Sharing your location in Google Messages could soon look a lot more like Google Maps. Google is testing satellite and terrain views, plus a live traffic layer, for the map that appears when someone shares their real-time location in a chat. Here's what was found, how it could help and how to share your location in Messages right now.
What Google Is Testing
The new options turned up in Google Messages beta version 20261013, Android Authority reported on October 19. The findings come from an APK teardown, meaning they were spotted by digging into the app's code, not announced by Google.
The test adds a layer button in the top-right corner of the map that opens when you view a shared live location. It brings three map types:
- Default, the standard map you see today
- Satellite, with aerial imagery
- Terrain, which shows elevation and natural features
A separate “Map details” toggle overlays real-time traffic on the map.
Right now, the map preview in Messages is stuck on the default view, with no way to change it inside the app. Google has done something similar before: Find Hub's in-app map view also launched with only the default map and gained layers later, Android Authority noted.
Why It Would Be Useful
A plain map tells you where someone is. A traffic layer could tell you why they're late. If a friend sharing their location is stuck in a backup on the highway, you'd see it without switching to Google Maps.
Satellite view helps when the address isn't enough, such as finding someone in a large parking lot, at a park or on a campus. Terrain view could help when the person you're tracking is on a hike or driving through the mountains.
When It Could Arrive
Google hasn't said whether or when these options will roll out, and code found in a beta doesn't always become a public feature. When Google does release features like this, it usually starts with a small group of users before expanding, according to Android Authority.
How to Share Your Location in Messages Today
You don't need to wait for the new map views to use the feature. Google announced real-time location sharing in Messages in March. It's powered by Find Hub, so you no longer need to start from Google Maps and pick Messages as the destination, Jetstream reported.
- Open a conversation in Google Messages.
- Tap the plus icon next to the text field.
- Choose Real-time location.
- Pick how long to share. The default is one hour, and you can choose the rest of the day, until you turn it off or a custom time.
- Send it.
Your location then shows up as a map in the chat for the time you picked.
How to Stop Sharing
Google's help page explains how to end a share from your phone's settings. Go to Settings, then Location, then Location services, then Google Location Sharing. Tap the list of people you share with, then tap Stop next to a name.
To pause all updates at once, turn off Use Location Sharing on that same screen. Your existing shares stay in place but stop updating until you turn it back on. It's worth checking that list every so often, especially if you've used “until you turn it off” with someone.
