How To Share Location On WhatsApp

Have you ever wanted to let someone know exactly where you are via WhatsApp? Perhaps you’re trying to meet a friend in an unfamiliar location, or you’re on a trip with friends, and the group is constantly on the move?

Enter: Live location sharing on WhatsApp. This handy feature allows you to share your whereabouts in real-time within an individual or group chat.

Let’s take a look at how this feature works in WhatsApp Messenger and top tips to stay safe while using it, plus how businesses can share their locations in the WhatsApp Business app through the business profile.

What is location sharing on WhatsApp?

The live location tool allows you to share your physical location in real-time via WhatsApp. You can choose to share your location with one person, in an individual chat, or with multiple people, in a group chat.

With the live location feature, you’re in complete control of how long you want to share your location, and you can choose to stop sharing it at any time.

WhatsApp uses the same end-to-end encryption that they do for messages and media on the platform to ensure security. This means that only the individual accounts that you’ve chosen to share your location with will be able to access it.

How long can I share my live location for?

When you initially choose to share your location, you can set the time period to 15 minutes, 1 hour or 8 hours. If you move location during this time and your mobile device remains connected to the internet, it will update automatically without you needing to re-share.

Once you stop sharing your live location, the people that you’ve shared it with will be able to see your last updated location as a static thumbnail image. This won’t update if you move locations.

Why would I want to share my location on WhatsApp?

Live location sharing can be really handy in a number of situations. For example, you might choose to share your live location in order to:

• Help someone to find you in an unfamiliar location that they’ve not visited before
• Let someone know you’re on your way so they can see your ETA
• Keep family or friends updated on your whereabouts while travelling
• Keep track of friends while travelling as a group

How to share location on WhatsApp

It’s easy to share your live location on both Android and Apple devices using WhatsApp, and the process is nearly the same for both.

How to share your live location on an Android device using WhatsApp

1. First, allow WhatsApp to use location permissions in your mobile device’s settings. Go to Settings, then Apps, then WhatsApp, then Permissions, then Location. Turn on WhatsApp to enable permissions. You can choose to Allow only while using the app, Ask every time or Don’t allow.
2. Open the chat that you want to share your live location on (individual or group).
3. Choose Attach, then Location, then Share live location.
4. Choose the length of time you want to share your location for.
5. Add a comment if wanted, then choose Send.
6. To stop sharing your live location, select Stop sharing, then Stop.

How to share your live location on an Apple device using WhatsApp

1. First, allow WhatsApp to use location permissions in your mobile device’s settings. Go to Privacy, then Location services, then WhatsApp. Choose Always.
2. Open the chat that you want to share your live location on (individual or group).
3. Choose Attach, then Location, then Share live location.
4. Choose the length of time you want to share your location for.
5. Add a comment if wanted, then choose Send.
6. To stop sharing your live location, select Stop sharing, then click Stop Sharing.

How to stay safe while sharing your location on WhatsApp

Bear this best practice guidance when you share your live location over WhatsApp:

Consider your privacy

Being able to share your location in real-time on WhatsApp is a fantastic way to keep your friends and family informed of your whereabouts, but you need to bear privacy concerns in mind at all times. Make sure you only share your location with people that you trust and who have a real reason to need to know your location. If sharing on a group, it’s worth double checking who is on the group to make sure you’re happy for everyone to know your live location.

Be mindful of your surroundings

You may choose to share your location with family or friends so that they can keep an eye on where you are if you’re in an area that you don’t feel comfortable with. This can be a good idea, but it’s important to still be mindful of your surroundings and do everything you can to ensure your personal safety. Avoid areas where you don’t feel safe if at all possible.

Keep the time period limited

It’s worth considering how long you need to share your live location in order to meet your needs. For example, if you’re meeting up, consider sharing your location for a limited time only. This helps to keep your location data safe and protect your privacy as much as possible.

By keeping the above guidelines in mind, you can use WhatsApp’s location sharing features in a safe and enjoyable way.

How to share your business location on WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business doesn’t allow you to share live location, but the best way to share your business location with your customers is via the business profile.

To do this, open WhatsApp Business, navigate to Business Tools and select Business Profile. Scroll down to the business address section, and enter your physical address. You can also select the address on a map to make it as accurate as possible.

It’s important to keep your business profile up to date when it comes to using WhatsApp Business. Adding a location lets customers know how far away you are from them, so they can choose companies that operate within their local areas, if this is relevant to their purchasing or booking decisions.

Find out how to optimise your WhatsApp Business profile.

How can I get started on WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp Business is an incredible tool for companies who want to revolutionise their comms strategies. At YourBusinessNumber, we make it quick and easy for businesses to get set up – and you don’t even have to buy a second mobile device to get going.

WhatsApp requires a unique mobile number for each account that is registered with the platform, so if you already use WhatsApp Messenger to contact family and friends, you’ll need a second virtual phone number to verify your new business account and run both apps on the same phone.

Think that sounds tricky to set up? Think again. We generate your brand new unique number in just a few clicks and send it to you via SMS. You can then use this number to set up your business account.

If you need help at any point in the process, our comprehensive customer support will help you get back on track. Plus, with cost-effective, stress-free and flexible plans, you’re in complete control. So, what are you waiting for? Generate your new business number today.