Whether you are a parent who wants to know your child got home safely, or a family that wants to stay connected across different cities — free location sharing apps make it effortless. These 8 apps let families share real-time location with each other, completely free.
📍 Important Note
Location Sharing Should Always Be Consensual
All apps below require the tracked person to install the app and agree to share their location. This is family coordination — not secret tracking.
1. Google Maps — Location Sharing
Already on every Android phone. Open Google Maps → tap your profile photo → Location Sharing → Share your real-time location. The other person sees you on their map in real time. Free, no additional app needed, works on both Android and iPhone. Share for 1 hour, until end of day, or indefinitely.
2. Google Family Link
Designed specifically for parents managing children’s Android devices. See your child’s location in real time, set screen time limits, approve app downloads, and get weekly activity reports. Free from Google. Works best when your child has their own Android device or Chromebook.
3. Life360
The most popular dedicated family location app. Free plan gives real-time location of all family members, arrival and departure alerts (know when your child reaches school), and a 2-day location history. Paid plans add crash detection and driving reports. Used by millions of families worldwide.
4. Find My (iPhone)
Apple’s built-in location sharing app. If your family uses iPhones, Find My is the easiest option — already installed, integrated with Apple Watch and AirTags, and completely free. Share location permanently with selected family members with one tap in Settings.
5. Glympse
Glympse is the best option for temporary location sharing. Share your real-time location for a set time (10 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) without the other person needing to install the app — they view it in a browser link. Perfect for “I’m on my way” situations.
6. Family Locator by Life360 (Zenly Replacement)
After Zenly shut down, many families moved to Life360’s standalone Family Locator app. Simple interface, real-time location, and arrival notifications. Free plan is generous enough for most families.
7. WhatsApp Location Sharing
WhatsApp’s built-in live location feature lets you share your real-time location within a chat for 15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours. No additional app needed. Open a chat → tap the attachment icon → Location → Share Live Location. Works on both Android and iPhone.
8. Trusted Contacts (Google)
Google’s Trusted Contacts app lets family members request each other’s location. If someone doesn’t respond within a set time, their location is shared automatically — useful as a safety check for elderly relatives or children traveling alone.
FAQs
Can the person being tracked turn it off?
Yes — all apps on this list allow the tracked person to stop sharing at any time. Location sharing is always voluntary.
Does live location drain battery?
Continuous sharing uses more battery than normal. For occasional check-ins, WhatsApp’s timed sharing or Glympse are better options than always-on tracking.
Which is best for elderly parents?
Google Maps location sharing is simplest since most people already have it. Life360 is better if you want alerts when they arrive or leave specific places.