Learn how to share your location, track a phone and locate your device with powerful Android tools. From real-time location sharing in Google Maps to using Find My Device for lost phones, stay connected and in control with these easy-to-follow steps.
Be discoverable with Android.
Location sharing is a simple yet powerful way to stay connected and safe, and Android makes it simple by letting you share your location effortlessly. Whether you're coordinating with friends on a hike, ensuring loved ones know where you are in a new city or simply keeping track of your own device, Android device location-sharing features provide peace of mind and convenience.
Benefits of location sharing:
- Stay connected with loved ones
Share your real-time location to help friends or family meet you easily, even in busy or unfamiliar areas. - Enhance safety
Let trusted contacts know where you are during trips or late-night commutes for added security. - Simplify meetups
Skip the back-and-forth directions and share your location directly, so everyone knows where to find you. - Recover a lost device
With location tools like Find My Device on Android, you can quickly locate and recover your phone if it’s ever misplaced.
Sharing your location with Android is not just about convenience—it’s about staying safe, connected and worry-free in the moments that matter most.
How to share your location on Android.
Sharing your location is straightforward, as this offers you complete control over who can see it and for how long. Here’s how:
- Open Google Maps
- On your Android device, launch the Google Maps app
- Access Location Sharing
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner
- Select Location Sharing
- Choose who to share with
- Tap Share location and select how long you'd like to share your location
- Choose a contact or app to send your location
- Send the link
- A link will be generated. Share it via your preferred method (text, email, etc.)
You can stop sharing anytime, giving you full control over your privacy.
How to track a phone location.
If you’re trying to find a friend or family member’s location, Android has you covered:
- Request Location Sharing
- Ask the other person to share their location with you through Google Maps
- Use Google Maps to track
- Open Google Maps, and if they’ve shared their location with you, it will appear on the map in real-time
- Check updates as needed
- The location updates automatically, so you can stay informed.
This feature is especially useful for coordinating meetups or ensuring loved ones reach their destination safely.
How to locate your phone.
Losing your phone is stressful, but the Find My Device feature on Android devices makes it easy to locate it quickly. Here’s how:
- Set up Find My Device
Before you lose your phone, ensure Find My Device is enabled:
- Go to Settings > Security and Location > Find My Device.
- Toggle the switch to On and sign in with your Google Account.
- Use Find My Device to locate your phone
When your phone goes missing:
- Visit Find My Device from any web browser or use the Find My Device app on another Android device.
- Sign in with the Google Account linked to your phone.
- Find your Android in real-time
- View your phone on the map: You’ll see your phone’s location if it’s online and has location services enabled.
- Play a sound: If the phone is nearby but you can’t spot it, use the “Play Sound” feature to make it ring loudly, even if it’s on silent.
- Secure your phone: Lock your device remotely or display a message for anyone who finds it.
- Erase data: If necessary, you can remotely erase all data to keep your information safe.
Stay connected and secure with Android.
Whether you're figuring out how to track a phone location, how to locate a phone or simply sharing your whereabouts, Android has intuitive tools to make it easy. Set up these features today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re connected and in control. For more tips, visit Android Help Center or explore our security features.