More than 2 billion people use WhatsApp monthly not just for texting, but also for sending photos, making calls, and yes, sharing their location. You also want to know how to share location with WhatsApp to meet up with friends, track a loved one in real time, or send your spot during a cab ride, WhatsApp’s “share location” feature is incredibly handy.
But should you use your current location or live location? And how can you keep your privacy protected while doing so? Our blog post will walk you through the different methods to share your location on WhatsApp, how to use them on both Android and iOS, the difference between static and live sharing, and how to stay safe with tools like VPNs.
Key Takeaways
| – WhatsApp lets you send either your current location or your live location. – Live location is best when you’re on the move, like walking to meet someone or riding a cab, while static location works well when you’re already at your destination. – GPS may be inaccurate so using Google Maps links or combining both location types helps pinpoint your spot better. – To keep your data safe while using WhatsApp location sharing, use TurisVPN. |
Understanding Location Sharing on WhatsApp
WhatsApp share location allows users to send either their current static location or enable live location sharing, which updates in real time as you move.
So, you can share location on WhatsApp on Android or iOS, WhatsApp uses your device’s GPS to generate an accurate pin on the WhatsApp location map. You can then send this to a friend, family member, or even a business for example, to confirm a delivery or meeting spot. The feature is available through the paperclip icon in WhatsApp chat on Android or the “+” icon on iOS.
There are two types of location sharing:
- Static location: Sends a one-time snapshot of where you are.
- Live location WhatsApp: Tracks your movements for a set duration (15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours), so the recipient can see where you go in real time.
WhatsApp doesn’t show location to everyone, only the people you send it to can see it, and you can stop sharing anytime. So whether you want to share location in WhatsApp Android, or see where is live located in your iPhone chat, the feature is private, secure, and fully under your control.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Your Current Location
If you’re trying to figure out how to share location with WhatsApp, sending your current location is the simplest way to get started. This method is ideal when you’re at a specific place like a café or a park and want someone to find you easily. Here’s how to send your current location on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat (individual or group) where you want to send your location.
- Tap the paperclip icon (on Android) or the “+” icon (on iPhone) next to the message box.
- Select Location from the list of options.
- Your screen will now show a map with a list of nearby places. Tap on “Send your current location.”
Your contact will receive a pin on the WhatsApp location map, marking exactly where you are at the moment. WhatsApp doesn’t show location in real time with this method, so If you want someone to follow your movements, you’ll need to use Whatsapp’s live location sharing instead.
How to Share Live Location on WhatsApp
Sharing your live location on WhatsApp is a convenient way to let others follow your real-time movements. This feature updates your location automatically over time and available on both Android and iPhone:
What is Live Location Sharing?
WhatsApp’s live location sharing lets you broadcast your real-time movements to selected individuals or group chats for a specific duration. This tool is an interactive and time-limited version of the static location feature.
The best part of live location is that the sharing is end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the people you share with can view it and no one else can track you. Not even WhatsApp itself can see or store this information. Only the people you’ve chosen to share it with can view it, making it nearly impossible for hackers, third parties, or even government surveillance to track your movements.
Once the set time expires or you manually stop the share, others will only see your last recorded location as a static map preview. The map appears in the conversation like a regular location pin and does not change unless you send a new update. The recipient can still tap on it to view your final position on the map, but they won’t be able to track your real-time movements any further.
Steps to Share Your Live Location on WhatsApp
Sharing your live location works differently on each device, but both platforms make it simple. Here’s how iPhone and Android location sharing works step by step:
For Android
Before sharing, ensure your device has location permissions enabled:
- Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions > Location
- Choose: “Allow only while using the app” or “Allow all the time”
To share your live location:
- Open any individual or group chat
- Tap the paperclip icon, then select Location
- Choose Share live location
- Select how long to share (15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours)
- Add an optional comment or emoji
- Tap Send
For iOS
Enable location access first:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
- Find WhatsApp and set it to Always
Then follow these steps:
- Open a WhatsApp chat
- Tap the “+” icon, then choose Location
- Tap Share Live Location
- Choose the duration
- (Optional) Add a message
- Hit Send
To stop sharing
If you want to stop sharing:
- Open the chat and tap Stop sharing > Stop
To stop sharing everywhere:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Live Location
- Tap Stop sharing > Stop
You can also revoke app location access entirely by revisiting your device’s Permissions settings and setting WhatsApp’s access to “Don’t allow” or “Never”.
How to Send a Location from Google Maps to WhatsApp
If you prefer using Google Maps for location accuracy or want to drop a pin somewhere not tied to your current position, WhatsApp lets you easily send a Google Maps link directly in chat.
Using WhatsApp to Send Google Maps Links
- Launch Google Maps on your device. Make sure you’re signed in with your Google account.
- Tap your profile icon (top-right corner) to access the main menu.
- Choose “Location sharing.” You’ll see options to manage and create shareable links.
- Select “Share location via link” for a one-time static location or timed live location.
- Tap “Copy link” when it appears.
- Open your WhatsApp chat and paste the link to send.
Once shared, your contact can tap the link to view your position on the Google Maps interface even if they’re using a different platform or don’t have your exact location saved.
The method is especially useful if you want to show a precise meeting spot, such as a coffee shop, public landmark, or custom pinned area on the map.
Difference Between Sending and Sharing Live Location on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has two core options: sending a static location and sharing your live location. While both are useful, they serve very different purposes:
What’s the Difference Between Static Location and Live Location?
- Static location (Send your current location): This option lets you drop a pin showing exactly where you are at that moment. It’s a one-time share, and the location doesn’t update even if you move afterward. Think of it like sending a screenshot of your map location.
- Live location (Share live location): This option allows WhatsApp to track and update your real-time location continuously for a duration you choose 15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours. It’s ideal if you’re on the move and want someone to follow your route (e.g., meeting friends in a busy area or walking home late at night). Once the time runs out or you manually stop it, your location sharing ends.
Both methods display the information inside the chat as a map preview, but only live location updates automatically without you needing to resend anything.
Which Method Should You Choose in Singapore/Malaysia?
In cities like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, traffic, high-rise buildings, and dense urban layouts can sometimes cause GPS inaccuracies. Here’s how to choose the right method depending on your situation:
- Choose Static Location: When you’re already at the destination and just want someone to find you quickly. Or if you want to send a restaurant, café, or MRT station location you’re currently at or visiting later.
- Choose Live Location: When you’re in transit, especially via walking or public transport, meeting someone and may move around while waiting.
Or you’re sharing your route for safety reasons, like heading home late or using ride-share services.
For better accuracy and safety, especially when navigating large malls or city centers, consider combining your WhatsApp share with Google Maps link sharing or using TurisVPN to keep your location data protected on public Wi-Fi.
Protect Your Privacy While Sharing Location on WhatsApp with TurisVPN
Sharing your location on WhatsApp can expose your real-time data to risks. To stay safe and anonymous, using a VPN is highly recommended:
Why Use a VPN for Location Sharing?
While sharing your location on WhatsApp can be useful, it also exposes certain sensitive data. If you’re connected to public Wi-Fi like at airports, cafés, or malls, your connection is vulnerable to surveillance and cyberattacks. That’s where TurisVPN steps in.
Using TurisVPN gives you encrypted protection. VPN hides your real IP address, prevents tracking from third parties, and helps avoid location leaks when sharing maps or using live location features.
A VPN is especially useful in regions where digital rights are limited or where access to certain map or chat features is restricted.
Steps to use TurisVPN while sharing location
To ensure your location sharing on WhatsApp stays private and secure, follow these 5 steps:
- Step 1: Download TurisVPN: Go to the official TurisVPN site or your device’s app store. Install the VPN app that’s compatible with your Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS device.
- Step 2: Connect to a Secure Server: Open TurisVPN and choose a Singapore VPN or Malaysia server for local accuracy
- Step 3: Enable Location Services: Make sure location permissions are enabled for WhatsApp.
- Step 4: Open WhatsApp and Share Location: Now go to WhatsApp and share your current or live location safely with TurisVPN active.
- Step 5: Stay Protected in Real Time: As you move or navigate, TurisVPN continues to shield your device from public Wi-Fi threats and third-party tracking tools.
Bottom Line
Knowing how to share location with WhatsApp helps you stay connected, give directions, or update loved ones in real time whether you’re using Android or iPhone. You can choose between sending a static location or using live location WhatsApp features to share your movements continuously.
Both options are easy, practical, and widely used, but it’s important to stay aware of your privacy settings. If you’re sharing sensitive details or using public Wi-Fi, consider using a TurisVPN to encrypt your data and keep your WhatsApp location map private.
