Whether coordinating a meetup or ensuring someone knows your whereabouts, location sharing from a smartphone is a valuable feature. According to a WIRED guide by Simon Hill, updated July 2026, there are several straightforward methods built into common apps. Below are the key approaches for both Android and iOS users.
Google Maps: Cross-Platform Location Sharing
Google Maps, the most popular mapping app, offers a simple location-sharing feature that works on both Android and iOS. Open the app, tap your profile picture or initials at the top right, and sign in to your Google account. Then tap Location sharing and select how long to share (e.g., for one hour or until you stop). You can choose people from your contacts (provided you have their Gmail address) or share a link via email or message for those without a Google account. On iPhone, tap More options to send the link via iMessage or another app. You can review who is sharing with you on the same tab, and tap a profile picture to stop sharing or get directions.
Apple Find My: Best for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
For users in the Apple ecosystem, the Find My app is the easiest method. Open Find My, choose the People tab, and tap the plus icon to add someone by name or number. You can set sharing duration to For One Hour, Until End of Day, or Indefinitely. To stop sharing, tap the person and choose Stop Sharing My Location, or turn off Share My Location on the Me tab.
Facebook Messenger: In-Chat Location Sharing
In Facebook Messenger, you can share your location without leaving a conversation. Open a chat, tap the Options icon (plus) at the bottom left, then the Location icon (arrow). Grant location privileges if prompted. You can Start sharing live location (shared for one hour with a countdown) or send a static point by searching or dragging the map pin. This works on both Android and iOS.
WhatsApp: Location Sharing in Chats
WhatsApp also supports location sharing on Android and iOS. Open the Chats tab, select the person or group, and tap the attachment icon to share your location. The source details were truncated, but the feature allows live location sharing for a set duration.
Comparison of Location Sharing Methods
| Service | Platforms | Share Duration Options | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Android, iOS | Timed or indefinite (user selects) | Google account; Gmail for contacts |
| Find My | iOS, iPadOS, macOS | 1 hour, end of day, indefinite | Apple ID |
| Facebook Messenger | Android, iOS | 1 hour live location | Facebook account |
| Android, iOS | (Not fully specified in source) | WhatsApp account |
Additional Considerations
All methods allow you to stop sharing at any time. For privacy, review the people listed on the Location sharing tab in Google Maps or the People tab in Find My. The WIRED guide notes that these steps were updated July 2026 and include fresh screenshots. None of these features require third-party apps, and all are built into widely used tools.
For enterprise readers, these consumer-grade location sharing features can facilitate coordination among field teams, though dedicated fleet management or logistics platforms offer more robust controls. The underlying technology—GPS positioning, contacts integration, and push notifications—is the same used in industrial tracking systems, but the applications are designed for personal use.
Sources:
