How to Share Your Location on an iPhone or Android Phone (2026 Guide)
Smartphones offer several easy ways to share your location, from Google Maps to Emergency SOS. This article summarizes updated instructions from July 2026 for various platforms.
If you want friends or family to know where you are, your smartphone provides multiple options. Wired has published an updated guide on how to share your location on iOS and Android (July 2026).
Google Maps
Google Maps is available on both Android and iOS. Open the app, tap your profile picture or initials at the top right, and sign into your Google account. Select "Location sharing" and choose how long you want to share. You can pick contacts from your list (requires their Gmail address) or generate a link to share with people who don't have a Google account. The link can be pasted into an email or message. To stop sharing, go to the same tab.
Find My (Apple devices)
For those using iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, the Find My app is recommended. Open it, go to the "People" tab, tap the plus icon to add a contact, and choose a sharing duration (one hour, until end of day, or indefinitely). To stop, select the person and tap "Stop Sharing My Location".
Facebook Messenger
In the Messenger app (Android and iOS), open a conversation, tap the options icon (plus) and then the location icon. You can start sharing your live location (for one hour) or send a static point. For a static point, search for an address or drag the map and tap "Send location".
WhatsApp (Android and iOS) allows location sharing in chats. Open the chat, tap the paperclip icon on Android or the plus icon on iPhone, then choose "Location" and grant access. You can send your current location (a snapshot) or share live location (from 15 minutes up to 8 hours).
Emergency SOS (iPhone and Android)
iPhone Emergency SOS: First add emergency contacts via the Health app. Activate by holding the power button and a volume button (or quickly pressing the power button five times on older models). Drag the slider to call emergency services; a text with your location is automatically sent to your emergency contacts. Android: Procedures vary by manufacturer. Typically, hold down the power button to access emergency information. On Google Pixel phones, go to Settings > Location > Location Services and enable Emergency Location Service. In Settings > Safety and Emergency, you can add emergency contacts and enable sharing of real-time location when Emergency SOS is triggered.
Wired recommends checking who you share your location with periodically. If you share location regularly for safety, you may also want to see their guide to the best personal safety alarms.
