How to Share Your Location with a Friend or Family Member
Whether you’re meeting someone for lunch, traveling out of town, going on a date, or just want someone to know you got home safely, sharing your location from your phone can be incredibly helpful — and surprisingly simple. It’s one of those features that people often overlook, but once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
Sharing your location isn’t just about safety (though it can certainly help with that) — it’s also about convenience and peace of mind. You can let someone know exactly where you are without explaining landmarks or guessing your ETA. It’s perfect for coordinating plans, navigating crowds, or just checking in with someone you care about.
At TechPals, we hear a lot of questions like:
“Can I share my location without using a special app?”
“Will they see my exact address?”
“How do I turn it off after?”
“What if I want to share with someone who doesn’t have an iPhone?”
We’ll cover all of that and more. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android phone, your device already has powerful tools for location sharing — no downloads required. And if you're ever unsure how to get started, techpals.org is here to walk you through it, step-by-step.
On iPhone (Using Messages or Find My)
If both you and the person you're sharing with have iPhones, the process is seamless. There are two easy ways to share your location: through Messages or the Find My app.
Option 1: Share in Messages
Open the Messages app
Tap on the conversation with the person you want to share your location with
Tap their name at the top of the screen
Tap Share My Location
Choose:
Share for One Hour
Until End of Day
Indefinitely
They’ll receive a real-time map showing your location, which updates as you move. If you have shared with them before, they'll see a small location icon in your conversation.
Option 2: Use the Find My App
Open the Find My app (pre-installed on all iPhones)
Tap the People tab
Tap + and select Share My Location
Choose a contact and how long to share
Find My also allows you to get notifications when someone leaves or arrives at a location — helpful for caregivers or loved ones keeping tabs on each other.
To manage sharing:
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Share My Location
See who you’re sharing with
Stop sharing with one person or everyone at once
You can also ask Siri to “Share my location with [Name]” — a hands-free trick that works great when you’re driving or walking.
On Android (Using Google Maps)
Android phones use Google Maps for location sharing, and it works even if the other person uses an iPhone — all they need is a browser.
To share your location:
Open the Google Maps app
Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner
Tap Location sharing
Tap New share
Choose a time limit (15 minutes to 24 hours, or indefinitely)
Select someone from your contacts or copy a link to send via text or email
Your contact will see your real-time location on a map, and they don’t need to have Google Maps to view it — the link opens in any browser.
You can stop sharing at any time:
Go back to Location sharing
Tap the contact’s name or tap Stop next to the link
Bonus Tip: If you use Google Assistant, you can also say:
“Hey Google, share my location with [Name]” (as long as your contact is synced).
Is Location Sharing Safe?
This is a common concern — and a valid one. Thankfully, both iPhones and Androids give you full control over your location sharing:
You choose who can see your location
You decide how long they can see it
You can stop sharing at any time
You can remove access from old contacts or links
No one can access your location unless you explicitly give them permission. You’ll often see a small arrow or icon near the battery indicator when location sharing is active — a helpful reminder that someone’s seeing your live updates.
Want to double-check your privacy settings? Visit techpals.org. We can walk you through your phone’s settings and make sure you’re sharing only what you want, when you want.
Everyday Ways to Use Location Sharing
You don’t have to wait for an emergency to make use of location sharing. Here are some practical, everyday ways to use it:
Meeting up with friends in a crowd (like a festival, park, or busy downtown)
Coordinating a pickup or rideshare so the driver knows where you are
Letting someone know you’re on your way home
Traveling alone and want someone to check in periodically
Keeping an eye on a kid or parent on the move
Avoiding repeated “Where are you?” texts during a trip
It’s also great for group trips, family travel, or helping someone unfamiliar with the area get to you safely.
What If You Want to Share with Someone Who Doesn't Have the Same Type of Phone?
Good news — you absolutely can. You don’t need to have the same phone or even the same messaging app to share your location with someone. Whether you’re using an iPhone and they have an Android, or vice versa, your phone still gives you several easy ways to send your location.
If You’re Using an iPhone:
You can share your location using Apple Maps or Google Maps (yes, you can have both on your phone). Here’s how:
Apple Maps: Open the Maps app, tap the blue dot that shows your current location, then tap “Share My Location.” From there, you can send it via text, email, or another app.
Google Maps: Open Google Maps, tap your profile icon → Location sharing → New share → Tap Copy to clipboard to get a link. Then paste that link into a message or email to anyone — Android, iPhone, or even a computer.
If You’re Using an Android:
Android users can share their location through Google Maps, which is built into most devices. Follow the same steps: tap your profile photo → Location sharing → New share → Copy link. You can then send that link however you like — even if the person on the other end has an iPhone, a flip phone, or just email.
As long as the person receiving the link has any internet browser (like Safari, Chrome, or Edge), they’ll be able to open it and see your location in real-time, no matter what kind of phone they use.
This type of cross-device sharing is great for group coordination, helping a parent who isn’t tech-savvy, or even just giving someone a way to follow your journey without needing to install any extra apps.
Not sure which method is best? Or want to try it out and make sure it works? TechPals can walk you through exactly how to share your location between any two devices. Just head to techpals.org — we’ll help you figure it out in minutes, so you can stay connected without stress.
Final Thoughts
Sharing your location is one of the most powerful — and underused — features on your phone. Whether it’s giving your loved ones peace of mind, making it easier to meet up, or adding an extra layer of safety when you’re on your own, it’s worth learning how to do it confidently.
Remember: you’re in control. You can choose when to share, who to share with, and for how long. And if you ever want to review, adjust, or stop sharing, you can do that with just a few taps.
Need help making sure it’s working right? Want to do a quick check to see who you're sharing with now? TechPals has you covered. We offer friendly, easy-to-follow support to help you get the most out of your phone. Visit techpals.org for one-on-one guidance — and never feel lost about location settings again.
