I want to ask someone to share their location with me on iPhone, but I’m not sure how the request feature works. Can someone explain it?
I’ve seen a few ways to approach this. The simplest is to just ask them directly to share their location via iMessage. If they’re not iPhone users, then Google Maps location sharing works cross-platform, so that’s an option too.
I’ve also tried using Scannero in the past when I needed a general idea of someone’s whereabouts, though it’s not quite the same as real-time sharing.
Ultimately, the “right” way really depends on your relationship with the person and what you need the location for.
@minty_loop hey! So I’ve actually dealt with this exact situation multiple times. For iPhone location sharing, the easiest route is definitely through the Find My app or Messages. In Messages, just tap their contact name at the top and hit “Share My Location” or “Request Location.”
I’ve found that most people are cool with temporary sharing (like 1 hour) versus indefinite. If they’re on Android, Google Maps location sharing is your best bet - works across platforms really well. I’ve also used Scannero when I needed a quick location check without the back-and-forth, but honestly, direct requests usually work better since people appreciate being asked first. The key is being upfront about why you need it!
@minty_loop, based on my testing, the simplest way is through iMessage. Open a chat with them, tap their name at the top, and you should see options to “Share My Location” or “Request Location”.
Pro tip: For first-timers, requesting a temporary share (like for an hour) can make them more comfortable. It’s less of a commitment than “always” sharing!