Hot topics

WhatsApp tip: How to share your 'Live location' in real time

whatsapp live location
© WhatsApp

It already works on both Google Maps and the iOS Find my Friends app. We are, of course, talking about sharing your location in real time. Until now, it was only possible to send your current location via WhatsApp. But, since the middle of October 2017, it's been possible to share your live location with chat partners. We'll show you how to use this feature below. 

Transmitting your location in real time on WhatsApp works differently to Google Maps or Find my Friends. It's done from the chat screen, similar to choosing gallery photos or other data to send. Simply enter a chat with the person or group you want to share your location with, and then click on the paperclip in the input line. 

In the following window, you select your location. You'll then need to set a time limit for how long this feature will be active. You can choose between 15 minutes, one hour or eight hours. There is no option to permanently share your location.

WhatsApp Live Standort 1a
You can share your live location by clicking on the paperclip on the input field, then the location pin icon. / © NextPit

Because the feature was activated server-side in mid-October, updating the app on your phone isn't necessary. If you don't have the option of sharing your live location, then be patient. Alternatively, ask your conversation partner on WhatsApp for a live location, if they have the option. You should then be able to share your location in real time afterward. Since the real-time location is secured by end-to-end encryption, it should be protected against access by third parties.

Live Standort WhatsApp teilen
The messages from real-time location sharing look like this. / © NextPit

WhatsApp live location sharing in quick steps:

  • Open the chat with the person you want to share your location with
  • Click on the paperclip 
  • Select location
  • Click on 'Share live location'
  • Set how long you're sharing your live location (15 minutes, one hour or eight hours)
  • Add a message if you want, then click send
  • To stop sharing, open the chat and tap 'Stop sharing'

What do you think of this feature? Let us know in the comments whether you think it's useful or not, and don't forget to check out these other WhatsApp tips and tricks.

Source: WhatsApp

  nextpit recommendation Price tip Luxury version with handle Price tip with handle For Garmin fans Mid-range tip
Product
Image Withings Body Smart Product Image Renpho Smart Body Fat Scale Product Image Withings Body Scan Product Image Lepulse Lescale P1 Product Image Garmin Index S2 Smart Scale Product Image eufy Smart Scale P3 Product Image
Deals*
Go to comment (0)
Shu On Kwok

Shu On Kwok
Senior Editor

Since 1999, Shu has written about the colorful world of IT and telecommunications. His career started as a presenter at the five-hour TV show NBC GIGA, which led him through several career stages until he finally joined the AndroidPIT team in May of 2015. His passion for mobile devices and gadgets knows no boundaries. Whether Android, iOS or Windows, Shu feels at home with any OS.

To the author profile
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing