If you’re getting together with family or friends this summer and want to know when everyone is arriving and returning home, an update to Google Maps has everything you need. A new location sharing feature in the Google Maps app will alert you to the whereabouts of people who already share their location with you.
Google Maps’ new location sharing feature takes some of the guesswork out of wondering when everyone will arrive by notifying you when a friend or family member has checked in or left a location, as long as they’re already sharing their location with you. This can be useful if you have a teenager going out of town, or if you want to let a friend know you’ve arrived at your hangout.
We’ll explain how the new location sharing feature works, how to use it, and when it will be available.
How can you get alerts on Google Maps when friends arrive or leave a location?
When the new feature is available in the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android, select your profile icon and tap Location Sharing. Choose the person you want to request location notifications from the list; note that it must already be sharing its location with you. Then select Add to add an address to receive updates from your friend. Next, you’ll choose a designated location, as well as when you’ll be notified (on arrival or departure), then tap Save.
The person you’ve requested location notifications from will receive an alert that you’ve added the location. When that person leaves or arrives at the specified location, you will be notified. For example, if your friend has come to meet you at a campsite, you will be notified and you can be on the lookout.
The person will also receive several reminders to let them know that they are sharing their location notifications, including a push notification in the Maps app and an email, along with recurring monthly emails.
Can I turn off this Maps feature if a friend asks to see when I arrive or when I leave?
Yes. If you receive an alert that someone wants to be notified when you arrive or leave a location, you can choose to turn it off. Start by clicking the notification on your phone’s lock screen. Then turn off the switch to allow recipients to add notifications. Tap Disable to confirm.
You can also block someone from setting notifications altogether.
Once you do this, the person will no longer be able to add notifications to know when you arrive or leave a particular location. They also won’t be notified that you’ve disabled this feature.
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When can I start using the new Google Maps location sharing feature?
Starting today, the Google Maps location sharing feature update is rolling out to Android and iOS users. If you don’t see it right away, check that you have the latest version of the app. It could also be a couple of weeks before you see the new tool.
For more tips, here are six Google Maps tricks to use this weekend. Plus, here are eight travel tips from Google to make your trip planning easier.