How to share your location on Google Maps (Android)

Google Maps on your Android phone can show family members where you are in real time. This is a wonderful safety tool. If you are heading to a doctor's appointment, driving to visit a grandchild, or walking the dog, the people you trust can see your location on a map and know you are safe.

You choose who sees your location, and you choose how long. You can share for 15 minutes, an hour, several hours, or until you turn it off. Your family does not need an Android phone. They can see your location on an iPhone, a tablet, or a computer as long as they have a Google account.

This guide walks you through it from start to finish. The Google Maps app comes pre-installed on most Android phones. If you do not see it, open the Play Store and search for Google Maps. It is free.

A few things to know before you start. First, you need to be signed into a Google account on your phone. Most Android phones already are. Second, the person you share with needs a Google account too. If they do not have one, they can make one for free at accounts.google.com. Third, sharing uses a small amount of data and battery. If you only share for a short time, you will barely notice.

You can stop sharing at any moment. Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, tap Location sharing, and tap Stop next to the person's name. The map updates within a few seconds.

Location sharing is private between you and the people you pick. Google does not show it to anyone else. Follow the steps below to turn it on.