Tracking someone’s live location on Google Maps can be very useful for coordinating meetups, ensuring the safety of loved ones, or checking in with family members.
Google Maps offers a Location Sharing feature that allows people to share their live location with each other. However, this feature requires consent from the person sharing their location; tracking someone without their permission is illegal and against Google’s policies.
Here’s how to track someone’s live location on Google Maps legally and with their permission.
1. Using Google Maps Location Sharing for Real-Time Tracking
Google Maps’ Location Sharing feature lets users share their live location with trusted contacts. This is ideal for family members, friends, or groups who want to keep track of each other’s locations in real time.
How to Use Location Sharing on Google Maps
Open Google Maps on the device that will share its location
Tap on the profile picture or initials at the top right, then select Location Sharing
Choose Share Location and set the duration for how long to share the location (e.g., 1 hour, until end of the day, or indefinitely until turned off)
Select the contacts you want to share the location with. These contacts will receive a link and can view the live location on Google Maps
The location-sharing option in Google Maps allows both parties to see each other’s location on the map, providing a secure and mutually agreed method of live tracking.
2. Google Find My Device for Tracking Your Own Lost Android Phone
If you want to track the live location of your own Android phone, Google offers Find My Device as a free tool to locate lost devices. It provides the current GPS location of the device on Google Maps if the device is connected to the internet and has location services enabled.
How to Use Google Find My Device
Visit the Find My Device website (https://www.google.com/android/find) or download the Find My Device app from the Google Play Store
Log in with the Google account linked to the lost device
The real-time location of the device will appear on Google Maps if it’s online. You can also make the device ring, lock it, or erase its data remotely if necessary
This tool is designed for locating your own Android devices and does not allow tracking of other people’s phones without their permission.
3. Apple’s Find My iPhone for Live Location of Lost iPhones
For iPhone users, Find My iPhone (available in the Find My app) provides similar functionality for tracking a lost or misplaced iPhone in real-time on a map. This is an excellent option for Apple users who want to track their own devices.
How to Use Apple’s Find My iPhone
Open the Find My app on another Apple device, or go to iCloud.com on a browser
Log in using the Apple ID associated with the lost iPhone
The device’s real-time location will display on the map. Additional options like Play Sound, Mark as Lost, and Erase iPhone are also available
Find My iPhone is secure and effective for tracking your own iPhone, but it cannot be used to track someone else’s iPhone without their permission.
4. Family Location Sharing Apps for Ongoing Tracking
If you’re interested in tracking family members or friends on an ongoing basis, several apps allow real-time location sharing. These apps often integrate with Google Maps or similar services and are popular for family safety tracking.
Popular Family Location Apps
Life360: Life360 is a popular family tracking app that offers real-time location sharing, alerts when family members arrive or leave designated places, and safety notifications. Each family member’s location is visible on a map for easy tracking
Google Family Link: Primarily a parental control app, Family Link also lets parents track their child’s location in real time, with consent from both parties
Glympse: Glympse offers temporary location sharing for a specified period. It’s a great option for sharing real-time locations when meeting up with friends or family members
These apps require mutual consent and are ideal for families or groups who want to share locations for safety purposes.
Avoiding Fake Tracking Services
Be cautious about websites that claim they can track someone’s location on Google Maps without permission. These sites are often scams designed to collect personal information or charge fees without providing actual tracking data. Only authorized tools like Google Maps and Find My Device allow live tracking and require consent.
Signs of Fake Tracking Websites
Payment Requests: Real tracking tools like Google Maps Location Sharing and Find My Device are free. Avoid sites that ask for money to track a phone
Personal Information Requests: Sites that ask for details like phone numbers or emails may misuse your data for spam or phishing
Exaggerated Claims: Websites that promise “exact real-time tracking” without consent are fraudulent. Only trusted tools like Google Find My Device and Apple’s Find My allow live tracking with permission
Stick to reputable services like Google Maps and family tracking apps, and avoid any website that makes exaggerated tracking claims.
FAQs
Can I track someone else’s location on Google Maps without their permission?
No, Google Maps does not allow you to track someone’s location without their permission. Location sharing requires the other person to consent, and they can turn off location sharing at any time.
What’s the best way to track my lost Android or iPhone?
Use Google Find My Device (for Android) or Apple’s Find My iPhone (for iPhone) to locate your lost device. Both services show the real-time location on a map and allow you to play a sound, lock the device, or erase data remotely.
Are there legitimate apps that allow real-time location sharing with Google Maps?
Yes, apps like Life360 and Glympse allow for real-time tracking with mutual consent, and Google Maps itself offers location sharing. These are safe options that respect user privacy.
Final Thoughts
Using Google Maps to track someone’s live location is only possible with their consent. Google Maps Location Sharing, Google Find My Device, and Apple’s Find My provide secure options for tracking devices and sharing locations with family and friends.
For privacy and safety, avoid websites that claim to offer unauthorized tracking services. Stick to ethical options like Google Maps and family tracking apps that require permission for location sharing.
