In an earlier guide, we have introduced how iPhone users can share their location information on their mobile phone through the build-in Apple Maps app and iMessage. This is a feature that is really helpful in our lives. For example it can help others to find us or help us to find other people or nearby places, such as restaurants, theaters, bars, etc. If you own an iPhone or Android phone, such as Samsung, Motorola, LG, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Huawei, how do you send your location info to your friends and family or share your location info with others using your smart phone?
Depending on the circumstances, there are a few options available. For example, you can call or text your friends, let them know your nearby landmarks or places or ask them for these information. You can use location sharing services built-in your mobile OS, such as the Google Maps app for Android, Find My app for iPhone. These services allow you to share your location with your contacts or see the real-time location of your friends if they’ve granted you permission.
Many messaging apps, like WhatsApp, WeChat or Telegram, allow you to share your real-time location with specific contacts. Today, we will discuss how you can send your location info or share your location info using WeChat app on mobile phones. WeChat is a cross-platform messaging app. With it on your mobile phone, you can share location with your friends or contacts across various mobile OS. For example, Android users can share their locations with iPhone users, iPhone users can send their location info to Android users, etc.
How to Share your Location using WeChat on Mobile Phones?
You can go to download WeChat app from Apple App Store, Google Play Store or other app markets if not yet. Launch the WeChat app and make sure you are logged in. Switch to the Chats tab where you can find all your conversations or group chats from the bottom. Navigate to the chat with the friend or group you want to share your location with.
In the chat, tap on the “+” icon at the bottom right corner to bring up more options. Look for the Location option in the menu.
Find the Location icon and tap on it, you will get a screen as shown in below screenshot.
Now you have the options to send your location or share your real-time location with friends or family in WeChat.
Method 1. Share your current location through WeChat
The Send Location option is to send your current location on the map to someone you like to share your location info with. Once you choose it, you will open the map with your current position or location marked on it, you can then send it directly to your friends on WeChat.
Also you can find nearby places, such as restaurants, bars, bus stations and more below the map, so you can quickly pick up a known location in the map to share with your friends.
Method 2. Share real-time location through WeChat
Real-time Location in Wechat works differently. When you enable the real-time location sharing feature in WeChat, you will actually send a location sharing request to your friend, so they can join the location sharing on mobile phones, anyone joined in the real-time location sharing can see other’s location in real time until he or she ends the location sharing in WeChat.
Share your Live Location with others, allowing them to track your current whereabouts when you move. This feature provides insights into your travel direction and speed, when you’re on the move.
It is very convenient to help you find people using your smart phone. The common use purpose of WeChat real-time location sharing is to help two or more users find each other and conveniently meet up.
Method 3. Share remote location through WeChat
As we mentioned above, you can find and tag nearby places, such as restaurants, bars, bus stations and more below the map, so you can quickly pick up a known location in the map to share with your friends.
You can also manually search somewhere in the map and send it to your friends. Above the map, there is a ‘search for place’ box, type in any remote place or location and search, then you will see a pin of the searched location in the the center of the map. Drag and drop the map to put the pin on a different location if necessary. Once you have tagged the right location in the map, tap Send button at the top right corner to share it with your friends. In this way, not only your current location can be shared, you can virtually share any location on the map.
Location sharing extra tips
- Keep in mind that steps and menu options may vary slightly based on the OS your device runs and WeChat version you are using.
- If you can’t share location in WeChat app on your smart phone, make sure to enable GPS or location sharing features on the phone.
- Remember to respect privacy and only share your location with people you trust. Additionally, ensure that your device’s location settings are configured to your preference for privacy and security.
- Location services may not always be entirely accurate due to poor GPS signal, network issues, or incorrect settings, etc.
- There are tools and apps available that can be used to manipulate or spoof GPS location information on a mobile device and provide false location data.
- Continuous use of GPS for location tracking can significantly drain your phone’s battery.
- Remember that Real-time location sharing consumes data.
- Last but not least, constantly relying on location-sharing features might discourage individuals from developing traditional navigation skills. So only use it when necessary.