5 Ways to Fix Live Location Not Updating on Android and iPhone

Quick Tips

• Sharing live location requires relevant permissions for the app you’re using to share your location.
• You may also have to keep the app open in the background for the location to update actively.
• If one app doesn’t work, you can share your live location using an alternate service.

Fix 1: Ensure Location Services Are Enabled

Enabling location services on your phone is the most basic step before you can share your live location. Here’s how to ensure it’s enabled.

On iPhone

Select Privacy & Security in the Settings app. Tap on Location Services and enable the Location Services toggle.

Also Read: How to fix location services not working on your iPhone.

On Android

Open the Settings app and navigate to the Location section. Turn on the toggle at the top to enable location services.

Fix 2: Grant Location Permission to Apps

Along with enabling location services, you also must allow the corresponding apps to access your location. Here’s how to do it.

On iPhone

Step 1: Navigate to the Privacy & Security section in the Settings app. Tap on Location Services.

Step 2: Search for the app you’re using to share your live location and tap on it. Change the setting under Allow Location Access to Always. Also, enable the toggle for Precise Location.

On Android

Step 1: Open the Settings app and navigate to the Location section. Select the App permissions option.

Step 2: Select the app you’re using to share your live location. Tap on Allow only while using the app. Also, enable the toggle next to Use precise location.

Fix 3: Enable Mobile Data

Apps like WhatsApp, which allow you to share your live location, require an active data connection and GPS to function. So, don’t turn off mobile data or Wi-Fi.

Fix 4: Keep the App in Memory at All Times

Your phone won’t update your live location if the app used to share the location stops working in the background. So, if you’re using Google Maps or WhatsApp, don’t clear it from the recent apps section.

Fix 5: Try an Alternative App to Share Your Live Location

There are various ways to share your live location on Android and iPhone. So, if Google Maps doesn’t work, try Find My. If that doesn’t work, maybe try WhatsApp?