How to track friends and family using Google Maps to keep them safe

GOOGLE Maps has a seriously handy feature that can help to keep you or a loved one safe.

It uses location tracking so you can make sure someone makes it home – but it’s also handy if you’re trying to meet somewhere.

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Tracking someone without their permission using Google Maps would involve some kind of breach of privacy.

But there are plenty of legitimate ways to track a friend or family member with their consent.

If you’re trying to real-time track a friend who has shared their location like you would on WhatsApp, Google Maps definitely allows that.

To track a friend, they’ll need to do one of the following…

How to share Google Maps location on iPhone and iPad

If you want to share with someone who has a Google account, add their Gmail address to your Google Contacts.

Then open Google Maps on your device, tap your profile picture, and then choose Location Sharing.

Next, tap the Share Location button.

Now you can decide how long you want to share your location and who to.

You can tick as many contact names as you like.

When you’re ready, tap the Share button on your iPhone.

The people you selected will now receive an alert to track you.

How to share Google Maps location on Android

To share your location with a Google Contact, go to Google Maps and tap your profile picture.

Then choose Location Sharing.

Tap the Share Location button.

You may have to allow Maps to access your contacts at this point.

Now you can select how long you want to share your location and select each person you want to see it.

How to share Google Maps location on PC

Sadly, it’s only possible to share your live location using a mobile device.

But you can still view someone else’s location on the desktop version of Google Maps.

And you can stop sharing your location with someone via desktop too.

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