Google Maps is not only a mapping tool but with it you can use the "Share location" function to tell your contacts where you are in real time and with a single click. This feature is perfect for those who want to know where a family member is or where to meet friends. I tell you everything about this function to find people on Google Maps.
What Google Maps tells you about the location of your contacts
Google Maps offers a wide range of functions to find all kinds of information. From nearby toll booths to knowing the best restaurants nearby. But its versatility does not end there, since Google can notify you of the position of the users you have in your contact list.
The contacts you share your location with They will always be able to see the following information about you:
- Your name and your photo.
- The recent location of your device. It does this even if you are not using a Google service.
- The battery you have left in your phone and also tells you if you are charging it or not.
- Plus, they can see your arrival or departure time at any time by adding “Location Sharing” notifications.
Information shared with other contacts can include places you've been recently, how you're traveling, and other data from your device. Now that you know what information other people will see about you, let's see how to use this feature to find people on Google Maps.
How to share my location with Google Maps
You can use this function to find people on Google Maps in two different ways. One is for the application itself and the other is for people who do not have the app or Google account. Let's see them.
But first, if you don't have the application installed on your mobile, I leave you the link here so you can download it and enjoy it.
How to share my location with another contact
To use this feature You will only need an internet connection and the Google Maps app. I tell you the steps you have to take:
- First, as always, open the Google Maps app and log in.
- With the session started click on your profile picture and a menu will open.
- In that menu go to the option «Share location«.
- Now click again on «Share location«, you can see below a text that says «See what information will be shared» that you can click to get more information.
- Choose how long you want your location to be shared with a minimum period of 15 minutes. You can also choose contacts to send your position to.
- Configure everything you need from here and share your location by tapping the « buttonShare«.
- Ready, you will now be sharing your location with the time conditions you have established.
How to share my location with another person who does not have a Google account
- Open the Google Maps app and sign in.
- Tap on the profile image and in the menu that has opened, tap on «Share location«.
- Copy the link with the function «Copy to clipboard«.
- That link you can send by SMS, email or instant messaging so that the other person can access your location with a single touch.
- Ready, the people you share this location with will have access to it for up to 24 hours from when you created the link.
Now, we will not always want this information exposed, let's see how to stop sharing the location on Google Maps.
How to stop sharing location.
Try to use this function only and when you need it. As you know, we must try to keep our information safe to avoid possible attacks on us. To do this, whenever we use this tool, we will have to be careful to deactivate the function when we do not use it.
For this, all you have to do is Tap the “Stop Sharing” button (appears next to the person's name).
But if what you want is to stop sharing your data with anyone temporarily, you will have to deactivate real-time location in the device settings.
Why can't I share location?
Importantly, Location Sharing does not work in the following cases:
- When you are in a country that does not allow location sharing.
- If you manage a Google Workspace domain you won't be able to either. To do this you will have to contact the administrator.
- You are underage.
As you know, there are restrictions on use for minors. To manage the account of children and adolescents we will have to use the Family Link application. I leave you a link to this app in case you have a minor in your care and want to permanently control the location of these people.
So now you know, sharing your location through Google Maps is very simple and can be used for countless situations. The only thing you have to be careful is not to leave the location activated all the time to avoid possible attacks on your privacy.
And if you prefer, you can always send your coordinates to other people. This way is more classic but it is also viable and safe. And you, How do you prefer to have the location sent to you: through Maps, by coordinates or by another app?