Whether using one of the best budget Android phones or tablets or an iOS device, Google Maps is the definitive solution for finding places, sharing your location, and downloading maps for offline viewing. Since its introduction over a decade ago, the app now does more than help you get where you need to go. Google Maps makes tasks from finding your way home to keeping tabs on friends and loved ones easier than ever.

Regardless of the device used, as long as the individual you shared the information with has Google Maps, anything can be shared from the app. If you're looking for ways to share locations through message apps or social media before heading out to your next location, here are some tips.

How to share an existing location

Using these steps, you can share any existing marked or unmarked location. Recipients are sent a link that opens Google Maps at that location for them.

  1. Tap the location you wish to share. You can also tap and hold any unmarked location to share that spot.
  2. Tap the Share button in the pop-up window.
  3. To share with a phone contact, select the contact. Scroll right to see more contacts.
  4. To share through a specific app, tap More to see the apps you can share with.
  5. Tap an app to open that app. Your location link is filled in automatically.
  6. Tap Copy to copy the location manually.
  7. Tap Nearby Share to share with local Android devices.

You can share with Chromebooks. Check out our guide on how to use Nearby Share with Chromebooks to learn how.

How to share your location

Sharing locations isn't limited to static locations. You can share the location of your phone. The great thing about this is that you can set it for a limited time period, which is great when you're spending an evening with friends and are split up.

  1. Tap your profile in the upper-right corner.
  2. Tap Location sharing.
  3. Tap New Share.
  4. Select how long you wish to share your location. You can choose increments of an hour or until you manually turn it off.
  5. Tap the contact you wish to share with. You can scroll right to see all your contacts.
  6. Alternatively, choose an app (located below the contacts bar) to send a location-sharing link.

How to share directions

You don't have to type long lists of directions for your contacts. Instead, send them a directions link which they can use with Google Maps to find their way.

  1. Set the directions you wish to share.
  2. Tap the three-button menu in the upper-right corner.
  3. Tap Share directions.
  4. To share with a phone contact, select the contact. Scroll right to see more contacts.
  5. To share through a specific app, tap More to see the apps you can share with.
  6. Tap an app to open that app. Your location link is filled in automatically.
  7. Tap Copy to copy the location manually or tap Nearby Share to share with local Android devices.

How to share location and directions in Google Maps while on an incognito window

When you want to be discrete about your searches and location history, go into incognito mode. Locations and directions can still be shared, similar to how it usually works. However, you can give your exact location through incognito mode.

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Tap your profile picture.
  3. Tap Turn on incognito mode.
  4. Tap the black dot representing your current location.
  5. Scroll to the bottom to see Plus Code.
  6. Tap Copy Code to retrieve the location.

How to share an estimated arrival time

Coordinating trips or events with friends and family can be difficult. Ensuring they get to a destination around the same time can be something entirely different. This is why sharing the estimated arrival time can be good for keeping everyone as punctual as possible. Most importantly, location can be tracked until arrival.

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Set a destination.
  3. Once navigation has started, tap the More tab.
  4. Tap Share trip progress.
  5. Select the profile of the person you want to share the arrival progress time with.
  6. Once the destination is reached, tap the More tab and stop sharing.

Go more places with Google Maps

Are you interested in seeing what else you can do with Google Maps? Check out our other guides on how to measure distances in Google Maps and how to leave a Google review to get the most out of this essential Android app.