Google Messages finally gets the live location sharing feature that other Android messaging apps have (US)

While other messaging apps have had live location sharing for some time now, Google never made moves to include it in its Android messaging app. But now, it’s finally ready.

Google is adding a means to share your current location using the Messages app. This saves you the trouble of switching between maps and texts just to tell your friends where you are. A new update rolls out the live location sharing feature of the Google Messages app on Android devices.

Google Messages live location sharing for 24 hours

Google is rolling out the live location sharing feature to select Android device users worldwide. This feature was announced on March 4 and is finally here. If the feature gets to your device, you can find it by tapping the plus sign next to the text box in any chat. Right next to the location icon, you will see a new green button for your real-time location. After tapping this option, a menu appears letting you decide exactly how long to track your phone.

The app gives you options for the sharing time. You can choose to share your live location for one hour, until the end of the day, or keep it on until you turn it off yourself. If you want to be more specific, there’s also a custom clock that allows you to pick an exact time to stop, up to 24 hours ahead.

Turning it on shows a live map in your message history. A bar also stays at the top of your message screen to remind you that your friends can still see where you are, so you don’t forget about it.

With this update, Google Maps helps track your phone and keep things accurate. Even if you’re messaging a non-Android user, there’s still the option of getting a simple Google Maps web link on their device. That link opens a live map right in their internet browser. Adding this live tracking is a big deal for Android users.

Popular apps like WhatsApp have had this live location sharing for years, but Google just added the capability, putting an end to one big issue Google Messages users are faced with.