Live location sharing can help a trusted person follow a trip, but it can also reveal where you are, where you travel, and when you arrive or leave. Use the shortest practical sharing period, review the recipient carefully, and know how to stop the share.
Choose the least revealing option
| Need | Better choice | What it reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Show one meeting point | Share a static pin | One location, not your movement |
| Show trip progress | Share ETA or trip progress | Route-related progress for that trip |
| Coordinate for a limited period | Time-limited live location | Your changing location during the selected period |
| Long-term family sharing | Ongoing share with periodic review | Continued location access until stopped |
Share from Google Maps
On a mobile device, open Google Maps, tap the profile picture, choose Location sharing, then select a duration and recipient. Google's current Location Sharing documentation explains that recipients may see your name, photo, recent device location, battery status, and—in some cases—arrival and departure information.
Prefer a named Google contact to a broadly shareable link. Review active shares from the same Location sharing screen and stop any that are no longer needed.
Share from an iPhone
Apple supports a one-time pin, sharing while traveling, and ongoing Live Location. In Find My, use People to select a recipient and choose one hour, until the end of the day, or indefinitely. Apple's location-sharing guide also explains how to stop sharing in Find My, Messages, or Maps.
Privacy checks before tapping Send
- Confirm the recipient, especially in a group conversation.
- Use one hour or the end of the day instead of indefinite sharing when possible.
- Do not post a live-location link publicly or forward someone else's location without consent.
- Remember that screenshots and forwarded links can outlast the original reason for sharing.
- Review location permissions and active shares after the trip.
If sharing creates a personal-safety concern
Use a safe device and consider whether abruptly changing access could increase risk. On iPhone, Safety Check can review or stop sharing. Google users can review Location Sharing in their Google Account. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Related guidance
- Share a static pin instead of continuous tracking
- Prepare emergency destinations without exposing medical details
- Review privacy when saving frequent places
Reviewed July 19, 2026. Menu names may vary by operating-system and app version.