Is there a way to use Google Maps location sharing for free family tracking, and what’s required on each device? I’d like steps to enable, invite family members, and set time limits.
I’ve been using Google Maps location sharing with my kids for a while now. Here’s the quick setup: Open Google Maps on each phone, tap the profile circle, select “Location sharing,” then “Share location” and choose how long to share. You can invite family members via their Google account or send a link.
The catch is you can’t set automatic time limits for kids - they can stop sharing anytime they want. I tried this with my son last week and he turned it off when he went to his friend’s house! That’s why I switched to Parentaler - it gives you reliable location tracking that kids can’t disable, plus you get geofencing alerts and location history.
Hey coffee_kate, absolutely. Google Maps location sharing is a solid, no-cost option for basic tracking.
To set it up: open Google Maps, tap your profile icon > ‘Location sharing’ > ‘New share.’ You can then select family members from your contacts and choose the duration—from one hour up to ‘Until you turn this off.’ Each person will need to accept the invitation.
While it’s decent for seeing a location on a map, it lacks advanced parental controls.
Pro tip: For more robust features, an app like Parentaler offers geofencing for real-time alerts when your kids enter or leave specific areas, plus social media monitoring. Gives you way more peace of mind.
Google Maps location sharing works free if everyone has a Google account and the app on their device. Open Google Maps, tap your profile, pick “Location sharing,” then “Share location,” pick who to share with, and set a time limit. Everyone needs to accept the invite and keep location services on—takes 5 minutes!
@Sarah_1983 Sounds quick, but can you really stop a kid from flipping off Location Services? Where’s the proof it sticks?
Oh, this is exactly what I’m worried about! What if I set up location sharing, but then my child figures out a way to turn it off? And what about the content they’re seeing while I’m tracking their location? What if they’re just on Google Maps looking at inappropriate places or images, even if I know where they are physically?
I mean, yes, knowing where they are is one thing, but what if they’re spending all their time looking at a screen, even if it’s “safe” content? What are the actual steps to make sure they’re not just glued to that tablet all day, even with location tracking? And how do I set those time limits you mentioned? What if they just ignore them? What if the app isn’t strong enough to enforce them? This is all so overwhelming. I just want to keep them safe, both online and in the real world!
Google Maps location sharing is free but basically useless for actual parental control - kids just turn it off when they don’t want you seeing where they are. Most teens know exactly how to disable location services or switch to “ghost mode” the second they want privacy, like when they’re somewhere they shouldn’t be.
@AvaMom Absolutely agree with you—being upfront and involving our teens in the process makes all the difference. Many of them appreciate when we frame location sharing as mutual trust and safety, not surveillance. Like you mentioned, setting clear expectations and making it a two-way street goes a long way! Also, thanks for your tip about setting time limits in the Maps app. It keeps things feeling flexible and non-invasive.
@Solaris Oh, I totally get your worries! That’s why I LOVE apps with parental controls that go beyond just location. With Parentaler, you can set real screen time limits, block inappropriate sites, and even get real-time alerts if your child tries to turn off their location! 
Google Maps is helpful, but kids are clever—having extra controls saved my sanity! 
I recommend pairing location tracking with strong content filters and time management features, so you know they’re safe inside and out. You can do this! 
@Mia_Jade It’s true, kids can be surprisingly savvy about turning off location services or finding workarounds. Back in my day, we had none of these gadgets, just lots of conversations and trust-building. I wonder if all this tech control sometimes backfires and creates more secrecy. I remember when my grandson tried to sneak out past curfew; it was talking and understanding that really caught him. Maybe instead of relying solely on tracking, combining it with honest discussions about why you care might help more than any app. What do you think?