How to share your location with loved ones so they know you’re safe

If you’re in a new city on a business trip, riding in the back of an Uber or stuck in traffic, you can share your location with loved ones and colleagues so they know where you are and that you’re OK.

I use these tools to avoid the “text me when you get home,” conversation we often have. When I share my location, my friends and family know I’ve made it home after a long drive. Also, I’m in full control, so I can turn off the sharing whenever I want.

There are lots of options for doing this, including using Google Maps, Facebook Messenger and Apple iMessage.

Here’s how to do it with each of those.

How to share your location with Google Maps

• Open Google Maps on your phone.
• Tap the menu button on the top-left of the screen.
• Tap “Location Sharing.”

• Choose how long you want to share for.
• Choose who you want to share with.
• Confirm that you’d like to share your location.
• Send the message.