sharing your ETA can provide peace of mind to family members, friends, or coworkers by letting them track your route in real time. This reduces the need for frequent texts or calls to update your location, which can be distracting while driving.

Safety is a key reason many use Waze location sharing. If you’re driving alone or at night, sharing your trip helps ensure someone knows your route and arrival time. If you don’t arrive as expected, your contacts can check your last known location or contact you to confirm your safety.

Coordination is another benefit. If you’re meeting a group or picking someone up, shared live location helps everyone stay synced on timing. For instance, if you’re picking up a friend at the airport, they can watch your progress and be ready when you arrive.

Waze location sharing also helps manage unexpected delays. If you hit heavy traffic or detours, the ETA updates in real time, so those waiting can adjust their plans accordingly. This dynamic update is more accurate than traditional estimated times based on distance alone.

Overall, Waze’s trip-specific location sharing is a practical tool that keeps people informed during drives while respecting privacy outside those trips.

How Is Waze Location Sharing Different From Other Location Sharing Apps?

Many people confuse Waze’s location sharing with other apps like Google Maps or Find My Friends, but they work differently. Waze shares your location only during active navigation and focuses on showing your route and ETA. Other apps often allow continuous location sharing that can last for hours or days, even when you’re not traveling.

For example, Google Maps lets you share your location continuously for a set time or until you turn sharing off. This means friends or family can see your real-time location anywhere, not just while you’re driving. Waze’s sharing is more limited and stops automatically when you finish your trip, offering more control.

Some apps share location history, showing where you have been over time. Waze does not provide this kind of detailed location history to shared contacts. It only shares the current trip’s live data.

Also, Waze location sharing works by sending a web link that anyone with the link can view, while other platforms might require both parties to have accounts or apps installed. This can make Waze sharing easier for quick, one-time trips but less suitable if you want ongoing tracking or location sharing outside of trips.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right app for your needs, whether it’s temporary trip sharing or continuous location monitoring.

What Privacy Considerations Should You Keep in Mind When Sharing Location on Waze?

While Waze limits location sharing to active trips, privacy is still important to consider. Only share your ETA link with people you trust, since anyone with the link can view your live route and location during navigation. Avoid posting or sending the link publicly on social media or group chats with unknown participants.

Waze uses your device’s GPS to track location, so ensure your phone’s location services and app permissions are set correctly. Regularly review which apps have access to your location in your phone’s settings. Also, keep your Waze app updated to benefit from security improvements.

If you want to stop sharing immediately, ending navigation will cut off location sharing. You can also close the app if necessary. Remember that the ETA link becomes inactive once navigation ends, so your location won’t remain visible indefinitely.

To enhance your privacy, consider these tips when sharing your location on any app:

• Share only with trusted contacts.
• Use app settings to control who can see your location.
• Avoid sharing location when unnecessary.
• Regularly review and revoke app permissions you no longer need.
• Update apps and devices to patch security vulnerabilities.

If you want more detailed advice on safe location sharing, consider reading resources about Sharing Location: What It Means and How to Do It Safely or How to Share Your Location Safely with Family. These guides provide general rules and practical steps to protect your privacy.

What Should You Do Next to Start Sharing Your Location on Waze?

Getting started with Waze location sharing is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully to share your ETA and live route with trusted contacts:

1. Open the Waze app and enter your destination address in the search bar.
2. Tap "Go" to start navigation along your selected route.
3. On the navigation screen, locate and tap the "Send ETA" button or share icon.
4. Select one or more contacts from your phone’s address book or enter a phone number or email address manually.
5. Confirm sending the link; your contacts will receive a message or email with your live trip link.

Once sharing is active, your contacts can view your real-time location and ETA in their browser without needing the Waze app.

To stop sharing your location, simply:

• End the navigation by tapping the stop button in Waze.
• Close the app if you prefer.

Remember to share your ETA only with people you trust. If you want to share location outside of driving trips, consider using apps designed for continuous location sharing, such as Google Maps, but be mindful of privacy settings.

For additional help with location sharing apps and privacy, see guides like How to Share Location on Google Maps or What Location Sharing on Android Means for Your Privacy. These explain other options and security considerations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I share my location on Waze without starting navigation?

No, Waze location sharing requires active navigation. You must start a trip with a destination to enable sharing your live route and ETA.

Is location sharing on Waze free to use?

Yes, Waze location sharing via the "Send ETA" feature is completely free and included in the app without extra charges.

How do I stop sharing my location on Waze if I change my mind?

To stop sharing, end your navigation trip by tapping the stop button or exit the Waze app. This immediately disables live location sharing.

Can others track my exact location after I arrive?

No. Once you end navigation, the sharing link becomes inactive, and your location is no longer visible to others.

Is it safe to share my location on Waze?

Yes, sharing on Waze is secure when you send your ETA only to trusted people. The link can be viewed by anyone who has it, so avoid sharing it with strangers or publicly.

How does Waze location sharing differ from Google Maps sharing?

Waze shares your location only during active navigation trips and stops automatically at your destination. Google Maps can share your location continuously for extended periods outside trips.