When faced with an emergency, sharing our location can be vital. However, describing the exact location on the phone can sometimes be difficult, especially in an unfamiliar or remote environment.
Fortunately, the geolocation of our smartphones can be of great help in these cases. In fact, they all already offer location functionality with apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze.
Less well known is that this feature can also be used in messaging apps.
To do this, you must first enable location and have a 3G / 4G / 5G or Wi-Fi connection (mobile networks are usually more reliable in these situations). So, by sending your location to a contact via SMS, he will be able to see a point on the map: this is the location of your smartphone. Your contact can then join you by following the route to your location or share the information with other people if needed.
Share your location via SMS on Android
Open the Messages app, select a conversation or start a new one, tap the “+” button, then tap Location. Confirm your location and send the message to your contact.
Share your location via SMS on iOS
In the Messages app, open a conversation or start a new one, tap the “+” button, then tap Position. Check your location on the map and send it.
Another tip: the What3words app
What3words is a geolocation system that divides the world into a 3 by 3 meter grid and assigns each square a unique combination of three words, allowing any location on the planet to be accurately and easily remembered. For example, the Statue of Liberty is located at “scroll.reveal.revisser” and the Eiffel Tower at “goûtons.baisser.tapant”.
The app makes it easy to share locations with your contacts or emergency services, as well as capture photos.
Note that you can also share your real-time location through apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, allowing your contact to track your movements for a period you can set (15 minutes, 1 week, permanently, etc.) .