How do I share my location with someone via Messages?

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I’m planning to meet my friend at a new coffee shop and want to share my real-time location with them for safety and ease of navigation. Using my iPhone, how do I share my current location or enable live location tracking via the Messages app? I also need clarification on whether this works with iMessage only or standard text messages, and if there are options to set a time limit for sharing to protect my privacy.

Sharing Location via Messages on iPhone (iOS)

  1. Open Messages: Launch the Messages app and start a conversation or open an existing chat.
  2. Access Location Sharing:
    • Tap the text input field to activate the keyboard.
    • Tap the < > icon (App Drawer) at the bottom-left of the keyboard.
    • Swipe left to find the Location icon (a pin on a map).
  3. Choose Sharing Options:
    • Send Current Location: Tap this option to send your precise GPS location once.
    • Share My Location: Tap this to share your location continuously for a set duration. You’ll be prompted to choose a time frame:
      • 1 Hour, End of Day, or Indefinitely.
  4. Confirm and Send:
    • Tap Send or Share Location. The recipient will receive a map pin of your location within the chat.

Managing Location Sharing on iPhone

  • Stop Continuous Sharing:
    • Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Share My Location.
    • Tap the contact’s name and select Stop Sharing.
  • View Sent Locations:
    • In the Messages app, tap the contact’s name at the top of the chat, then tap Info > Location to see a history of shared locations.

Sharing Location via Messages on Android (Google Messages App)

  1. Open Google Messages: Launch the app and start a conversation.
  2. Attach Location:
    • Tap the paperclip icon (Attachment) next to the text input field.
    • Select Location from the attachment options.
  3. Select Location:
    • Tap Current Location to share your real-time position.
    • Alternatively, search for a specific address or place using Google Maps.
  4. Send:
    • Tap Send. The recipient receives a clickable map link in the chat.
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Managing Location Sharing on Android

  • Stop Sharing:
    • Open the location message and tap Remove to delete it.
    • For real-time sharing, disable location access entirely via Settings > Location > toggle off Use location.
  • Privacy Notes:
    • Ensure Location Services are enabled in Android settings.
    • Grant Messages app location permissions via Settings > Apps > Messages > Permissions.

Key Requirements

  • iOS-Specific: Both users must use Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) for real-time location sharing via Messages.
  • Android-Specific: The recipient must have the Google Messages app installed.
  • Permissions: Grant Messages app access to location services on your device.
  • Internet Connection: Requires active data or Wi-Fi for accurate location sharing.

Troubleshooting

  • Location not updating? Restart location services or enable High Accuracy Mode in settings.
  • Link error on Android? Ensure Google Maps is up-to-date and the recipient can open the link.

Published: October 6, 2025