Android

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone

It can be frustrating when location sharing fails to update in real-time in Google Maps. Here's what you can do to fix it.

By Pankil ShahJune 24, 2023

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone

Quick Fixes

Modify Location permissions for Google Maps.

Reset location sharing session under profile options > Location Sharing.

Recalibrate the compass in Google Maps.

Common Fixes

Check your internet connection – Google Maps will fail to update the location if your internet is unstable. Test your connection speed online .

Update the Google Maps app – Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store > search Google Maps > tap Update (if available).

Allow background activity for Google Maps – On Android, enable Background data usage and Unrestricted access to Google Maps under Mobile Data and Battery settings, respectively. Alternatively, enable Background App Refresh for Google Maps on iOS.

Fix 1: Disable Battery Saver or Low Power Mode

Activating battery saver or low power mode on your phone limits background app activity , such as location tracking in Google Maps. Disabling it should fix the issue of location sharing not updating.

On Android: Open the Settings app > tap Battery > turn off the Battery saver mode . Alternatively, tap the Battery Saver toggle in the notification panel to disable it.

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 12

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 13

On iOS: Launch the Settings app > tap Battery > toggle off the Low Power Mode . You can also do it by pressing the Low Power Mode toggle in iOS Control Center.

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5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 16

Fix 2: Modify Location Permissions

Google Maps requires continuous access to your location data to update your location in real time. Setting the app’s location permissions to always track your location should resolve the issue.

Note: Setting Google Maps location permissions to Always on your device will consume more battery.

Android

Step 1: Long-press the Google Maps icon > select App Info > Permissions .

Step 2: Select Location and set it to Allow all the time . Further, toggle on Use precise location .

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 23

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 24

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 25

iOS

Step 1: Open the Settings app > scroll down to select Google Maps and tap Location .

Step 2: Set location access to Always and turn on Precise Location .

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5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 30

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Fix 3: Reset the Location Sharing Session

If your live location isn’t updating in Google Maps, terminate your current location-sharing session and start afresh.

Step 1: Tap your profile icon at the top right corner in Google Maps and select Location sharing .

Step 2: Select the contact with whom you previously shared your location and press Stop .

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5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 37

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 38

Step 3: Finally, tap Share location with contact > pick your desired duration > select Share .

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5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 41

Fix 4: Recalibrate the Compass

If the location-sharing feature malfunctions despite correcting all settings, try calibrating the compass on your smartphone.

Android

Step 1: Launch the Google Maps app > tap the blue dot signifying your current location > select Calibrate .

Step 2: Tilt and move your device as instructed to calibrate the compass.

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 47

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 48

iOS

Step 1: Open Privacy & Security settings > tap Location Services > select System Services .

Step 2: Toggle off and re-enable Compass Calibration .

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5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 53

5 Ways to Fix Location Sharing Not Updating in Google Maps on Phone illustration 54

Fix 5: Clear Google Maps Cache

Clearing the Google Maps cache comes in handy when the app cache gets corrupted, creating location-sharing issues. Alternatively, delete and re-install the Google Maps app on iOS to begin afresh.

Long-press the Google Maps icon > select App info > Storage and cache > Clear cache .