A fictional example: the outing ended a week ago
Mila and her brother share their positions during an outing so they can find each other. A week later, Mila notices that one sharing arrangement remains active. She opens the relevant list, checks the recipient and ends that connection. Next time she plans to choose a limited duration. She is not creating permanent family monitoring; she is matching a convenient feature to the actual reason for using it.
Keep three different settings separate
An app’s location permission concerns whether it may obtain location data. Sharing with a person concerns who can see a shared position. Saved location history is a third issue. These settings may work independently. Google, for example, explains that location sharing can work while Timeline is switched off. Inspect the actual sharing list rather than assuming that one disabled setting also disables every related function on the device.
Start with a small inventory
List the services through which you have shared a position before: a map app, a messenger or a device feature. Open each one yourself and look for active sharing arrangements. Check the account as well as the names, especially when you use more than one account. For each connection, ask why it was created, who is involved and whether it is still needed. You can write down the service names without recording anybody’s movements.
- Check individual recipients and any sharing links.
- Read the duration and automatic ending conditions.
- Stop an unnecessary arrangement and inspect its status again.
Helping someone requires agreement and a clear finish
When supporting another adult, let that person decide which connections should remain. Being related does not replace agreement to ongoing location access. Before changing anything, explain its effect and whether other desired functions could be affected. Some devices provide a broader safety review, but that tool does not necessarily cover outside services or other accounts. Consult the current manufacturer instructions for the device and software version being used.
Consider limitations and personal safety
A location dot may be delayed or inaccurate and does not prove what someone is doing. Sharing does not replace an agreed emergency plan or direct assistance in danger. If unwanted monitoring, coercion or violence is involved, changes may become noticeable to someone else. Seek specialist support through a safe contact route where possible and consider personal safety before making changes. This article describes an ordinary privacy review, not a complete safety plan for a threatening situation.
Your checklist
The checkboxes are for your own reference. No entries are sent to us. To keep a copy, print the page or save it as a PDF using your browser menu.
Common questions
Does sharing stop when I close the app?
Not reliably. The individual sharing settings determine what happens. Check the status inside the app or the relevant account overview rather than assuming it has ended.
Must I switch off every location feature?
No. You can stop a particular arrangement that is no longer needed. Navigation and other features you want to use are separate questions.
Can I secretly change this for a relative?
When voluntarily helping another adult, make decisions together and with their agreement. Hidden changes may affect trust, availability and safety as well as privacy.
Sources and further information
Primary sources from public authorities, consumer organisations and providers. A source may be in another language; follow the guidance that applies to your service and where you live.
- Google Maps Help: Share your real-time location with othersSource review date:
- Apple: Safety Check for an iPhone with iOS 16 or laterSource review date:
- CNIL: Partager sa géolocalisation avec ses amis et sa familleSource review date:
