If you’re getting together with family or friends this summer and want to know when everyone is arriving and going home, the Google Maps update has you covered. A new location sharing feature in the Google Maps app will alert you to the location of people who are already sharing their location with you.
Google Maps’ new location sharing feature takes some of the guesswork out of wondering when everyone will arrive by letting you know when a friend or family member has arrived or left a location, as long as they’ve already shared their location with you. This can be useful if you have a teenager going out of town, or if you want to let a friend know you’ve arrived at the meeting place.
We’ll explain how the new location sharing feature works, how to use it, and when it’ll be available.
How can you get notifications on Google Maps when friends arrive or leave a location?
Once the new feature is available in the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android, select your profile icon and tap Share Location. Select from the list the person you want to request location notifications for – note that they must already be sharing their location with you. Then select Add to add an address to receive updates from your friend. You will then select a specific location as well as when to be notified (arrival or departure) and then tap Save.
The person you’ve requested location notifications from will receive an alert that you’ve added the location. Once that person leaves or arrives at the designated location, you will be notified. For example, if your friend has arrived to meet you at a campsite, you will be alerted and can be on the lookout for him.
The person will also receive multiple reminders to know they are sharing their location notifications, including a push notification in the Maps app and email, along with recurring monthly emails.
Can I turn off this Maps feature if a friend asks to see when I’m arriving or leaving?
yes If you get an alert that someone wants to be notified when you arrive or leave a location, you can choose to turn it off. Start by clicking the notification on your phone’s lock screen. Then turn off the toggle for Allow recipients to add notifications. Tap Shutdown to confirm.
You can also block someone from setting notifications entirely.
Once you do this, the person will no longer be able to add notifications to know when you arrive or leave a certain location. They also won’t be notified that you’ve turned this option off.
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When can I start using the new location sharing feature in Google Maps?
Starting today, the Google Maps location sharing feature update is rolling out to Android and iOS users. If you don’t see it right away, check that you have the latest version of the app. It may also take a few weeks before you see the new tool.
For more tips, here are six Google Maps tricks to use this weekend. Plus, here are eight Google travel tips to make trip planning easier.
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