Google Maps location sharing

Stock image from Pexels/RawPixel

Google Maps: How to share your live location with someone

Google Maps can be used for so much more than just finding directions or transit information.

Google Maps location sharing

Stock image from Pexels/RawPixel

Apart from using it to plan your holiday itinerary, you can also use it as a safety measure by sharing your location with trusted contacts.

In addition, Google added a new feature where your trusted contacts can also see your battery level. This is oh so valuable, especially when travelling solo.

My first solo road trip was crossing the border in eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland). When I stopped at Oshoek, I checked my messages and had a friendly reminder from my partner to charge my battery.

It was at 11% at the time. Had my phone died, I would have been driving around blindly in a country I’ve never been in before, at 21:00 while looking for my accommodation. And I didn’t have an eSwatini-enabled sim card yet.

So, I wouldn’t have been able to call him for directions from my backup phone if the phone I was using as a GPS had died. So, useful feature indeed.

How to share your location in Google Maps

It’s super easy. All you need to do is tap and hold on any location to drop a pin. Then, tap the address section at the bottom of the screen to expand it and select the “Share” or “Share Place” option.

Google Maps Location Sharing
Image via: Turtler.io

The location will then show up on your recipient’s map, and they’ll be able to follow directions as you go along on your journey. Should anything happen, you left a trail of where you were, and at what times.

The battery level is displayed right next to where it shows how far away they are. It will give the exact percentage and is updated every few minutes. It will also indicate if someone’s phone is on charge.

How to share your location with someone permanently

You can also keep this feature active for an extended period of time. Simply click on the three lines in the top left corner, then select “Location Sharing.”

In the top right corner, you’ll see the “add” icon – it’s a little vector dude with a plus sign. The pop-up titled “Share your real time location” will give you the option of sharing the location for only an hour, or “until you turn this off.”

Google Maps location sharing
Image via: iDownloadBlog

Once you’ve added someone, their name will appear at the bottom of the screen, with an “ongoing” status. If you click on their name, you’ll be given the option to request that they share their location with you.

When they do, you’ll be able to see their location on the map. It will show how far away they are, and their battery percentage. And that’s it! Of course, only share your location information with people you trust.

Related – Google Maps will now help South African drivers to avoid speed traps