How to Share Location on Google Maps

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is location sharing on Google Maps?

Location sharing on Google Maps is a feature that lets you broadcast your current geographic position to one or more people for a set period or indefinitely. When enabled, your device uses GPS and internet to update your location continuously on a map others can see. This is useful for coordinating meetups, letting family know you’re safe, or helping friends track your arrival time.

For example, if you are traveling to meet a friend, you can share your location for a couple of hours so they know exactly when you’ll arrive. If you are out late, sharing your location with a trusted family member until you get home adds a safety layer. The feature is designed for privacy: you decide who can see your location, for how long, and you can stop sharing anytime.

Google Maps also lets you share your location via a link that recipients can open in a web browser, so they don’t need the app. However, location sharing relies on GPS accuracy and an internet connection, so the location updates might be less precise indoors or in areas with poor signal.

What do you need before starting location sharing?

Before sharing your location on Google Maps, prepare the following:

• Device with Google Maps installed: This can be a smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS. Make sure the app is updated to the latest version.
• Google account: You must be signed in with your Google account for location sharing to work.
• Location services enabled: Your device’s settings must allow apps to access your location. On iPhones, this is under Privacy > Location Services; on Android, under Location settings.
• Internet connection: An active Wi-Fi or cellular data connection is necessary to send location updates.
• Contacts ready: Have the email addresses or phone numbers of the people you want to share with saved in your contacts or accessible.
• Privacy awareness: Understand that sharing location reveals your whereabouts to others. Only share with people you trust and for durations you’re comfortable with.

For example, on an iPhone, open Settings, tap Privacy, then Location Services to confirm it is on. On Android, go to Settings > Location and toggle location on. Then check Google Maps app permissions to allow location access “While Using the App” or “Always” if you want continuous sharing.

How do you share your location on Google Maps step-by-step?

Follow these detailed steps to start sharing your location:

1. Open the Google Maps app. Tap the app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
2. Tap your profile picture or initial. It appears in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Location sharing.” This opens the location sharing menu.
4. Tap “New share” or “Share location.” This starts the process of creating a new location share.
5. Choose the duration. Select how long you want to share your location. Options range from 15 minutes to 24 hours, or choose “Until you turn this off” for continuous sharing.
6. Select people to share with. You can pick contacts from your Google contacts list, or type in phone numbers or emails for people outside your contacts.
7. Tap “Share.” This sends a notification or message to the selected people with a link to view your real-time location.
8. Confirm sharing is active. You’ll see a timer or a list of people who can see your location.

For example, if you want to share your location with your spouse while driving home, select “Until you turn this off” so they can track you until you arrive. Or for meeting friends at a new restaurant, share for 2 hours to cover travel and dining time.

How can you tell if location sharing worked?

Once you’ve started sharing your location, Google Maps provides several indicators to confirm it’s working:

• Active sharing icon: Your profile icon at the top right might show a small location symbol, indicating sharing is active.
• Location sharing screen: Under "Location sharing," you will see the names or profile images of people currently seeing your location.
• Timer countdown: If sharing for a limited time, a countdown timer or progress bar shows how much time remains.
• Notifications: People you shared with receive a notification or message allowing them to open your location.
• Map markers: You may see icons on your map representing shared contacts’ locations if they share back.

To verify, ask a trusted recipient if they see your location updating on their device. If they confirm, your sharing is functioning correctly.

For instance, after sharing location with a friend, you might see their profile icon on your sharing screen. Meanwhile, your friend can view your moving position on their Google Maps app or browser. This real-time update confirms successful sharing.

What should you do if location sharing doesn’t work?

If sharing fails or doesn’t appear to be working, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check location services: Ensure your device’s GPS is on and Google Maps has permission to access location both “While Using” and “Background” if available.
• Verify internet connection: Poor or no internet can prevent location updates. Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data if needed.
• Restart the app: Close Google Maps completely and reopen it.
• Restart the device: Sometimes a quick reboot fixes background service glitches.
• Confirm you are signed into your Google account: Location sharing requires being logged in.
• Update Google Maps: An outdated app may cause issues. Update it through your app store.
• Check battery saver settings: Some devices restrict background location sharing to save battery. Disable battery saver or allow Google Maps to run unrestricted.
• Double-check sharing contacts: Make sure the email or phone details you entered are correct and the recipients have accepted the sharing request.
• Reset location sharing: Stop sharing completely, then start again fresh.
• Clear app cache (Android): Go to settings, find Google Maps, clear cache to remove corrupted temporary files.

If these steps do not fix the problem, consult Google’s support resources or your device manufacturer. Technical issues involving location settings can vary widely by phone model and operating system version. For privacy-related permission questions, see What Location Sharing on Android Means for Your Privacy.

How can you adapt location sharing for different audiences?

Location sharing should be customized to fit who you are sharing with and why. Here are examples for different groups:

• Family: For parents sharing location with children, use “Until you turn this off” for continuous safety monitoring. Combine with family group settings in Google’s Family Link to manage multiple members easily. Teach kids how to stop sharing if they feel uncomfortable. For elderly family members, sharing location with caregivers can help with health emergencies.

• Friends: Share your location temporarily during events or trips. For example, share for 2 hours during a concert or hike so friends know if you need help or where to meet. Avoid long-term sharing unless you trust all recipients fully.

• Work colleagues: If sharing location for work purposes (e.g., delivery drivers), ensure everyone consents and understands privacy boundaries. Use group sharing features and clear start/end times.

• Public or casual contacts: Avoid sharing location broadly or indefinitely. Use direct sharing with specific people and for short durations to protect your privacy.

By adapting sharing settings, you maintain control and privacy while using the feature’s benefits. For more tips, see How to Share Your Location Safely with Family.

What privacy and safety considerations should you know?

While location sharing is convenient, it involves sharing sensitive data about your whereabouts. Keep these points in mind:

• Only share with trusted people. Avoid sharing location with unknown contacts or large groups.
• Limit sharing duration. Choose the shortest necessary time frame to reduce exposure.
• Review sharing regularly. Periodically check who can see your location and revoke access if needed.
• Disable sharing when not needed. Turn off location sharing to protect privacy.
• Be aware of device and app permissions. Location access also allows Google Maps to collect data for other purposes, which you can manage in settings.
• Use two-factor authentication. Protect your Google account with extra security to prevent unauthorized access.
• Consider your environment. Location sharing may reveal patterns like when you’re home or away, so use caution.

If you ever feel unsafe or believe your location is being shared without consent, stop sharing immediately and seek help from trusted adults or authorities. For ongoing privacy management, see Location Sharing Rules and Settings on Google Devices.

Frequently asked questions

Can I share my location on Google Maps without having the app?

Yes. When you share location, Google Maps can send a link via text or email that opens in a web browser. The recipient does not need the app to see your location.

How do I stop sharing my location on Google Maps?

Open Google Maps, tap your profile icon, select “Location sharing,” find the person or session you want to stop sharing with, and tap “Stop.” This immediately ends location sharing.

Is location sharing on Google Maps accurate?

Location accuracy depends on GPS signal strength and device settings. Outdoors with good GPS and internet, accuracy can be within a few feet. Indoors or areas with poor signal reduce precision. See [How Accurate Is Location Sharing on Google Maps](#r4) for more details.

Can I share my location with multiple people at once?

Yes. You can select multiple contacts to share your location simultaneously. All selected people will receive updates during the sharing period.

Does location sharing work on all devices?

Google Maps location sharing works on most Android and iOS devices with the app installed. It requires a Google account and location services enabled.