Staying connected has become much easier with real-time location sharing. Whether you are meeting friends, travelling alone, or waiting for a delivery, sharing your live location can help others track where you are in real time.
The good part is that both WhatsApp and Google Maps offer simple and secure ways to share your location. In this guide, you’ll learn how to send your current location or live location on Android and iPhone, along with an alternative method using Google Maps.
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Understanding the Difference: Current Location vs Live Location
Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to know the difference between the two options:
- Current Location – Sends a fixed map pin of where you are at that moment. It does not update if you move.
- Live Location – Shares your real-time movement for a selected time period. The location keeps updating as you travel.
You can choose the option based on your requirement.
Sending Live Location on WhatsApp (iPhone)
If you are using an iPhone, the process is straightforward.
Step 1: Open WhatsApp
Launch the WhatsApp app and go to the Chats section at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Select the Contact
Open the conversation of the person (or group) you want to share your location with.
Step 3: Tap the “+” Icon
On the chat screen, tap the + (plus) icon next to the message box.
Step 4: Choose “Location”
From the menu that appears, select Location.
If you are using this feature for the first time, your iPhone will ask for location permission. You can select:
- Once
- While Using the App
- Always
For continuous sharing, selecting While Using the App or Always may work better.
Step 5: Pick Your Preferred Option
You will now see two choices:
- Send Your Current Location
- Share Live Location
If you select Live Location, choose the duration:
- 15 minutes
- 1 hour
- 8 hours
After selecting the time, tap the send arrow to share it.
How to Stop Sharing
To stop live sharing before the time ends:
- Open the same chat
- Tap Stop Sharing below the map
Your location will immediately stop updating.
Sharing Live Location on WhatsApp (Android)
Android users can follow a similar process with slight interface differences.
Step 1: Open WhatsApp
Launch the app and go to the Chats tab.
Step 2: Open a Conversation
Select the person or group where you want to send your location.
Step 3: Tap the Paperclip Icon
At the bottom of the chat window, tap the attachment (paperclip) icon.
Step 4: Select “Location”
From the options shown, tap Location (green map pin icon).
If prompted, allow location access. You may see options such as:
- Allow all the time
- Allow only while using the app
- Ask every time
Choose the option that suits your preference.
Step 5: Choose Location Type
Again, you will see two options:
- Send Your Current Location (static pin)
- Share Live Location (real-time updates)
For live sharing, select the duration (15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours) and tap the send button.
Stopping Live Location
You can stop sharing anytime by:
- Opening the chat
- Tapping Stop Sharing
Sharing Location in WhatsApp Groups
You can also share your live location in a WhatsApp group. Simply open the group chat and follow the same steps mentioned above.
However, for privacy and safety, it is advisable to share live location only with trusted contacts.
Using Google Maps to Share Live Location
Apart from WhatsApp, Google Maps offers a reliable way to share your real-time location. This method works well if the other person does not use WhatsApp or prefers map-based tracking.
How to Share Location via Google Maps
- Open Google Maps on your smartphone.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Location Sharing.
- Tap Share Location.
- Choose the duration for sharing.
- Select the contacts you want to share with.
The selected person will be able to see your live movement on the map. You can stop sharing anytime from the same menu.
Share Trip Progress in Google Maps
If you are travelling somewhere using navigation, Google Maps also allows you to share your trip progress.
Here’s how:
- Start navigation to your destination.
- Tap on the remaining time panel at the bottom.
- Select Share Trip Progress.
- Choose the contact.
This feature automatically stops sharing when your trip ends, making it useful for short journeys.
Sharing Google Maps Link on WhatsApp
You can also copy your live location link from Google Maps and paste it directly into a WhatsApp chat. The receiver can open the link to track your movement.
Keep in mind that live location works best on mobile devices. Some desktop versions may have limited functionality.
Important Tips for Safe Location Sharing
- Share live location only with trusted people.
- Turn off sharing once it is no longer needed.
- Make sure your phone’s GPS and internet connection are active.
- Review app permissions in your phone settings if location is not working properly.
Location
Final Thoughts:
Live location sharing is a useful feature that makes meeting up, travelling, and ensuring safety more convenient. Whether you are using WhatsApp on Android or iPhone, or prefer Google Maps for navigation-based sharing, the process is simple and quick.
Choose between sending a one-time location pin or sharing real-time movement based on your need. With proper permissions and responsible use, location sharing can be a practical tool for everyday situations.
I am a passionate Tech Writer with strong industry experience. I enjoy exploring the latest technological innovations and sharing clear, helpful insights with my audience.