Overview
- Real-time location in Google Messages is now rolling out, placing a live map directly in conversations with sharing options for 1 hour, today only, until turned off, or a custom duration up to 24 hours.
- A visible banner in Messages shows that location is being shared and until when, and users can stop sharing at any time; the previous Maps link option remains as One-time Location.
- The feature uses Google Maps/Find Hub and sends a findhub.app.google web link so recipients on iPhone or without Messages can view the live map in a browser.
- Live sharing appears in RCS chats rather than standard SMS and may require Google account sign-in and active location services, with Battery Saver potentially preventing background updates.
- Separately, Google Maps is testing a one-tap floating button for location sharing and a simplified driving interface with larger icons, features discovered in version 26.12.03.884026066 behind hidden flags without a public release announced.