Sharing your current location with others can be useful in many situations. Whether you want to let friends and family know where you are, meet up with someone, or get assistance if you’re lost, there are a few easy ways to send your real-time location from your smartphone.
Using Messaging Apps
One of the simplest ways to share your location is by using a messaging app. Popular chat apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, and others have built-in location sharing features.
Here’s how to use them:
- Open the messaging app and select the conversation you want to share your location in.
- Tap the attach button (usually looks like a paperclip or plus sign).
- Find and select the “Location” option.
- Choose to share your “Current Location” or “Live Location.”
- Pick how long you want to share your location for. You can choose a set time frame or indefinitely.
- Tap send.
The person or people you’re messaging will then get a map preview of your location, which they can tap to open up in their map app. As you move around, your location pin will update in real-time.
Pros
- Easy to use and available in most popular messaging apps.
- Lets you share for a set duration or indefinitely.
- Real-time updating of your location as you move.
Cons
- Only works within your messaging app, so the other person needs to have that app too.
- Can drain your battery if sharing for a long time.
- Requires you to proactively share your location.
Using a Location Sharing App
For more advanced location sharing needs, a dedicated location sharing app may be useful. Apps like Find My Friends, Life360, and Glympse let you share your real-time location from your phone with family members, friends, co-workers, and more.
To use them:
- Download the location sharing app you want to use.
- Sign up for an account if required.
- Approve the app to access your location services.
- Select the contacts you want to share your location with. They’ll need to be using the same app.
- Choose for how long you want to share your location.
- Your location will now be viewable in real-time by the people you’ve selected.
Some things these apps allow are setting up location sharing groups, viewing locations history, getting alerts when people arrive or leave places, and more.
Pros
- Very customizable location sharing settings.
- Works across platforms and devices.
- Provides more location monitoring and alert options.
- Don’t need a messaging app open to share location.
Cons
- Requires everyone to use the same third-party app.
- Drains battery if sharing location continually.
- Privacy concerns around app having constant access to your location.
Using Your Phone’s Built-in Tools
Your smartphone likely has some built-in location sharing features of its own that you can utilize:
iPhone
- Find My app – Share your location with Apple contacts.
- Share My Location iMessage – Share in an iMessage conversation.
- Find My Friends app – Share real-time location with friends.
Android
- Google Maps – Share your location and trip progress.
- Google Messenger – Share location through RCS chat.
- Find My Device – View your Android location history.
The process works much the same as the other methods – enable location access, select contacts, and choose a sharing duration. It’s integrated right into the operating system.
Pros
- Simple and straightforward to use.
- No third-party app required.
- Seamless sharing via native apps.
Cons
- More limited functionality than dedicated apps.
- Usually ties you to sharing via that platform’s ecosystem.
- Contact also needs an iPhone or Android phone.
Using Your Phone’s Emergency Mode
Your phone likely has some form of “emergency mode” that can quickly share your location with designated emergency contacts:
iPhone Emergency SOS
- Press and hold the side or volume buttons.
- Slide to call emergency services.
- It will notify your emergency contacts of your location.
Android Emergency Location Service
- Press the power button 5 times quickly.
- Tap Emergency call to dial emergency services.
- It shares your location with designated contacts.
You can set up emergency contacts in your phone settings. This is an excellent last resort if you’re ever in a dangerous situation and need help.
Pros
- Gets you assistance quickly in an emergency.
- Automatic location sharing upon triggering.
- Works even without cell service via WiFi or GPS.
Cons
- Only for true emergency situations.
- Setup requires designating emergency contacts.
- Can unintentionally trigger emergency services if pressed accidentally.
Using a Car Location Sharing Service
If you want to share your location via your vehicle, most modern connected cars have safety and security location sharing features:
- GM OnStar – Press button to share location and get emergency assistance.
- Volvo On Call – App shares car location, health reports, and emergency aid.
- Hyundai Bluelink – Send vehicle location to contacts from app.
- Toyota Safety Connect – Get help dispatched to your exact location after an accident.
These work through telematics technology built into the car. You’ll need to have the connected service activated on your vehicle.
Pros
- Hands-free help if you have an accident or breakdown.
- Family can check your trip progress.
- Car’s location updates automatically.
Cons
- Only works when you’re driving your connected car.
- Requires a paid connected service subscription.
- Contacts need the app or web portal to view location.
Using a Dedicated GPS Tracking Device
For more advanced real-time location tracking, installing a dedicated GPS device in your vehicle allows constant monitoring of its movements:
- Hardwired devices plug into the vehicle’s OBD port.
- Portable magnetic trackers stick onto the exterior.
- Monthly contract with provider required for cellular data.
- Location updates every few minutes or seconds.
Popular choices include LandAirSea GPS, Optimus Tracker, and Spy Tec STI GL300.
Pros
- Tracks vehicle anywhere, even remote areas.
- Great for monitoring teen drivers.
- Can recover stolen vehicles.
- Provides driving reports and analytics.
Cons
- Expensive hardware and monthly fees.
- Installing a hardwired device can be complicated.
- Raises privacy concerns around constant monitoring.
Choosing the Best Option
Deciding the best way to share your real-time location depends on your specific needs and who you want to share with. Here are some key factors to consider:
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Functionality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messaging Apps | Free | Very Easy | Limited |
| Location Sharing Apps | Free or Cheap | Easy | Robust |
| Built-in Phone Tools | Free | Easy | Basic |
| Car Systems | Service Fee | Simple | Good |
| GPS Trackers | Expensive | Difficult | Very Advanced |
For most people, using a location sharing app provides the best blend of ease-of-use and functionality when you want to share your real-time location with others from your phone. Dedicated GPS trackers are overkill for personal use, while messaging apps lack more advanced features.
Just be sure to only share your location when required and with those you trust. Never share your location publicly or permanently. Make use of available settings like duration limits, one-time sharing, or pausing at any time. Location sharing can be vital for coordinating meetups, getting assistance, and staying safe – but also value your privacy.
Conclusion
Sharing your real-time location from your phone is straightforward using the variety of options available these days. Messaging apps provide a quick way to temporarily share your location with friends and family. More advanced location sharing apps enable precise tracking and monitoring of your location by others. Built-in tools, car systems, and dedicated GPS devices offer other ways to share your phone or vehicle’s location.
Consider factors like convenience, functionality, cost, and privacy when deciding the best option for your needs. Be smart about who you share with, limit the duration, and use available privacy controls. With the right approach, location sharing can be extremely useful without compromising your security and peace of mind.