Google Contacts includes a new function allowing you to know the exact location of your loved ones in real time, thanks to Google Maps location sharing. Use with caution and sparingly to avoid too close monitoring
Google is actively improving its messaging and contacts services, stocking up on new functions. Thus, Google Messages will soon allow you to modify your messages after sending, as well as add numerous animations and several personalization functions (see our article). The company is taking the opportunity to make some small additions to Contacts, its application available by default on most Android devices, relying on interoperability between its different services. As reported Android Police, a new function, already available for smartphones running Android 14, allows you to locate your family and friends directly from the application. A small Google Maps block displaying their current location and updating it in real time now appears under the file of your contacts who have shared their location with you in the past.
How to enable location in Google Contacts?
This new function is reminiscent of that called “Nearby Friends” on Facebook as well as that found in Apple’s iMessage. To benefit from this, your Google Contacts application must be updated to version 4.22.37.586680692 – you can check this by going to the settings. If this is not the case, you will have to be a little patient, it should arrive soon.
Of course, you are not going to have access to the real-time location of anyone whose phone number you have! First, your contact must have agreed to share their location on Google Maps and you must have saved their Gmail address in their Contacts file. If so, you’ll see a small Google Maps module appear under the calling and texting options, showing you its current location on the map. From there, you can get directions directly to his place or set up notifications for him to arrive where you are. A good way to check the location of your loved ones, especially in times of danger, but use with caution. Remember that it is possible to deactivate the geolocation function at any time.