Safe and private way to share location with family
Do you know of a way to share your location with family members. I currently use Google maps because my family has both Android and iOS devices so preferably something cross platform. Thanks for your help.
HomeAssistant, it has a "companion app" for android and ios. Once the app is installed on everyone's phone you can see real time the device location.
More info on history and path tracking as well.
https://community.home-assistant.io/t/location-sharing-and-record-the-track/747789/3
Depending on your selfhosting skills you can either choose to put your homeassistant behind your own website, or you can use the integrated cloud service provided by NabuCasa for a small monthly fee.
I’ve never gotten this to work with iOS devices for several years now. Yes, I’ve made sure that background app refresh is permitted, location services are on, etc.
That's weird. My wife uses an iPhone and it works flawlessly, and I don't think any specific configuration was required.
Signal has a location send
I just tried this, and it looks like it defaulted to Google maps. I'm guilty of having that set as my default at the moment, is that why?
Defaulted to Google Maps for me as well. And I don't use them
I am honestly not sure how to answer that.
Just a read before one invest time in w3w .... https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2025/02/endless-downward-spiral-is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-what3words/
Just share the GPS coords using any app that respects your privacy, and send using a messaging app that respects your privacy.
Doesn't matter what the GPS app is really (although I always recommend OrganicMaps), most all of them have a way to copy your current location and also snap to a pasted coordinate.
This. There are many ways to simply share coordinates like you would share a weblink - click on it, the appropriate app opens it.
Are we talking permanent background tracking? Or sending a message "hey, I'm here"?
Good question since I didn't specify. I would prefer periodic tracking at some configurable interval, but I actually really appreciate all the answers because to be honest I had not even considered things like sending my location in Signal or the other one shot approaches.
I've not tried these but this site is helpful in finding apps.
https://selfh.st/apps/?tag=Location
Hauk looks interesting.
You can integrate OwnTracks with NextCloud. OwnCloud app sends data to your NextCloud instance and you can see location of friends.
This ones a little more challenging to setup, be aware you need to selfhost with a public address. Or personal VPN to your home with Tailscale or Wireguard.
Element (Matrix) allows sharing your location, even your live location. Use the original Element client, not Element X, which does not have that feature yet.
I did not know this. Thank you.
Note that it seems to be bugged for some iOS users in my limited fifteen minutes of experimenting.
You're welcome. Element's location sharing feature was the reason for my wife and me to switch as I didn't feel like sharing my location with Telegram anymore.
https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/xyz.zood.george
I noticed this app on F-Droid but have no experience with it. Maybe it'll suit your needs
I'm testing this app now, just between me and my wife before we give it to the kids. Right now we can only send location updates when we open the app. I’ve tried all the typical things (background battery, always on GPS permissions, etc) without luck. Suggestions? Did you get it to work well for you?
Sorry, I haven't tried it as I have no need. I only shared it as an option that people might try and maybe it will fit their lifestyle.
I use μlogger on my phone and i set up the server: https://github.com/bfabiszewski/ulogger-server
When traveling I use GPSLogger and automatically upload the tracks to a private Nextcloud (but it supports more upload options). The map is shared with friends and family.
You can use OSMAnd to visualize your tracks.
Works pretty well so far... This is all Android based ofcourse.
This looks to be exactly what I was imagining. Thanks for the suggestion!
There are many ways to simply share coordinates like you would share a weblink - click on it, the appropriate app opens it. Not sure if I remember correctly, but they look like
gps://....As far as services are concerned I recommend openstreetmaps and its various web/app/desktop frontends. But ulktimately it will be up to each family member how they choose to open such links.
When I go some place I tell my spouse I'll be there. Are you looking for something more specific in 'sharing you location'?
I was hoping to find something more specific by posting here.
We drive across some pretty remote places, sometimes alone, so it would be more helpful to have a solution that periodically pings (hopefully automatically) and somehow shares with selected individuals.
I understand. Hopefully someone will be able to suggest something more useful ;)