Sharing your live location can help someone follow your journey or notice that you have stopped unexpectedly.
It cannot tell them why you stopped, whether you are safe or what they should do next.
Share with someone who will act
Choose a person you trust and tell them:
- where you are going;
- when you expect to arrive;
- how long you will share your location; and
- what they should do if you stop moving or do not check in.
A moving dot on a map is not an emergency plan. The person watching needs to know when to call you and when to contact security or emergency services.
Understand the limitations
Location information may be delayed, inaccurate or unavailable when:
- the phone has poor signal;
- location services are disabled;
- the battery runs out;
- the app closes or loses permission;
- the phone is switched off; or
- the phone is separated from its owner.
Do not assume that a person is safe simply because their location continues to move.
Protect your privacy
Check who can currently see your location. Remove people who no longer need access and avoid posting a live-location link in a public group.
Temporary sharing may be more appropriate than permanent access.
If a controlling or abusive person may have access to your phone or accounts, changing location settings could alert them. Seek specialist advice and use a safer device where possible.
Check the setting before relying on it
Location-sharing features change between devices and apps. Check the current instructions, test the function and confirm that your trusted contact can see the information.
Location sharing is most useful when it forms part of a clear check-in and local response plan.
