5 location-sharing apps that aren’t run by Apple or Google

Sharing your location with friends and family shouldn't be a headache. Vague descriptions like "near a big tree" are unhelpful. Fortunately, several apps offer safe and private location sharing without broadcasting your whereabouts to the entire world. Apple and Google provide built-in tools, but third-party apps offer enhanced features. While initially it might feel uneasy, you retain complete control over who sees your location and for how long.

Glympse:

Glympse excels at quick, customizable location sharing, regardless of phone type or app used. Its integrated mapping tools simplify finding loved ones. "Glympses" (shared locations) can be sent via email, text, or other apps. Even recipients without Glympse can view the location in their web browser, for a limited time. No account is needed to share. Control who sees your location and for how long; create private groups for shared location visibility. Public tags (like social media hashtags) can announce your presence at events.

Glympse is free for Android and iOS.

Life360:

Life360 focuses on families, allowing you to monitor children's safety. Receive alerts for arrivals at home or school, view locations on a map, and even get crash detection alerts. It also supports Tile trackers for locating belongings.

The map view is central, showing family members' real-time locations. An SOS feature provides discreet alerts. Kids can share general locations for increased privacy.

Life360 is free, but a premium subscription ($15/month) offers extended location history, unlimited location alerts, and enhanced crash detection.

Life360 is free for Android and iOS, with a premium version starting at $15.

Messaging Apps:

Many messaging and social media apps include location sharing. This is ideal for temporary sharing with specific groups, such as during vacations.

WhatsApp Location Sharing:

In WhatsApp, tap the paperclip icon, select "Location," and choose between sharing your current location or live location (15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours, cancellable anytime). This is perfect for quick, temporary sharing within existing group chats, maintaining privacy within those groups.

WhatsApp is free for Android and iOS.

Snapchat Location Sharing:

Snapchat's Snap Map lets friends see your location; only friends can see it, and you can restrict visibility. The map also shows public snaps. Tap the map pin, then the cog icon to manage friend visibility or activate "Ghost Mode." Location updates only when Snapchat is open and disappears after 24 hours. A "Share Live" option provides real-time location sharing (1 hour, 8 hours, or until disabled) for trusted contacts.

Snapchat is free or $4/month for Android and iOS.

Signal Location Sharing:

Signal prioritizes security and privacy with end-to-end encryption and disappearing messages. While not its primary feature, location sharing is secure and simple, within individual or group chats. Tap the plus button, select "Location," and confirm before sharing (one-time share, not real-time).

Signal is free for Android and iOS.

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