How to Share Location on WhatsApp

When you are out in the dark, all by yourself, then things can get dicey out there. In moments like these, it would be best to share your current location with loved ones. Don’t worry, WhatsApp’s location-sharing feature has got you covered, and in this read, we will show you how to share your location and live location on WhatsApp on iPhone and Android devices. Let’s take a look.

Share Your Current Location on WhatsApp

Sharing your current location on WhatsApp is relatively simple. And the process is quite similar on both, the Android and the iOS versions of the app. Just take a look at the steps below.

Note

You need to enable Location or Location services on your Android device or iPhone to get started. Additionally, WhatsApp requires permissions to access your location to share the same with your contacts. You can choose between the “Allow Once” or “Allow While Using App”, depending on your privacy preferences.

On Android

1. Launch WhatsApp and open the chat of the person to share your location.
2. Then tap on the paperclip icon from the bottom right.
3. Now, select Location from the overflow menu.
4. Here, tap on Send your current location.

On iPhone

1. On iPhone, tap on the + icon at the bottom left of the chat window.
2. Now select Location.
3. On the next screen, tap on Send your current location.

Based on your GPS accuracy, you will see how accurate the coordinates are. In my case, the location is accurate up to 11 meters. The recipient can tap the Google Maps link to view your current location.

Share Your Live Location on WhatsApp

Now if you want to let others know your precise whereabouts, till you reach your destination, then you need to share your live location. Here is how you can do it on WhatsApp for Android and iOS.

On Android

1. Tap the paperclip icon at the bottom right inside a WhatsApp chat.
2. Then tap on Location.
3. Here, select Share live location.
4. Choose the duration for sharing your location and add a comment if necessary.
5. FInally, tap on the Send button to share your live location.

On iPhone

1. Hit the + icon at the bottom left of the WhatsApp chat screen.
2. Here, tap on Location.
3. Now select Share live location.
4. Choose a duration from these options – 15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours.
5. Add a comment if needed, then tap on the Send button to share your location.

Note

The “Share live location” option does not appear when using WhatsApp on a companion device.

Stop Sharing Live Location

Once you have reached your destination safely, you can stop sharing your live location with the recipient. To do this, tap on the Stop sharing button below the live location message on WhatsApp. The process is more or less the same on Android and iOS.

In the confirmation prompt, tap on Stop. You will see the text “Live location ended” text to confirm you are not sharing your location anymore.

Share Your Whereabouts with Close Friends and Family

Sharing your location on WhatsApp is a convenient way to make sure your friends and family can easily find you in times of need or when you are traveling. With the live location feature, they can also be aware of your current location in real time. Meanwhile, you can check out our dedicated guide if you wish to learn how to share your location on an iPhone or using Google Maps.