9 mobile apps to easily share your location with your family

There are times when you don’t want others to know where you are, but there are also times when it’s a good idea. In such situations, you can share your location using one of the specialized applications that are currently available for download and installation. This post summarizes some of the best apps you can download to your phone to share your location with your family.

1. Life 360

Price: Free / $ 11.99 per month

While other applications only share your location, Life360 (Android|ios) also allows you to create trusted groups they call “circles”. Here you can add the people you want to follow. The first time you set up the application, Life360 will ask you for a code to join an existing Circle or create a new one.

The app also has an option that allows you to log in so everyone else in the group knows when you’ve achieved security. You can also configure the SOS button to alert the group if it is in danger. Once the person agrees to join your circle, they can view their current location and access other relevant information such as battery status and driving reports. You can also turn on “Accident Detection” to receive notifications when a family member’s accident occurs.

The app has a paid version which unlocks even more options such as the ability to transmit an emergency signal to the emergency dispatcher 24/7, identity theft protection, 30 days location history and much more.

2. GeoZilla – Find my family’s GPS locator and tracker

Price: Free / USD 14.00 per week

Like the previous app, GeoZilla (Android|ios) allows users to create circles of trusted contacts to keep an eye on (and vice versa). The free version of the application offers key features, including the ability to set alerts when the tracked person arrives or leaves a specific location, and safe mode. In addition, it is also possible to create battery alerts to let others know when your phone is running low and enable drop detection.

If you need even more options, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription which unlocks even more tracking alerts, allows you to create to-do lists, and gives access to driving reports for people in your circle.

3. My location: GPS maps, location sharing and saving

Price: Free

My Location (Android) is a simple location sharing app that doesn’t require you to create an account (unless you want to, of course). When you open the app, it will immediately download your coordinates. You can then select “Share Live Location” which will generate a link to send to your friends or family.

As with the other apps we include in this post, you can set up a list of frequently visited places and even access your own location history. There is also a night mode that you can switch to.

4. Family locator: GPS locator and Find your phone app

Price: Free / $ 21.99 per month

Familylocator(Android) is a cool application with a modern interface that allows you to create groups to which you can add family members and other people you want to follow. When someone agrees to be added to your group (with a code), you can turn on real-time tracking for them and receive traffic notifications. Interestingly, Family Locator also includes a flights option with which you can track the progress of your flight. (You will need a flight number for this).

In addition, you have an SOS emergency button that you can activate from the app, as well as the option to chat with a group from within this app. While all this sounds good, remember that the free Family Locator tier is quite limited. If you want to get the full access to what the app has to offer, you’ll need to upgrade to Premium.

5. Messenger

Price: Free

The Facebook Messengerapp(Android|ios) offers a handy location sharing feature that is really easy to use. Since the vast majority of people have Messenger installed on their devices, this eliminates the need to install a new app on their phone. This is useful if you are using a phone that has little space or does not have access to a high-speed Internet connection.

Just open a Messenger chat (individual or group) and press the four dots in the bottom right corner of the screen. Choose a location and after granting the necessary permissions the other party will be able to see your whereabouts as long as you keep the session active.

6. Snapchat

Price: Free

Snapchat (Android|ios) is another app you didn’t expect to find on this list. As many people use it, it is worth noting that the application offers such services. In the Snapchat app, tap the Location icon at the bottom of the screen and then the gear icon in the upper-right corner to start sharing your location with your friends.

You can choose which friends can see your whereabouts, and there’s also a quick change that lets you log out of the network (ghost mode) when you want to keep your location private.

7. Google Maps

Price: Free

Google Maps (Android|ios) really needs no introduction so we leave it for the end. Perhaps the biggest incentive for using Maps location sharing is that it comes pre-installed on most newer Android devices. You don’t have to worry about installing a new application on your phone. Instead, save space and take advantage of Google Maps.

In the app, just tap on your profile picture and select “Share Location” from the menu that appears. When you turn on this feature, your location will be updated even when the app is not being used. Then you can share your location in real time with popular apps like Gmail, WhatsApp, Telegram and more.

8. Integrated options

Most Android phones nowadays have Safe Mode that can be activated by long-pressing the device’s power button. Depending on the device model, this mode may allow users to share their location, make emergency calls, or activate an SOS sound or flashlight. On OnePlus models, you can even create an emergency contact list.

Some phone models have additional built-in security features. For example, Pixel devices include the Personal Safety app. Here you can add one or more trusted contacts. The app will also ask you to turn on location sharing on Google Maps.

Once that’s done, you can go ahead and create a security check. When it’s time to verify your Pixel, you’ll see options to confirm it’s okay, start an alarm sharing, or go straight to 911.

Additionally, you can add your medical information to the app as well as set up status updates for events such as making a phone call or device exhaustion. Google also included a car accident detection system in the application, as well as the option of crisis alerts.

On the other hand, users not using Pixel should make sure the Emergency Location Sharing (ELS) option is turned on. If ELS is supported in your region, an emergency call can automatically forward your location to emergency services. You can enable this feature by going to “Settings -> Location -> Advanced -> Share Safe Location” and enabling it.

IPhone users can share their location with a contact by going to a specific contact card and selecting “Send my current location” or “Share my location”. Read our full guide to sharing your location on iOS. In addition, iOS devices also have an emergency call feature that can be activated by holding down the power button along with one of the volume buttons.

9. Most GPS applications

Most GPS applications have some kind of location sharing feature. However, they lack other tracking features that some of the apps on our list offer. If you’re looking for a simple but decent GPS app, check out our list of the top eight picks.

Frequent questions

1. How does GPS work?

If you’ve ever wondered how GPS works, we have a comprehensive article for you that explains this modern marvel in detail.

2. How can you improve the accuracy of your location?

Sometimes these apps have trouble determining your exact location. If your location is inaccurate or missing, you can try things like clicking the “Your Location” button in the app, checking your Wi-Fi connection, calibrating your device, or restarting it. On iPhones, you also need to turn on “Location Services” under “Content & Privacy”.

3. Are there other devices that can help me stay safe?

There are cases where carrying the phone is not comfortable, such as when running, in which case a smartwatch like the Apple Watch is the best option. The portable device makes it easy to call local emergency services. There are other alternatives as well, such as:InvisaWear, a jewelry company that will keep you safe. Sell ​​everything from key chains and necklaces to matching bracelets and other accessories. These items have hidden panic buttons that, when pressed, instantly send text messages to trusted contacts.

In addition to sharing your location, you can also stream to Discord with your friends or watch Netflix together. While technology can connect people, there are also many ways in which it can bring them together.