Stop Using WhatsApp: Here’s the Smarter Way to Share Your Live Location via Google Maps

August 3, 2026

Stop Using WhatsApp: Here’s the Smarter Way to Share Your Live Location via Google Maps 3

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Sharing your current whereabouts is easier than ever, but if you find WhatsApp’s options a bit clunky or intrusive, there are straightforward ways to share your real-time location right from your mobile device—no need for complicated workarounds.

On WhatsApp, you have two main options for sharing your location: sending a one-time pin to show exactly where you are, or broadcasting your live location for up to eight hours. You can stop sharing your live location whenever you want. The following is a quick guide to sending a map with your current location to a contact in WhatsApp, on either iPhone, iPad, or Android.

For iPhone and iPad users, make sure location services are enabled before sharing your location through WhatsApp. Open your Settings app, tap WhatsApp, select Location, and choose “Always.” To share your location, open WhatsApp, tap the Chats tab, and select a conversation or start a new one. You can also share in a group chat. Tap the plus sign, pick Location, then tap Share Live Location. Choose for how long you’d like your live location to be visible (up to eight hours), and tap Send. Once the time’s up, your live location automatically stops sharing. To end it sooner, return to the chat, tap Stop Sharing, then confirm.

Android users should also make sure location permissions for WhatsApp are enabled. Go to Settings, tap Apps & Notifications, select Advanced, then App permissions, and find Location. Make sure WhatsApp is allowed to access your location. Once set, open WhatsApp and tap the Chats tab. Choose any chat or group, tap the paperclip icon, then select Location, and tap Share live location. Decide how long your location will be visible, then tap Send. You can stop sharing before the timer ends by tapping Stop sharing in the chat and confirming.

Ethan Collins Author

Ethan Collins is a London-based tech journalist specializing in digital innovation, smartphones, and the Android ecosystem. Passionate about new technologies for over a decade, he analyzes market trends, tests the latest devices, and breaks down the impact of emerging tools on everyday life. Before joining the editorial team, he collaborated with several UK media outlets and tech startups, where he developed strong expertise in mobile ecosystems and SaaS solutions. Curious, detail-oriented, and always on the lookout for what’s next, Ethan is committed to delivering clear, reliable, and accessible articles for both tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.