Google Will Now Let You Share Your Location with Friends in Maps

BY GreenBot Staff

Published 22 Mar 2017

Google is on a Maps mission in 2017. Since the beginning of the year, it has added some pretty great features to make getting where you’re going, Uber integration, parking availability, and saved places easier. Now it wants to help your friends know where you are. In an update coming to the Android and iOS Maps app, you’ll be able to broadcast your location without needing to leave the app. Of course, it’ll be on a need-to-know basis. But when you’re running late or want to let someone know where you are. You’ll only be a tap away from sending the information along. Using the new feature is simple. You can either open the side menu or tap the blue dot on the map. To find the new Share location option. Once it opens, you can select who to share with. And how long you want them to have access to your location. You can share with your contacts or generate a link to a social app.

It’s easy to share your location in the upcoming Maps update.

Sharing Your Location

Conversely, the people you’ve selected to share with will see your location in Maps. Once they tap the link, they will see an icon above the compass on your map. You’ll know you’re being watched. And even if you have a time limit set, you’ll be able to stop sharing your location anytime.
You’ll also be able to send information about your current trip. Hence, people know when you’re about to arrive. First, tap on the arrow to the right of the route instructions at the bottom of the screen. Then select the Share trip progress option. The recipients can see where you are and track your progress. Sharing will automatically end when you arrive at your destination.

Google says the update will be rolling out soon to apps and the Maps site to users worldwide.

Moving forward: While all the recent Maps updates have been significant, we’re particularly looking forward to this one. Having your family and friends spy on your location might seem creepy. Still, it handles it well, with expiration times, automatic shut-off, and trip tracking that ends when you arrive. It’s a bit like Apple’s Find My Friends app, but we think it’ll be way more helpful built into Maps rather than needing to remember to open a second app.