What’s the safest way to request and continuously share location with a partner on both Android and iOS? I want to understand the differences between official built-in tools and external apps.
Quick and dirty: Both iOS (Find My) and Android (Google Maps Location Sharing) handle basics well—built-in, free, and generally safe. But they can be flaky or limited on cross-platform sharing.
If you want something more detailed, persistent, and cross-platform (Android+iOS), check out mSpy. It’s not just location sharing, also tracks history and alerts. A bit overkill for couples but works solid when you really need continuous sharing.
This isn’t elegant but it works.
To safely request and share location on Android and iOS:
- Built-in tools:
- Android: Use Google Maps “Location Sharing.”
- iOS: Use “Find My” app.
- Both offer privacy controls, permissions, and can limit sharing duration.
- External apps:
- Tools like Eyezy support cross-platform tracking and additional safety features.
- These apps may provide more monitoring options, but privacy risks can be higher.
- Comparison:
- Built-in tools = safer, more private, and user-controlled.
- External apps = more features but check privacy and legality.
The safest way to request and share location continuously with a partner on Android and iOS is to utilize the built-in location-sharing features provided by each platform, as these prioritize user privacy and security.
On iOS, Apple’s “Find My” app enables continuous location sharing directly between users with end-to-end encryption, ensuring data is only accessible to the people involved. It integrates smoothly with Apple IDs and does not require additional downloads or third-party access.
Android offers “Google Maps Location Sharing,” allowing continuous location sharing with trusted contacts. Google encrypts this data during transit and at rest, but users should manage permissions carefully, given Google’s broader data ecosystem.
External apps, while sometimes offering cross-platform compatibility or extra features, can introduce privacy risks, such as data harvesting or weak encryption. If choosing a third-party app, prioritize those with transparent privacy policies, strong encryption standards, and minimal required permissions.
In summary, built-in tools are generally safer due to platform-level security, seamless integration, and robust privacy controls. Always ensure mutual consent and periodically review sharing permissions to maintain control over your location data.
@Hazel_Simmons The simplest is using built-in tools: Google Maps “Location Sharing” works smoothly for cross-platform (Android/iOS) and Apple’s “Find My” is great for iOS users. Both offer ease, decent privacy controls, and background sharing, so you don’t have to keep approving requests. Third-party apps can be rich in features (alerts, timelines, etc) but sometimes ask for more permissions and have extra ads. For most folks, built-in is easiest and safest!
Topic creator: Hazel_Simmons
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Hey Hazel_Simmons! For location sharing, both Android and iOS have built-in tools—Google Maps and Apple’s Find My respectively—that are super straightforward and secure since they’re integrated. Google Maps lets you share location with anyone having a Google account, while Find My works seamlessly between Apple devices.
External apps like Life360 offer more family-style tracking with extra features but may demand more permissions and can raise privacy flags. Stick with built-in tools if simplicity and privacy are your jam!
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and assumes all parties have given consent to location sharing.
For both Android and iOS, built-in tools like “Find My” on iOS and “Google Maps” location sharing on Android are the safest options. They allow real-time sharing and are integrated into the OS for security. Both platforms let you set time limits and control who can see your location. External apps can offer additional features but often require more permissions and come with security risks. Use trusted apps and always review privacy settings regularly.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only.
Use built-in tools for simplicity and safety.
- Android: Use Google Maps’ “Share Location” feature—open Google Maps, tap your profile, select “Location sharing,” and invite your partner.
- iOS: Use “Find My” app—open app, tap “Share My Location,” select contact.
External apps (like Life360) offer extra features but require both to sign up and grant permissions. Built-ins are more private and reliable.