Google Maps Brings the Ability to Share Real-Time Location Through its App: Here is How to Use the Feature

Google Maps is the go to platform for everyone to navigate places and in a continuous effort to make the platform more seamless for its users, Google has introduced the ability to share real-time location directly from its app. This amazing feature promises to revolutionise the way we navigate not just physical spaces, but also our relationships with friends and family.

Despite messaging giants like WhatsApp and Signal offering real-time location sharing for years, there has been clearly a demand for a smoother, more intuitive way to navigate this feature.

Google’s move has been a significant step to make this process easier. The Location Sharing feature on Google Maps allows users to control who can access their location details and for how long. 

In addition to standard live location sharing found in messaging apps, Google Maps introduces some useful enhancements. For instance, when sharing your location using Google Maps, recipients can view your device's battery status and whether it's currently charging. Furthermore, users can share their estimated time of arrival when navigating to a destination.

According to Google's support page for Location Sharing, the feature remains functional even when Location History is turned off in Maps. Google mentioned: “Location Sharing works even when Location History is turned off. You may get a warning when you open Location sharing.  Common causes include:

• You're in a country or region where you can’t share your location.

• Location sharing isn’t available for your Google Workspace domain. To turn on location sharing, ask your administrator.

• You're too young to share your location.

• If your account is managed by a parent or guardian, they can manage Location Sharing with the Family Link App”

How to Use Google Maps’ Real-Time Location Sharing Feature? 

Here are the steps listed by Google Support on how to share real-time location through Android: 

For sharing with someone who has a Google Account: 

• On your Android phone or tablet, launch the Google Maps app and log in. If needed, review the process for signing in.
• Click on your profile picture or initial, then select "Location sharing" and choose "New share."
• Specify the duration for which you wish to share your location.
• Tap the profile of the individual with whom you intend to share your location. If prompted to grant Google Maps access to your contacts, provide the necessary permission.
• Finally, select "Share" to start the location sharing.

For sharing with someone who doesn’t have a Google Account:

• Open the Google Maps app and log in 
• Click on your picture or initial (the one in your account circle).
• Then, select "Location sharing" and choose "New share" to add people.
• To share your location link, tap "Copy to clipboard."
• Paste the link into an email, text, or another messaging app to share it with someone.
• The person who gets the link can see where you are in real-time for as long as you want, up to 24 hours.