How to Share Your Location With Family on iPhone and Android
It is a dark, rainy evening, and your daughter is driving home on the highway after a visit. She promised to text when she got in. An hour passes. Then another half hour.
You pick up the phone, put it down, and pick it up again. You do not want to nag. But you would feel so much better knowing she is safe.
Many families now handle moments like this a different way. They share their locations with each other, so a quick glance at a map can answer the question “Are they home yet?” You may wonder:
How do I share my location with family, and how do I keep control of who can see it?
The good news: both iPhones and Android phones have location sharing built in. You choose exactly who sees your location and for how long, and you can stop sharing at any time.This guide walks you through sharing your location on an iPhone, sharing with Google Maps on Android or iPhone, and how to stop or pause sharing whenever you want.
Location Sharing at a Glance
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A feature that lets people you choose see where your phone is on a map |
| Who can see it? | Only the people you pick |
| For how long? | You choose, such as one hour, until the end of the day, or indefinitely, depending on the app |
| Can I stop? | Yes, at any time |
| iPhone tools | The Find My app or the Messages app |
| Android tools | Google Maps location sharing (also available on iPhone) |
Why Families Share Locations
For many families, location sharing is not about keeping tabs on anyone. It is about peace of mind and simple logistics.
Some common reasons:
- Safe arrivals: knowing a loved one got home after a long drive or a late flight
- Meeting up: finding each other in a busy parking lot, mall, or airport
- Travel: letting family follow along on a trip
- Health and caregiving: helping adult children feel reassured when a parent lives alone
- Fewer “Where are you?” texts: a glance at the map can replace a string of messages
It works best when everyone agrees to it. Location sharing is something you offer, not something anyone should demand.
How to Share Your Location on an iPhone
On an iPhone, the main tool is the Find My app, which comes with the phone. Apple explains the steps in its guide to sharing your location in Find My.
First, make sure your location can be shared:
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap Me at the bottom of the screen.
- Make sure Share My Location is turned on.
Then share with a specific person:
- In Find My, tap People.
- Tap the add button (it may look like a plus sign), then tap Share My Location.
- In the With field, type the name of the family member you want to share with, and choose them from your contacts.
- Choose how long you want to share. Apple lists a set length of time or sharing until you stop, and you may also be able to set a custom time.
Icon names and positions can change with software updates, so your screen may look a little different.
When someone shares with you: you may get a request to share your location back. Apple says you can tap Share under their name, or tap Cancel if you do not want to.Another Way: Share Your Location in Messages
If you are already texting someone, you can share your location right in the conversation. Apple covers this in its guide to sharing your location in Messages.
- Open the conversation with your family member in Messages.
- Tap the plus button next to the text box, then tap Location.
- Tap Share, choose how long, and send.
Apple notes a few helpful details:
- You can also request someone’s location from the same Location option.
- In a regular SMS text conversation (green bubbles), you may only be able to send a pin of your current spot. A pin does not update as you move.
- Messages also offers Check In, which can let a friend know when you arrive safely.
- Location sharing is not available in all countries or regions.
If You Use Family Sharing
If your family already uses Apple’s Family Sharing, you can turn on location sharing for family members from one place. Apple explains this in its guide to sharing locations with family members.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Family, then Location Sharing.
- Turn on sharing for each family member you want to share with.
Apple also describes an option to automatically share your location with family members who join later. You can leave it off if you prefer to decide one person at a time.
How to Share Your Location With Google Maps
If you have an Android phone, or if your family uses different kinds of phones, Google Maps offers location sharing that works on both Android and iPhone. Google explains it in its guides for Android and iPhone.
- Open Google Maps and make sure you are signed in to your Google Account.
- Tap your profile picture or initial in the top corner.
- Tap Location sharing, then New share.
- Choose how long to share.
- Tap the person you want to share with, then tap Share.
Google notes that to share directly with a person, they need a Google Account and should be in your contacts. If they are not, you may be able to send a link instead, which Google says works for up to 24 hours.
What they will see: According to Google, people you share with can see your name, photo, and real-time location. They may also see your phone’s battery level and whether it is charging, and they can choose to get notifications when you arrive at or leave a place.How to Get a Notice When Someone Arrives
On an iPhone, Find My can notify you when a friend arrives at or leaves a place. Apple describes this in its guide to getting notified when a friend’s location changes.
- In Find My, tap People, tap the person’s name, then tap the small info button (the icon may vary).
- Below Notify Me, tap Add Location Alert.
- Choose whether to be notified when they arrive, leave, or are not at a location.
Apple notes that recurring notifications need the other person’s approval. That is a nice built-in courtesy: no one gets watched without knowing it.
How to Stop or Pause Sharing Your Location
You stay in control. Sharing can be turned off just as easily as it was turned on.
| If You Use… | How to Stop |
|---|---|
| Find My (one person) | Tap People, tap the person’s name, tap Stop Sharing My Location, then confirm |
| Find My (pause for one person) | Tap People, tap the person’s name, tap the info button, then tap Hide Location |
| Find My (everyone) | Tap Me, then turn off Share My Location |
| Messages | In the conversation, tap the contact’s name or picture at the top, then tap Stop Sharing My Location |
| Google Maps | Tap your profile picture, tap Location sharing, tap the person, then tap Stop |
Apple also says you can turn off Allow Friend Requests in Find My if you do not want new requests. On Android, Google explains that you can also manage, stop, or pause Google Location Sharing in your phone’s location settings.
If you ever feel that someone is using your location in a way you did not agree to, Apple offers Safety Check, which can help you review and stop sharing with people. You can also review which apps use your location, as Apple describes in its guide to controlling the location information you share.
What to Try If Something Does Not Work
| Problem | What to Try |
|---|---|
| Your family cannot see your location on iPhone | Check Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and make sure Find My is allowed to use your location |
| Your location is not updating | Make sure your phone is on, connected to the internet, and has Location Services turned on |
| You see only a pin, not a moving dot | In a regular text (SMS) conversation, a pin may be all that can be sent; try Find My or Google Maps |
| Google Maps will not let you pick someone | They may need a Google Account and to be in your contacts; try sharing a link instead |
| The person never got your request | Ask them to check Find My or their Google Maps app, or send it again |
| Your phone battery runs low faster | Location features can use some battery; keep a charger handy on travel days |
Talking About It With Your Family
Location sharing works best as a family agreement. A short conversation can avoid misunderstandings. If talks like this sometimes feel harder than they should, A Modern Boomer Guide to Understanding Your Adult Millennial Children offers context on independence, boundaries, and how adult children prefer to stay in touch.
A few things to agree on:
- Who shares with whom. Some families share both ways. Others only during trips.
- For how long. One hour, one day, or ongoing are all reasonable choices.
- What it is for. Safe arrivals and meetups, not checking up on every errand.
- That anyone can stop. Sharing should always be a choice.
Many adult children are used to texting short updates rather than calling. For more on that, see why adult children text instead of calling. If a location alert pops up on your screen and you are not sure what it means, see what all these phone notifications mean.
It is also wise to think about what you share more broadly. Location is personal information, just like the details covered in what to share on social media and what to keep private.
A Simple Plan for Sharing Your Location
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Talk first | Agree with family on who shares and why |
| 2. Choose your app | Find My or Messages on iPhone; Google Maps on Android or iPhone |
| 3. Pick the person | Choose them from your contacts |
| 4. Choose how long | An hour, a day, or ongoing |
| 5. Add an alert if helpful | For example, when they arrive home |
| 6. Stop anytime | Use the same app to turn it off |
Like Leaving the Porch Light On
Many of us grew up with a simple family rule: “Call when you get there.” Maybe it was a collect call that no one accepted, just a ring to say you made it. Maybe it was the porch light left on until everyone was home.
Location sharing is a modern version of that same care. It does not replace a phone call or a hug at the door. It just answers the quiet question that families have always asked: “Did they make it home safe?”
And like the porch light, you decide when it is on and when it is off.
Stay in the know. Continue to grow.
Important Note
This article is for general education and awareness. It is not technical, legal, or safety advice, and Modern Boomer Guides is not affiliated with Apple or Google.
Location sharing features, menu names, and button icons can change with software updates and may vary by device, app version, country, and region. Location sharing is not available everywhere. For the most current steps, see Apple Support or Google Maps Help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I share my location with family on an iPhone?
Open Find My, tap People, tap the add button, then tap Share My Location. Choose the person and how long to share.
Can I share my location with someone who has an Android phone?
Yes. Google Maps location sharing works on both Android and iPhone, so it can be a good choice for mixed families.
Can I choose how long to share my location?
Yes. Both Apple and Google let you choose a length of time, and sharing can also be set to continue until you turn it off.
Will the person know I am sharing my location with them?
Yes. Sharing is done with a specific person, and they are typically notified or can see you in their app.
Can someone see my location without my permission?
With these built-in features, you choose who to share with. If you are concerned, Apple’s Safety Check can help you review and stop sharing.
How do I stop sharing my location?
Use the same app. In Find My, tap People, tap the name, then Stop Sharing My Location. In Google Maps, tap your profile picture, then Location sharing, then the person, then Stop.
What is the difference between Find My and sharing in Messages?
Both use your iPhone’s location. Messages lets you share right inside a conversation. Find My shows everyone you share with on one map.
Why did my family only get a pin?
In a regular SMS text conversation, you may only be able to send a pin of your current spot. A pin does not update as you move.
Does location sharing use a lot of battery?
Location features can use some battery. If you notice a difference, keeping a charger handy on travel days can help.
Can I get a notice when my family member arrives home?
On iPhone, Find My lets you add a location alert for a friend. Google Maps also offers arrival and departure notifications for people sharing with you.
Do I need a Google Account to use Google Maps location sharing?
Yes. Google says you need to be signed in to share, and people you share with directly generally need a Google Account too.
Is it okay to say no to sharing my location?
Yes. Location sharing should always be a choice. You can decline a request or stop sharing at any time.
Sources and Further Reading
The following resources provide additional guidance about sharing your location on iPhone and Android. External links open in a new tab.
- Apple Support: Share your location in Find My on iPhone
- Apple Support: Share your location in Messages on iPhone
- Apple Support: Share locations with family members on iPhone
- Apple Support: Get notified when friends change their location
- Apple Support: Manage information sharing with Safety Check
- Google Maps Help: Share your real-time location with others (Android)
- Google Maps Help: Share your real-time location with others (iPhone)
- Google Account Help: Manage Google Location Sharing
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