Google is enhancing Find My Device with a new ‘People’ tab, introducing real-time location sharing to help users stay connected with family and friends. This feature allows Android users to share their exact location securely, making it easier to coordinate meetups, track loved ones for safety, or ensure smoother travel plans.
How the ‘People’ Tab Works
The new ‘People’ tab integrates live location sharing directly into Find My Device, providing a seamless experience without needing third-party apps. Users can:
Share their live location with specific contacts for custom durations.
View real-time locations of family and friends who share their whereabouts.
Receive estimated distances and address updates for easy navigation.
Manage permissions and privacy settings to control who sees their location and for how long.
Step-by-Step: How to Share Your Location
Open the Find My Device app and navigate to the ‘People’ tab.
Tap the Share Location button to add friends or generate a shareable link.
Set the duration for sharing:
- One hour
- Until the end of the day
- Indefinitely (until manually turned off)
- Custom duration
Your selected contacts will now be able to see your real-time location on their map.
Designed for Privacy & Security
User-Controlled Permissions – Only people you approve can view your location.
No Background Tracking – You’re only visible for the time period you choose.
Encrypted Data – Your location is protected and not accessible by Google or third parties.
Why This Matters
Easier Meetups – Friends can find each other without constant texting.
Family Safety – Parents can check in on kids without constant calls.
Travel Convenience – Share location with travel buddies for smooth coordination.
Roadside Emergencies – Let trusted contacts track your location if you need help.
When & Where to Get It
The new ‘People’ tab is rolling out via an update to Find My Device on Android. Users should check the Google Play Store for the latest version to access this feature.
