Google has introduced live location sharing in Google Messages for Android users. Previously, the messaging app only supported one-time static location sharing, forcing users to rely on other apps for live tracking.
Google has started rolling out live location sharing in its default messaging app, Google Messages. This brings a long-anticipated feature directly into standard text conversations. The update allows Android users to share their real-time whereabouts without switching to a separate app like Maps or a third-party messenger like WhatsApp.
Users can choose how long they want to share their location:
For 1 hour
Today only
Until you turn it off manually
Custom duration, maximum 24 hours
The rollout appears to be gradual, so availability may vary by device and region.
Google Message live location sharing is powered by the Find Hub feature of Google Maps. When the recipient taps the shared location link, it opens in the default browser on your phone if the Find Hub app isn’t installed.
A visible banner at the top of the chat indicates that location sharing is active, so that you can avoid unintentionally leaving it on.
Step 1: Open the Google Messages app on your Android phone
Step 2: Select an existing conversation or start a new chat
Step 3: Tap the ‘+’ icon next to the text input field
Step 4: Choose the new Real-time location option (green icon)
Step 5: Grant location sharing permissions
Step 6: Select how long you want to share your location
Step 7: Confirm and tap send
Step 1: Open the chat
Step 2: Tap your location message. You can tap the banner up top.
Step 3: Tap ‘Stop’, then confirm ‘Stop sharing’
Compared to rivals, Google Messages is steadily closing the feature gap with apps like WhatsApp and iMessage, offering essential tools like live location sharing while leveraging deep Android integration to enhance usability and reach.