Skip to main content

WhatsApp launches encrypted ‘Live Location’ sharing feature in Android app

WhatsApp today has released a new location sharing feature for its popular app. This latest feature allows users to share their location with other contacts using end-to-end encryption.

In a blog post, WhatsApp today shared details about its newest feature. Users can share their location on a per chat basis and for a limited amount of amount of time, and also have the ability to stop sharing at any point.

When multiple people in a chat share their location, you’ll be able to everyone’s location on the same map. To use the new feature, tap on the attach button, then under “Location” you’ll find the new “Share Live Location” option.

Whether you’re meeting up with friends, letting loved ones know you’re safe, or sharing your commute, Live Location is a simple and secure way to let people know where you are. This end-to-end encrypted feature lets you control who you share with and for how long. You can choose to stop sharing at any time or let the Live Location timer simply expire.

WhatsApp says that this latest feature is coming to both Android and iOS and will be rolling out over the “coming weeks.”

Location sharing recently came to Snapchat this past summer, while Google Maps also implemented similar functionality.

WhatsApp is a free download from the Play Store.


Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel