Finding yourself stranded on a deserted road or lost in an unfamiliar neighbourhood can turn a fun outing into a stressful ordeal. Luckily, your smartphone’s geolocation features can help you send your exact coordinates to a friend or first responder in seconds.
Prerequisites for sharing your location
Before you begin, make sure your phone has location services enabled and an active mobile data or Wi-Fi connection—though in true emergency situations, cellular networks tend to be more reliable. With these in place, you can use any modern handset to pinpoint your position, whether via Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze. Even better, you can share that spot directly as an SMS link, allowing the recipient to open it immediately, no matter which operating system they’re on.
On Android phones
If you’re running Android, download and open Google’s Messages app (compatible with Android 5.0 and above). Open an existing conversation or start a new one, then tap the “+” icon at the bottom left and select Location. A map preview will pop up showing your current position—double-check that the blue dot aligns with where you’re standing, then hit the send arrow. Your contact will receive a Google Maps link they can open on any device to see exactly where you are.
On iPhone
iPhone users can rely on the built-in Messages app. Open your chat of choice, tap the “+” button beside the text field and choose Location. A mini Apple Maps window will appear—confirm the blue marker is in the right spot, then tap Share. Even if your friend uses Android, the link will redirect them to a web version or open in their default maps app. It’s a seamless way to alert someone to your exact position in real time.
Using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger
Beyond SMS, apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger offer live location sharing. Instead of sending a static point, you can grant your contact access to track your movements for a set period—ideal if you’re being driven to safety or walking to meet help. Other secure platforms like Signal label this feature as “Location,” and web-based map services ensure you can share from a tablet or computer if needed.
With these simple steps, you’ll never have to fumble for street names or landmarks again—just tap, send and let your phone do the talking.
