Sharing your location on an iPhone 12 is a simple process that can be done in a few quick steps using the built-in Messages or Maps apps. Whether you want to let a friend know where you are, or ensure that your loved ones can find you in case of an emergency, location sharing can be an incredibly useful feature.
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand that sharing your location allows another person to see where you are in real-time. This can be helpful in a variety of situations, such as meeting up with friends or making sure a family member can track your journey.
Step 1: Open the Messages app
Open the Messages app on your iPhone 12 and select the conversation with the person you want to share your location with.
Messages is the default texting app on iPhone, and it’s the easiest way to share your location with someone. Make sure that you have the conversation open with the person you want to share your location with, as you cannot share your location with someone without a conversation.
Step 2: Tap on the contact’s name
At the top of the conversation, tap on the contact’s name to open the contact menu.
When you tap on the contact’s name, a menu will pop up with several options. This menu allows you to access various features related to your contact, including sharing your location.
Step 3: Select “Share My Location”
Tap on “Share My Location” and choose for how long you want to share your location.
When you select “Share My Location,” you’ll be given options for the duration of the share. You can choose to share for one hour, until the end of the day, or indefinitely.
Step 4: Confirm the location share
After selecting the duration, tap “Send” to share your location.
Once you tap “Send,” your location will be shared with the contact. They’ll receive a message in the conversation with a map showing your location.
After completing these steps, your location will be shared with your contact for the duration you selected. They’ll be able to see your current location on a map, and if you chose to share indefinitely, they’ll be able to see your location updates in real-time.
Tips: Mastering Location Sharing on iPhone 12
- Always ensure that your iPhone’s location services are turned on before attempting to share your location.
- Consider the privacy implications before sharing your location indefinitely and only do so with trusted contacts.
- If you want to stop sharing your location before the specified time, you can do so by going back to the contact menu and tapping “Stop Sharing My Location.”
- Use the Find My app if you want to share your location with multiple people or create a family sharing group.
- Remember that sharing your location can drain your battery faster, so keep an eye on your battery life when sharing for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my location services are enabled?
Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and make sure the switch is turned on.
Location services need to be enabled for location sharing to work. This setting allows apps like Messages and Maps to use your location.
Can I share my location with someone who doesn’t have an iPhone?
Yes, you can share your location with anyone who has a phone number or email address registered with iMessage.
iMessage works across all Apple devices, so as long as the person you’re sharing with has iMessage set up, they’ll be able to see your location.
What should I do if my location isn’t updating correctly?
Make sure you have a good internet connection and that your iPhone’s location services are set to “While Using the App.”
If your location isn’t updating, it might be because of a poor internet connection or because the app doesn’t have the correct permissions to access your location.
How can I see someone else’s location?
If someone has shared their location with you, you can see it by opening the conversation in Messages and tapping on their name.
When someone shares their location with you, it will appear in your conversation with them. You can tap on their name to view the map and see their current location.
Is location sharing safe?
Location sharing is generally safe, but you should only share your location with people you trust.
Always be mindful of who you’re sharing your location with and for how long. If you ever feel uncomfortable, you can stop sharing your location immediately.
Summary
- Open Messages and select the conversation.
- Tap on the contact’s name.
- Select “Share My Location.”
- Choose the duration and tap “Send.”
Conclusion
Sharing your location on an iPhone 12 is a breeze once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re coordinating a meet-up with friends, ensuring your family can keep an eye on you, or just making your whereabouts known for safety reasons, the iPhone 12 makes it incredibly easy to stay connected. Remember to use this feature responsibly and maintain your privacy by only sharing your location with people you trust. Happy sharing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.