Google Maps Location Sharing Not Updating? Ways to Fix and Alternatives

The problem with Google Maps location sharing can be due to a poor internet connection, disabled location services, or an outdated app. Anyway, it’s essential to resolve it, as Google Maps has become integral to daily life.

For example, I often use the location sharing feature to meet friends abroad. But if it didn’t update, I would start to panic, especially if it was in a country where few people speak English. And even in my hometown, such an issue could become critical if I can’t update my daughter’s location.

The keywords here are “would” and “could” because I know the solutions and even the alternatives. And I’m willing to share them with you.

Let’s fix your Google location not updating problem with easy troubleshooting to get you back on track.

7 Ways to Fix Google Maps Location Sharing Not Working

Hope, you and your loved ones are in a safe place despite such a difficulty, so now you can sit down and check what was the issue with Google Maps location sharing. Below is the list of what you can do to resolve the problem.

Restart Your Phone

This is the first and simplest advice that all tech support gives us, but it often works — just restart your device.

This can solve annoying glitches affecting location updates on your Android or iOS device. It can also help whenever there’s a poor network connection or outdated background data, since all the settings will refresh.

Ensure You have an Internet Connection

Obviously, if you don’t have an internet connection, Google Maps location sharing will not update offline. Ensure your phone has a stable internet connection, so Google Maps works correctly.

To reset the network, you can turn Wi-Fi or mobile data off and on again, or turn airplane mode on and off.

You can also switch between mobile data and Wi-Fi to see if one works better. This is especially true when you’re on the move and your phone is constantly reconnecting to different access points. Don’t skimp on your mobile data when you risk losing the location of someone you track with Google Maps.

Check If Location Services is Disabled

Google Maps depends on location services to provide location-based features like precise location sharing, local search results, nearby restaurants, and nearby traffic. When location services are turned off, Google location sharing will not update.

If Google Maps location sharing is not refreshing on Android, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap on Location to turn it on.

Alternatively, use settings to turn on location services.

1. Open the Android settings app.
2. Scroll down to Location.
3. Tap the toggle on the right to turn it from grey to blue.
   
4. Tap App permissions > Maps.
5. Under Location permissions, choose the “Allow all the time” option. Additionally, tap “Use precise location” to allow location settings to show the phone’s exact location.
   

To enable location services on iPhone:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
   
2. Tap the toggle next to Location Services to turn it green.
   
3. Under Share My Location, scroll down to Google Maps and select “Always”. This will allow Google Maps location services even when the app runs in the background.
   

See if Google Maps is Refreshing in the Background

Background app refresh is a feature that allows apps to look for new information and updates automatically even when you’re not actively using the app. If background app refresh is disabled, it will affect Google Maps location updates.

To enable background app refresh for Google Maps on Android:

1. Open the Settings app > Apps.
2. Scroll to Maps.
   
3. Tap Battery.
4. Select “Unrestricted” to allow the app to use battery in the background without restrictions.
   

To enable background app refresh for Google Maps on iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > Background App refresh.
   
   In the Background App Refresh setting, you can turn it off altogether, or make it work when connected to Wi-Fi, or to Wi-Fi and mobile data.
   
2. Select Google Maps and tap the toggle beside it to turn on background app refresh.
   

Clear Cache on the Google Maps App

Google Maps app cache is a feature that stores temporary map data so that data can load faster the next time the app is loaded. However, it can cause Maps to fetch old data instead of fresh from the servers. Thus, it can be the reason Google Maps location sharing is not refreshing in real time.

To clear cache on an Android device:

1. Open the Settings app and tap Apps.
2. Select Maps > Storage.
   
3. Tap Clear cache in the bottom-right corner. The data should read 0B when the cache is cleared.
   

To Clear cache on iPhone:

1. Open the Google Maps app and tap on your profile picture.
2. Choose Settings from the Menu.
   
3. Scroll down to About, Terms & Privacy.
4. Tap Clear Application Data.
   
5. You will see a pop-up asking you to confirm whether you want to clear application data. Tap “OK” to proceed.
   

Clearing Google Maps cache will help it load faster and improve its performance.

Using iOS? Check Google Maps Settings

Location sharing on Google Maps is different on iOS and Android devices.

If you’re an iPhone user, location sharing will be automatically turned off on your device every few days. This is because iOS has a privacy notification for all apps with locations turned to “Always On.” This feature is intended for you to confirm that you know about it and want to keep it.

To prevent location sharing from turning off on your iPhone, tap the “Keep Always” option instead of the “Allow When Using” option when the privacy notification pops up.

Update or Reinstall the Google Maps App

If Google Maps is outdated, you’ll experience significant issues with Google location sharing updates, crashes, and even missing features. That’s why it’s a good idea to check its updates or reinstall Google Maps to get the latest version.

To do this on Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store and search for Google Maps.
   
2. Select Update. If this didn’t help, pick Uninstall and then Install to get the app’s latest version. Your location history is stored in the cloud, not on the app itself, so reinstalling the app will not affect it.
   

To update Google Maps on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the App Store and tap your profile picture or icon in the top-right corner.
   
2. Scroll down to the Updates section and find Google Maps.
3. If you see “Update” next to Google Maps, tap it to start the update.
   

If it says “Open” instead, it means the app is already up-to-date. Thus, you can still try reinstalling it.

Tap and hold the Google Maps app > Tap Delete, then go to the App Store to install Google Maps.

Location Sharing Alternatives

Sometimes all you need is a reliable method to find someone’s location. So now we will review simple ways to see someone’s location without depending on Google Maps location sharing.

Locate Someone With Scannero Phone Number Tracker

Scannero phone number tracker can find a person’s location without installing an app. All you require is their mobile number.

1. Go to scannero.io to create an account. Choose the subscription for a constant usage or a Scannero trial for HeyLocate blog readers.
   
2. Enter the person’s phone number in the search bar.
3. Select a pre-made text message to send to them and click Send.
4. Scannero will send the message together with a location tracking link.
5. Wait for the person to click the link. This usually takes around two minutes. Scannero will display their location on Google Maps when they click the link.
   

Scannero is a simple way of finding someone in a remote location, especially with a poor network connection.

Try Scannero.io

You can even use it to trace the whereabouts of a lost loved one who can’t figure out how to share their location with you. All they have to do is click on the link with Scannero, and you’ll help them get back home safely.

Share Your Location With Messengers

Messaging apps have a location sharing feature that can come in handy if Google Maps location sharing is not updating. You can use different messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, or Instagram to share your location.

Here is an example of how to do this in WhatsApp:

1. Open the chat of the person you want to share location with.
   
2. Click the paper clip icon and choose Location.
3. Select Share live location.
4. Pick a time like 15 minutes, one hour, or 8 hours.
5. Tap the send icon to start sharing your live location on the WhatsApp app.
   

Use mSpy as Family Locator

If problems with Google Maps have ruined your parental control over your child, then you should opt for a professional family tracker. mSpy is one of them that can show the location of your loved ones in real time.

To use the mSpy app, you need to install it on the target device. For iPhone, you can use your family member’s iCloud Credentials to sync data from the device to the mSpy web application.

After installing mSpy, use the location feature to see the target device location in real time. You’ll definitely benefit from the geofencing feature that allows you to set up safe and dangerous zones, and mSpy will notify you when your child enters or leaves these locations.

Besides, mSpy tracks other phone activities: call logs, text messages, social media interactions, and internet browsing activities. If you want to know what your child has been up to, mSpy provides a clear picture for peace of mind.

Try mSpy

Conclusion

The issue of Google Maps location sharing not updating can indeed be quite frustrating. But with the methods outlined here, you can resume location sharing without a hiccup.

Start by checking Google Maps settings on your device before proceeding to stuff like clearing the cache and refreshing app background data.

Still, you will find great alternatives for Google Maps location sharing, such as Scannero mobile number tracker, messengers, and mSpy family tracker.