Google Maps is one of the many services by Google that enable users to identify the place where they want to go on the map, provide a route from point A to B alongwith an ETA and traffic congestion. It also helps users find shops, restaurants and local sights in a jiffy and helps users explore the place they are currently in, travelling to or en route. This has made life easier for commuters as well as travellers, especially those who love hitchhiking.

In addition to all its features, Google Maps also allows users to share their live location with another contact, which can be used to keep tabs on the user’s whereabouts and can be especially helpful in case of emergencies. In this article, we explain how you can share live location on Google Maps via the Maps app (Android and iOS) or your PC and also how to stop sharing the live location.

Share location in Google Maps app (Android and iOS)

Here are the steps to share live location in Google Maps if you are using the app on Android and iOS. To continue, you will first have to add the contact to your Google Account. After that, follow the instructions given below.

• You will have to open Google Map on the phone and then sign in with your account.
• After that, tap on the profile picture at the top right of the screen and a new set of options will open.
• Now, tap on Location sharing.
• Select the person with whom you want to share the location. Or, tap on the platform where you want to share the location.
• Once you have selected the person, choose the time. There are two options for the same — For 1 hour and Until you turn this off. When you choose the former, you can share the location for one hour while the latter lets you share the location as long as the location sharing is switched on. To increase or decrease the timer, tap on the plus or minus button on the left. Each tap will increase or decrease the time by one hour. In the screenshot above, you can see that I have shared the location for three hours.
• Once you are done, tap on Share.

If you are sharing the location for the first time, Google will ask for your final confirmation. Tap on Turn on to share the location.

Share location with someone who doesn’t have a Google Account

To share your location to a person who doesn’t have a Google Account, follow the instructions given below.

• Open Google Map > Tap on the profile picture > Location sharing.
• Now, either select a someone from your recent contacts or swipe right on the names tab and then tap on More.
• Select the person from the list and then tap OK.

When you share the location with someone who doesn’t have a Google Account, then a link is sent to the person. They can click on the link to see your live location.

How to stop sharing the location via the app?

Here are the steps to stop sharing the location on Android as well as iOS.

• Open Google Maps and then tap on the profile picture > Location Sharing.
• Here, you will see the people with whom you are currently sharing the location.
• Tap on the cross icon on the right to cancel sharing the location.

Also read: 5 tips to make the most out of Google Maps

Share live location in Google Maps via the computer

Unfortunately, you can’t send the live location via the computer or laptop; you can only do it from the app. However, you can send the location from the computer to your mobile. For a better understanding, check the screenshots below the steps. Before proceeding further, open Google Maps on your computer and then sign in with your account.

Step 1: Now, click on the hamburger icon on the top left and then select Location Sharing from the drop-down menu.Step 2: Here, you will see that Google will allow you to share the location only via the app. Click on Use the app and then click the device where you want to send the location. On your mobile device, you will get a notification, and when you click on it, the location sharing page will open. Now, follow the same instructions as mentioned above for sharing location in Android and iOS apps.

Stop sharing location on Google Maps via PC

Although sending isn’t allowed, Google lets you stop sharing the live location from the computer. To stop sharing the location, follow the steps given below.

Step 1: Open Google Maps > Hamburger icon on the top left > Location Sharing. Step 2: Now, click on Manage your location and a new tab will open.Step 3: In the new tab, you will see the person or persons with whom you have shared the location. Just click on the cross icon to cancel the location. Also read: How to add location in Google Maps?