How to share your live location in Google Maps on Android

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture and tap Location sharing. Tap New share, choose how long to share, pick the person and tap Share. For someone without a Google Account, choose Copy to clipboard and send them the link, which works for up to 24 hours.

Location sharing shows another person where your phone is on their map, updated as you move. It is useful for meeting up, for a journey home at night, or between family members. You decide who sees it and for how long.

Names of buttons are from Google's own apps on a recent Android version. They can differ slightly on your phone.

Step by step

  1. Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture

    It is at the top right. You must be signed in to a Google Account.

  2. Tap Location sharing, then New share

    The first time, Maps explains the feature and asks for the location permission.

  3. Choose the duration

    Pick a time, for example one hour, or choose Until you turn this off for permanent sharing.

  4. Choose the person

    Tap someone from the suggestions or search your contacts. The person needs a Google Account, and their Gmail address should be saved in your Google Contacts.

  5. Tap Share

    The person gets a notification and sees you on their map in Google Maps.

  6. Share with someone without a Google Account

    In New share, tap Copy to clipboard and paste the link into a text message, email or chat. Anyone with the link can see your position, for up to 24 hours.

  7. Stop sharing

    Open Location sharing again, tap the person and tap Stop.

Good to know

What the other person sees: your name and photo, the recent position of the phone even when you are not using Google apps, and the battery level and whether the phone is charging.

Google sends a reminder now and then that sharing is still on. Check the list under Location sharing from time to time and remove people you no longer need there.

If someone pressures you to share your location permanently, that is a warning sign. You can stop at any time, and the other person is not asked.

On Apple phones: how to share your location from an iPhone. If the position is off: Android GPS not accurate: 8 ways to fix your location.

In short: Google Maps, profile picture, Location sharing, New share, duration, person, Share. Link for people without a Google Account. Stop under the same menu.

Sources
  • Google Maps Help: Share your real-time location with others in Google Maps

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.