How do i share a location on google maps

Some travelers come to Utah in search of adventure and exercise.

Peter Unger

Google has a little-known feature inside Google Maps called "Plus Codes" that lets you share your exact location with someone. And it recently started to roll out an easier way to share exactly where you are using those codes on Android. You can also do it on iPhone, although it's a little more complex.

Plus Codes are digital addresses, sort of like Google's own interpretation of latitude and longitude coordinates, just shorter. They serve a different function than the "Share Location" feature in Google Maps, which follows you as you move. Plus Codes are more about sharing a static, specific location on a map that someone can find from any computer at any time.

The Plus Code for Lac-Normand, an unorganized territory in the Mauricie region of Quebec, Canada, for example, is "87V86JV5+32." If you search that code in Google Search, the Chrome web browser, or in Google Maps, it'll show you that location in Lac-Normand.

If you see a six-digit code, you also have to share the city or region it's in. For example, "P2X7+9Q New York" will show you the Empire State Building.

Normally, if you're in a city, you might just share your address or a nearby point of interest. But, if you're in a specific place inside a national park, you may want to share your Plus Code so someone can find you. Or maybe you're out on a hike and want to share your campsite location, or the location of a car. You can do that with a Plus Code before you begin hiking. 

The feature is rolling out now, so you may not see it yet, but I noticed it on my Android phone. If you don't see it, keep checking back over the coming weeks as it rolls out.

How to share your exact location in Google Maps from Android

Copy and send this 6-digit "Plus Code" to friends.

Google

• Open Google Maps on your Android phone.
• Tap the blue dot representing where you are.
• Google will show you the Plus Code for where you're standing toward the top of the screen.
• Send that code to a friend or family member.
• You can tap the "Share location" button, too, but keep in mind that'll show your friends your location as you continue to move. If you're giving someone the location of a campsite or a parked car, just share the Plus Code.

How to share your exact location in Google Maps from iPhone

The steps are a little different on an iPhone, but here's what you do:

The 6-digit Plus Code in Google Maps on iPhone.

Todd Haselton | CNBC

• Open Google Maps on iPhone.
• Tap and hold to place a red marker next to where you're standing on the map (or anywhere if you want to send the location of something else.)
• Google Maps will present a small pop-up on the bottom of the screen with your location.
• Pull up on that pop-up menu.
• Next to a marker icon you'll see the Plus Code (above your longitude and latitude.)
• Copy and paste that and send it to a friend to give them your current location.

That's it! Now you can share your location or the exact location of something, even if it doesn't have a street address.

• You can easily share a Google Map route or location with others.
• You can share a complete route or just a destination using the "Share" button in Google Maps on your web browser.
• On your Android or iPhone, you can share a location or destination using the "Share" button and text or email it to others.   
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you're headed somewhere and need to share the destination or the entire driving route, Google Maps can help. 

There's a "Share" button in the web browser and on the mobile app that you can use to text or email your destination to others. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

Macbook Pro (From $1,299 at Best Buy)

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (From $999 at Best Buy)

How to share a Google Map on your computer

If you're using Google Maps on your desktop, you can share a location or a complete route.

1. Open Google Maps on your Mac or PC and search for a location or route in the search bar at the top-left of the screen.

2. Once the result you want appears, click it and then click the "Share" button. The icon looks like three circles connected by lines.

3. Click the blue "Copy Link" text and then send the link to whomever you want to share it with. Notice that you can also post the link to Facebook or Twitter if you so desire. 

How to share a Google Map on your smartphone

If you're using the Google Maps app on your Android or iPhone, you can share a location, but you can't share a complete route. 

1. Start the Google Maps app and type in the location you want to share in the top search bar. 

2. Tap the Share icon, which looks like a square with an arrow pointing up. On your iPhone, you might have to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to expand the bottom menu, and then tap the Share icon at the top-right of the screen.

3. Choose how you want to share the link — you have a number of options, including copying the URL, sending it via text or email, or sharing it on social media.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to print directions from Google Maps in 5 simple steps

• How to embed Google Maps directions or maps into a website

• How to find elevation on Google Maps on your computer or mobile device

• How to add a stop on Google Maps before your final destination, on desktop or mobile

• How to create a map in Google Maps using My Maps, to save and share it for custom routes or directions

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

Read more Read less