How to share your live location (and when it helps)

Live location sharing is one of the simplest and most powerful safety features on your phone. It lets trusted people see where you are in real time, so that if something goes wrong, someone already knows where to find you. This guide explains how it works, when it helps, and how to use it safely.

What live location sharing actually does

When you share your live location, your phone sends its GPS coordinates to the people you choose, updating as you move. They can usually see your position on a map in their browser — no app required on their end. You stay in control: you decide who sees it, and you can stop sharing at any time.

When it helps

• Walking or travelling alone, especially at night or on an unfamiliar route.
• Meeting someone new, so a friend can quietly check you have arrived and left safely.
• Running, hiking, or cycling, where plans can change and help may be needed quickly.
• After a night out, when you want someone to confirm you got home.

How to share your location with Athena

Athena's Live Sharing feature creates a private tracking link you can send to anyone — a partner, a parent, a friend. They open it in their browser and see your moving position on a map. There is no need for them to install anything.

1. Open Live Sharing from the home screen.
2. Start sharing — Athena begins sending your live coordinates.
3. Send the link by text or message to your chosen contact.
4. Stop sharing when you have arrived safely.

Tips for sharing safely

• Only share with people you trust. A live location is sensitive information.
• Set a time limit. Share for the length of a journey, then stop. Athena lets you end sharing whenever you choose.
• Pair it with Safe Journey Mode. Live sharing shows where you are; journey mode raises an alert if you don't arrive when expected. Together they cover both "where" and "when".
• Tell your contact what to do if you stop moving. A sudden stop in an unexpected place can be a sign to call you, and if you don't answer, to call 999.

What live sharing is not

Live location sharing is a safety net, not a guarantee. It does not replace calling 999 in an emergency, and it depends on your phone having signal and battery. Use it alongside — not instead of — other precautions.

Used well, it is one of the calmest, most reassuring tools available: someone knows where you are, so you don't have to face the journey alone.