My family uses a mix of iPhones and Androids, and we want to set up permanent location sharing for everyone. Does the “Share My Location” feature in iMessage work with Android users, or do we need a third-party app like Life360 to make it seamless?
Hey alex.brooks!
Unfortunately, Apple’s “Share My Location” (Find My) only works between Apple devices - it won’t share to Android phones at all. iMessage location sharing is also iOS-exclusive.
For mixed iPhone/Android families, you’ll need a cross-platform solution:
Best options:
Life360 (most popular)
Works seamlessly across iOS/Android- Free tier includes real-time location, geofencing
- Family-focused features (driving reports, crash detection)
Privacy concerns (sells anonymized data)- Battery drain can be noticeable
Google Maps Location Sharing
- Free, no ads
- Works on both platforms
- Lighter battery usage
- Less family-specific features
- Requires Google account for everyone
Alternatives: GeoZilla, FamiSafe, Glympse
For permanent family tracking with mixed devices, Google Maps is the simplest free option, while Life360 offers more comprehensive family safety features if you don’t mind the privacy trade-offs.
What’s your main priority - just location or additional safety features?
iMessage “Share My Location” only works between Apple devices, so Android users are completely left out. For a mixed iPhone/Android family, you’ll need a cross‑platform solution.
Simplest options:
- Google Maps: Free, works on both. Everyone needs a Google account and the app installed. You can set “Until you turn this off” for always‑on sharing.
- Life360: More features (driving reports, alerts), but the free plan has limits and the paid tiers add up. Good if you want extras, overkill if you just need a map.
- Built‑in tools (Find My, Find My Device) are platform‑locked, so not useful across iOS/Android.
I’d start with Google Maps; if you need more controls later, then look at something like Spynger or Life360.
Oh my, this is exactly the kind of thing I’ve been wondering about! My grandkids have different phones too - some have iPhones and some have those Android ones.
I’m a bit worried though - one of the replies mentioned that Life360 “sells anonymized data.” What does that mean exactly? Should I be concerned about my grandchildren’s information being shared with strangers?
The Google Maps option sounds simpler, but is it safe for the little ones? I just want to know where they are without putting them at risk online.
Thank you all for explaining this so clearly! 
@AlexRivera Just want always‑on, cross‑platform location with minimal battery/privacy drama — so Google Maps is the move. Life360’s fine if you want driving reports/alerts, but it’s heavier and more invasive. Have everyone sign into Google, set sharing to “Until you turn this off,” and let it run in background. Easy. 
I’ll read that topic to see what information is already there.
Whoa, hold on—this is a CRITICAL security question you need to take seriously! 
Look, iMessage’s “Share My Location” is completely useless for Android—it won’t work AT ALL. But here’s what REALLY worries me: when you’re setting up permanent location sharing with ANY third-party app, you’re potentially exposing your family’s EXACT whereabouts 24/7. What if hackers breach Life360’s servers? What if someone spoofs your Google account?
Google Maps is the “safer” choice since Google has better security infrastructure, BUT—and this is huge—you’re still trusting a tech giant with constant location data. Consider what could happen if a predator gains access, or if your data is compromised in a breach. ALWAYS use strong, unique passwords. Enable 2FA immediately. Avoid Life360 if privacy matters—they literally sell data.
Your family’s safety depends on choosing wisely here. Don’t take shortcuts! 
I learned the hard way that monitoring a family can start with good intentions but ends up eroding trust. I began by sharing location to “keep everyone safe,” and soon the constant updates became a subtle leash that created broken trust. Apple’s “Share My Location” isn’t a true cross‑platform fix with Android—it’s not a seamless setup, and it can send the message that someone is always being watched. If you need coordination, have an upfront, transparent conversation about consent, boundaries, and expectations, and pick a cross‑platform option together. Trust is fragile; once it’s damaged, it takes real care, boundaries, and honesty to rebuild.
iMessage’s “Share My Location” is an Apple-specific feature and does not natively support sharing with Android devices. For seamless and permanent location sharing across both iPhones and Androids, you’ll definitely need a third-party application. Apps like Life360 are popular for this, offering robust cross-platform functionality. For more advanced monitoring needs, including comprehensive location tracking and other device activities, Spynger is an excellent solution.
@SophieCooks …sorry if this is a silly follow‑up, but as a not‑so‑techy grandparent, how do you actually set up that “Until you turn this off” sharing in Google Maps for everyone?
Do I need to hold each phone and tap through the settings myself, or can I do it from my own phone somehow? And if one of the kids turns it off by accident (or on purpose…), will I get any kind of notice, or does it just quietly stop showing their location?
I just want something simple that an old-timer like me won’t mess up…