To share location from Android to iPhone, use Google Maps or WhatsApp, both are free, widely used, and work across platforms. Google Maps is best for real-time tracking during a trip, while WhatsApp is ideal for quick meetups within a chat.
Share location with Google Maps
Google Maps is the most reliable method for sharing your live location from an Android phone to an iPhone. Both you and the recipient need the Google Maps app installed on a mobile device.
- Open Google Maps on your Android device and sign in to your Google Account.
- Add the person’s Gmail address to your Google Contacts so they appear in the sharing list. Google Maps location sharing requires the recipient's Gmail address to be added to your Google Contacts.
- Tap the blue dot that represents your current location to bring up the menu, then tap your profile picture or initial, then tap Location sharing > New share.
- Choose how long you want to share your location.
- Tap the profile of the person you want to share with. If asked, allow Google Maps access to your contacts.
- Tap Share.
On the iPhone recipient’s end, they open Google Maps, tap their profile picture or initial, tap Location sharing, and they will see your shared location. They can also view it directly from the notification or link they receive. Location Sharing requires a mobile device; it does not work from a desktop browser.
Share live location with WhatsApp
WhatsApp lets you share your live location in an individual or group chat. Before you start, make sure WhatsApp has permission to access your device’s location.
- Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions > Location and choose Allow only while using the app. Permission choices also include 'Ask every time' and 'Don't allow'.
- Open the chat with the person you want to share your location with.
- Tap the attachment icon (paperclip or plus sign), then tap Location.
- Tap Share live location. If prompted, tap Continue. Alternatively, you can choose a specific location on the map instead of sharing your current live location.
- Select how long you want to share your live location for.
- Tap the send button to confirm.
To stop sharing in a single chat, open that chat, tap Stop sharing, then tap Stop. To stop sharing in all chats at once, go to Settings > Privacy > Live location > Stop sharing > Stop. Live location also stops automatically after the time you selected. On the recipient's iPhone, a shared WhatsApp location can be opened in Apple Maps or another mapping application, not just WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Android share location with iPhone?
Yes. The two documented cross-platform methods are Google Maps and WhatsApp. Both apps are free and available on Android and iPhone. No other method in the original article, such as Google Hangouts or Find My Device, is currently documented for person-to-person live location sharing between the two platforms.
How do I stop sharing my location on Google Maps?
Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture or initial, tap Location sharing, then tap the person’s name and choose Stop. You can also stop sharing by tapping the notification on your phone and selecting Stop.
How do I stop sharing my live location on WhatsApp?
The live location also ends automatically after the time you chose.
Can I use Google Maps for tracking a phone location?
Yes, Google Maps Location Sharing is designed for real-time tracking. It is the most documented cross-platform method for tracking a phone location between Android and iPhone.
How do I find an Android phone from an iPhone?
If you want to find an Android device itself (not share your own location), use the Find My Device website at Google.com/android/find from any browser on your iPhone. This is different from sharing your live location, it shows where the Android phone is physically located.
Does sharing location work without internet?
No. Both Google Maps and WhatsApp require an active internet connection (mobile data or Wi‑Fi) on both devices to share and receive live location. The location updates in real time only when both phones are online.
Can I share my location temporarily without making it visible all the time?
Yes. Both Google Maps and WhatsApp let you choose a set duration for location sharing. In Google Maps, you select the time limit when starting a new share. In WhatsApp, you pick how long to share your live location before sending. Once the time expires, sharing stops automatically.
