Google Messages is adding a new way to share your location with friends and family, directly within your text conversations. The update, rolling out now, integrates with Android’s Find Hub to offer real-time location sharing, moving beyond the previous option of simply sending a static Google Maps link. This feature aims to develop it easier and more seamless to coordinate meetups or simply let loved ones recognize where you are.
The change appears in the attachment menu within a chat, where the “Location” option is now labeled “Real-time location” accompanied by a new icon. Users can choose to share their location for a specific duration – one hour, for the rest of the day, or until manually turned off – or set a custom duration of up to 24 hours. Once shared, a location card will appear in the message thread, allowing recipients to track your movements on a map. The previous option to send a one-time Google Maps link remains available as “One-time Location.”
The rollout of this feature comes as Google continues to integrate its services more closely. Find Hub, previously known as Google Location Sharing, provides a centralized way to manage location access across Google apps. The new integration within Messages allows users to share their location without leaving the conversation, streamlining the process. Users can also manage location sharing through Google Maps and Find Hub itself.
According to a new support article from Google, while Messages offers end-to-end encryption for message content, location sharing via Find Hub is processed by Google Maps and is subject to Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This represents an important distinction for users concerned about privacy.
The feature is currently appearing for some users in the beta version of Google Messages, as reported on Reddit. Google’s release of the support documentation suggests a wider rollout is expected soon. As more people rely on location sharing for coordination and safety, this integration within Google Messages offers a convenient and increasingly essential communication tool.
Google will continue to update Find Hub with new features, including location alerts when someone arrives or leaves a designated place, as reported by 9to5Google. Users can expect further refinements to the location sharing experience within Google Messages and the broader Find Hub ecosystem in the coming months.
If you’re looking for a more secure way to communicate, consider using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp. For more information on Google’s privacy policies, visit their Privacy Policy page.
