2 Ways to Share Your Live Location in Instagram DM
If you’re looking to share your real-time location with someone via Instagram DM, you’re in the right place. Instagram now allows you to share your live location directly within the app. Here’s how to do it, along with an alternative method using Google Maps for those who prefer it.
Instagram DMs: How to Share Your Live Location
Sharing your live location over an Instagram chat can be helpful when meeting someone or making it easier for them to find you—without giving away yourWhatsApporiMessagenumber. It’s also useful for coordinating with people you only know through Instagram, like a mutual from an event or meetup.
This way, you don’t have to share your phone number or any personal details beyond your Instagram profile. Plus, since not everyone uses WhatsApp or iMessage, this method helps avoid cross-platform compatibility issues.
Method 1: Using Instagram’s Built-in Live Location Feature
Meta introduced the live location sharing feature to Instagram DMsin November last year. It works for both one-on-one and group chats. Your live location cannot be forwarded to other chats, meaning only the recipient can see it on their account. It also expires automatically after an hour, but you can choose to stop sharing it anytime.
To share your location, follow these steps:
1.Open the Instagram chat where you want to share your directions.
2.Tap the+ (plus) iconnext to the message box.
3.ChooseLocation.
4.When using the feature for the first time, you’ll see an introduction to the basics. Tap Continue.
5.Next, tapShare Your Location.
Your live location will now be shared with the other person for one hour, allowing them to view your current location and get directions to you. Tap theViewbutton below your message to see a larger map with your live location and the remaining duration. SelectStop Sharing Locationto turn it off.
Make sure you’ve set Instagram’s location access to “Always.” You can change this by going toSettings>Apps>Instagramand setting it toAlways. This ensures your location is available even when you’re not actively using Instagram.
Method 2: Using Google Maps to Share Live Location on Instagram
If you don’t see the live location feature on Instagram or prefer another way, use Google Maps:
The other person can now use your Google Maps link to access your real-time location. You can stop sharing anytime by returning to the same page. This method works even if the other person doesn’t have Instagram’s live location feature.
These are two quick methods to share your real-time location with anyone via Instagram. Just remember to share your location only with people you trust, and turn it off as soon as you’re done. Stay safe and meet in public places when possible.
Ritik Singh
With over 7 years of experience in tech, Ritik currently heads content at Techwiser.com. His journey started by sharing knowledge and helping others in online communities. That passion soon turned into a career in tech journalism, backed by a formal education in Electronic Media. He’s held editorial roles at GadgetsToUse and PC-Tablet, and has contributed to popular publications like HowToGeek and TheWindowsClub. With over 2,000 how-tos, reviews, and in-depth guides under his belt, Ritik has helped millions of readers get more out of their tech—from smartphones to smart homes.
