Sharing location via smartphones is nothing out of the ordinary. Users do so in order to coordinate with each other, book meetups with friends, ensure the safety of loved ones, or simply find the quickest route to a destination. Location sharing on iPhones has proven to be a valuable feature. Let’s have a look at how to share location on iPhone while covering all the major iOS versions
1. iOS 8 to iOS 12:
For iPhone users running iOS 8 to iOS 12, the location sharing feature can be accessed through the Messages app.
- Open the Messages app and select the conversation with the person you want to share your location with.
- Tap on the “Details” option in the top-right corner.
- Here, you will find the “Share My Location” option. Toggle it on.
- Choose the duration for which you want to share your location (e.g., one hour, until the end of the day).
- Confirm your choice.
- Your contact will now be able to view your real-time location in the Messages app.
2. iOS 13 and iOS 14:
With the introduction of iOS 13, Apple revamped the Find My app, consolidating location-sharing features into a more user-friendly interface.
- Open the Find My app from the home screen.
- Tap on the “Share My Location” tab at the bottom.
- Select the contact you want to share your location with or enter their name or phone number.
- Choose the duration for sharing your location.
- Press “Send.”
In iOS 14, the process remains largely the same, with minor interface updates and improved performance.
3. iOS 15 and beyond:
As of iOS 15, Apple has enhanced location-sharing capabilities, providing users with more control and flexibility.
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap on the “Share My Location” tab.
- Select the contact or enter their details.
- Choose the duration for sharing your location.
- New to iOS 15, you can now add a note to provide additional context for your location sharing.
- Confirm your choice by tapping “Send.”
Additionally, iOS 15 introduced the ability to share your location even when your battery is low, thanks to the innovative “Low Power Mode.”
4. Emergency SOS:
On all iPhone models from iPhone 8 and later, there is an Emergency SOS feature that can automatically share your location with emergency services.
- Rapidly press the side button five times.
- The Emergency SOS slider will appear; slide it to make an emergency call.
- After the call ends, your iPhone will send your location to the emergency contacts you have set up in the Health app.
This feature ensures that, in critical situations, your location is quickly and automatically shared for your safety.
5. Family Sharing:
The Family Sharing feature allows members to share their locations with each other.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on your name at the top to access Apple ID settings.
- Choose “Family Sharing.”
- Tap “Share My Location” to enable location sharing within the family group.
This feature is especially useful for keeping track of family members, especially parents wanting to ensure the safety of their children.
