Google Messages Finally Added Real-Time Location Sharing

Being able to easily share your location with others is one reason that Android’s Find Hub — which received a massive update with Android 16 — and the iPhone’s Find My network have become so popular. But what if you’re meeting up with a friend and don’t want to give them permanent access to your location? If you have an Android phone with Google Messages, that is now more easily possible thanks to Google’s latest addition of real‑time sharing directly in the Messages app.

A previous APK teardown revealed that real‑time location sharing was being tested in a beta version, and now the feature has officially begun rolling out. We confirmed its availability on a Galaxy S25 Ultra earlier this morning. Instead of having to go into Google Maps or register someone through Find Hub, you can now share your location directly in the Messages app with just a few taps.

Quick Reference: How to Share Real‑Time Location

Step	Action
1	Open the conversation in Google Messages.
2	Tap the plus icon next to the text entry area.
3	Select Real‑time location from the menu.
4	Grant location permissions if prompted.
5	Choose the duration (1 hour, until end of day, until turned off, or custom).
6	Tap Send to start sharing.

Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Start a Conversation

Open Google Messages and go to the chat with the person you want to share your location with. The feature works with both SMS and RCS chats, but RCS enables the full experience, including the “Until I turn it off” option.

2. Access the Location Sharing Option

Tap the plus icon (➕) located next to the text entry field. From the pop‑up menu, select Real‑time location.

If you haven’t already given Messages access to your location, you’ll be prompted to allow it. This is a one‑time permission.

3. Choose How Long to Share

A preview of your current location appears on a map. Use the dropdown to select the sharing duration:

Duration	Description
1 hour	Location shares for exactly 60 minutes
Today	Shares until the end of the current day
Until I turn it off	Shares continuously until you manually stop (RCS required)
Custom duration	Enter any time (15, 30, 45 minutes, etc.)

4. Send Your Location

Tap Send. The recipient will see a live map of your location inside the conversation. They can tap it to view details in Google Maps.

5. Stop Sharing (If Needed)

If you chose a timed duration, sharing stops automatically when the time expires. For “Until I turn it off,” you can manually stop at any time by:

Opening the conversation and tapping Stop sharing on the location card, or
Tapping the Real‑time location option again and selecting Stop sharing.

Important Notes

RCS Requirement: The “Until I turn it off” option appears only when chatting with someone who also has RCS enabled. SMS recipients will see only the timed options.
Privacy Control: You are always in control. The recipient cannot extend the sharing time or access your location after the timer ends.
Visibility: Your location appears as a live‑updating map snippet inside the chat. The other person can tap it to open a full‑screen view in Google Maps.
Data Usage: Real‑time location uses a small amount of data to update your position periodically. Wi‑Fi or mobile data is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
Do both people need RCS for this to work?	No, but some features (like indefinite sharing) are only available with RCS. The basic timed sharing works with SMS.
Can I share my location with multiple people at once?	Yes, you can start a separate share in each conversation.
How accurate is the location?	It uses your phone’s GPS and network location, so accuracy is the same as Google Maps.
Will the other person know if I stop sharing early?	Yes, the location card in the chat will disappear or show “Sharing ended.”
Is this available on all Android phones?	It requires Google Messages version 2026.03.xx or later. The rollout is gradual, so check the Play Store for updates.

Summary Table: Real‑Time Location Sharing at a Glance

Feature	Details
Available In	Google Messages (Android)
Access	Tap + → Real‑time location
Duration Options	1 hour, Today, Until turned off (RCS), Custom
Permission	Location access required once
Stop Sharing	Automatic after timer, or manual via chat card
RCS Benefit	“Until I turn it off” option, richer UI

Conclusion

Google Messages now offers a simple, privacy‑friendly way to share your real‑time location without leaving the app. Whether you’re meeting friends, coordinating with family, or just letting someone know you’re on the way, the feature puts control in your hands with flexible duration options. Keep your app updated and look for the Real‑time location button the next time you need to share where you are.