If someone doesn’t know the directions to your place, your Android phone makes it easy to share them without any hassle. You don’t need to be on the phone with them and guide them through the landmarks in order to reach you – your smartphone will take care of everything. Today, we bring you the top 7 ways to give directions or share your location on Android.
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In This Article
Current location vs Live location
While giving directions to someone using your Android phone, you will come across two options: Current location and Live location. Both options serve different purposes and are meant to be used in different scenarios. While the current location is static, the live location is more dynamic.
Sharing your current location with someone lets them know where you are right now. They can open the location in a navigation app and find their way to you. If you move your position after sharing the location, it will not be reflected on the map. You can use ‘current location’ when you want to share the location of your house or someplace you will be for the foreseeable future.
On the other hand, when you share your live location with someone, they can track your movement on the map. You can choose to decide how long you want to share your live location. This can be used when you’re travelling to someone’s place and you want them to track your ETA.
Share your location on WhatsApp
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp and open the conversation with the receiver.
Step 2: Hit the attachment icon in the message box and select Location.
Step 3: Make sure WhatsApp has access to your location.
Step 4: Tap on Send your current location. If you’re moving, tap on Share live location.
Step 5: The recipient will be able to track you using your location.
Share your location using Google Maps
Step 1: Launch the Google Maps app on your Android smartphone.
Step 2: Hit the Recenter icon and make sure the blue circle is placed on your location.
Step 3: Tap on the blue circle.
Step 4: Tap on Share location.
Step 5: Select a contact or an app on which you want to share your location.
Step 6: If you’re sharing your location on another app, select a recipient and hit Send.
Share your location on Google Messages
Step 1: Launch the Google Messages app on your smartphone and select the person with whom you want to share your location.
Step 2: Hit the plus icon at the bottom left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on Location.
Step 4: Hit the Recenter icon and make sure the pointer is displaying the accurate location.
Step 5: Hit the tick icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Share your location on Instagram
Step 1: Launch the Instagram app on your phone.
Step 2: Swipe left to go to the DMs section and open a conversation.
Step 3: Hit the plus icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Select Location.
Step 5: Tap on Continue.
Step 6: Select Share your location.
Share your location on Android using Facebook Messenger
Step 1: Launch the Messenger app and select the conversation with the person you want to share your location with.
Step 2: Hit the plus icon at the bottom left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select Location.
Step 4: Tap on Start sharing live location for 60 minutes.
Share your location on Snapchat
Step 1: Launch Snapchat and open the conversation with the person you want to share your location with.
Step 2: Hit the plus icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on Current location or Share live location.
Your location will be shared with the recipient.
Share your location on Telegram
Step 1: Launch the Telegram app on your phone and open a conversation.
Step 2: Hit the attachment icon.
Step 3: Tap on Location.
Step 4: Tap on Send selected location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I share my location using my Android phone?
You can use apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Google Maps, and Google Messages.
How do I turn on location services on Android?
Swipe down from the Status bar to reveal the Quick Settings Menu and tap on the Location tile. Long-press the tile to view the apps that recently requested your location.
How do I revoke location access from an app on Android?
Go to Settings>Apps, select the app, tap on Permissions>Location and select ‘Don’t Allow’.
Can I share my live location on Instagram?
Instagram now allows you to send your live location via DMs. Open a conversation, hit the plus icon, select location, and tap on ‘Share your location’.
Can I share a fake live location on WhatsApp?
Enable Developer Options on your Android phone and install the Fake GPS Location app. Launch the app and go to Open settings>Select mock location app>Fake GPS. Go back to the app and select a fake location. Open WhatsApp and share your live/current location to send the fake location.
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Conclusion
These are the top 7 ways to give directions or share your location using your Android phone. While you’re here, check out these location-sharing and parental control apps as well. If you have any other apps to add to the list, let us know in the comments!
