How to Share Your Location on iPhone or Android in 2026: A Complete Guide

Sharing your location on smartphones is essential for meeting friends or family, especially in unfamiliar places. This guide, updated in July 2026, outlines how to share your location using popular apps like Google Maps, Find My, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp, making it easier to navigate and connect with loved ones.

How to Share Your Location Using Google Maps

Google Maps is a widely used mapping app that allows users to share their location seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices. To share your location with friends or family, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
3. Sign in to your Google account if prompted.
4. Select 'Location sharing' and then 'Share location' or 'New share.'
5. Choose the duration for sharing your location.
6. Select the contacts you want to share with (you may need to give access to your contacts).
7. For those without Google accounts, tap 'Copy to' and share the link via email or message.

Users can review who they are sharing their location with by returning to the 'Location sharing' tab. To stop sharing, tap on the relevant person's profile picture or name.

How to Share Your Location Using Find My

If you and your contacts are using iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, the Find My app is the easiest way to share your location. Here’s how:

1. Open the Find My app and navigate to the 'People' tab.
2. Select a person and scroll down to 'Share My Location.'
3. Add contacts by tapping the plus icon and entering their name or number.
4. Choose a duration for sharing: One Hour, Until End of Day, or Indefinitely.

To stop sharing, return to the 'People' tab and select 'Stop Sharing My Location.' You can also disable sharing for everyone by going to the 'Me' tab.

How to Share Your Location Using Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp

Both Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp make sharing your location easy. Here’s how to do it:

Facebook Messenger

1. Open Messenger and select the conversation with the person or group.
2. Tap the Options icon (plus) at the bottom left, then the Location icon (arrow).
3. Grant location privileges if prompted, then tap 'Start sharing live location' or choose a static point to send.

Live location sharing lasts for one hour, and users can stop sharing anytime with a countdown clock displayed.

WhatsApp

1. Open WhatsApp and select the Chats tab.
2. Choose the contact or group you want to share with.
3. On iPhone, tap the plus icon; on Android, tap the paperclip icon.
4. Select 'Location' and allow WhatsApp access to your location data.
5. Tap 'Send Your Current Location' for a snapshot or 'Share Live Location' for real-time tracking.

Live location can be shared for a period ranging from 15 minutes to 8 hours.

Using Emergency SOS and Emergency Sharing Features

Both iPhone and Android devices have emergency features that allow users to share their location with emergency contacts:

iPhone Emergency SOS

1. Open the Health app and tap your profile picture.
2. Select 'Medical ID' and scroll to 'Emergency Contacts.'
3. Add or edit contacts as necessary.
4. Activate Emergency SOS by holding the power button and one volume button, or rapidly pressing the power button five times on older models.

This feature sends a message and shares your location with emergency contacts.

Android Emergency Sharing

Android devices vary by manufacturer, but generally, users can access emergency sharing options through their settings or dedicated emergency apps. It is advisable to review the user manual for specific instructions.