How to share your ETA with Google Maps

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for sharing your ETA using Google Maps.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2023

Quick Answer

Sharing your ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) with Google Maps is a straightforward process that allows you to inform friends or family about your travel progress. You can share your ETA through the Google Maps app on mobile devices or via the web version, ensuring that your contacts are updated in real-time.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start sharing your ETA with Google Maps, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •Google Maps app installed on your mobile device (iOS or Android) or access to the Google Maps website.
  • •An active Google account to use the sharing features.
  • •Location services enabled on your device.
  • •Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to access Google Maps and share your location.

Method 1: Sharing ETA via Google Maps App

This method is ideal for users who are on the go and want to share their ETA directly from their mobile devices.
  • •Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device.
  • •Step 2: Enter your destination in the search bar and tap 'Directions'.
  • •Step 3: Choose your mode of transportation (Driving, Walking, Transit, etc.).
  • •Step 4: Tap on 'Start' to begin navigation.
  • •Step 5: Once navigation begins, tap on the 'Share trip progress' button (usually represented by an icon of a person with a plus sign).
  • •Step 6: Select the contacts you wish to share your ETA with from the list or tap 'Copy link' to share via other apps.
  • •Step 7: Confirm sharing by tapping 'Send' or 'Share'.
  • •Step 8: To verify, check if your contacts received the ETA notification.

For Windows 11

To share your ETA using Google Maps on a Windows 11 device, follow these steps:
  • •Step 1: Open a web browser and navigate to the Google Maps website.
  • •Step 2: Sign in to your Google account if prompted.
  • •Step 3: Enter your destination in the search bar and click 'Directions'.
  • •Step 4: Click on 'Start' to initiate navigation.
  • •Step 5: Click on the 'Share' button (represented by an icon of a person with a plus sign) on the navigation panel.
  • •Step 6: Choose how you want to share your ETA (via email, link, etc.).
  • •Step 7: Confirm sharing and ensure your contacts receive the notification.

For Windows 10

The steps for sharing your ETA on Windows 10 are similar to those for Windows 11, with slight variations in the interface.
  • •Step 1: Open Google Maps in your web browser.
  • •Step 2: Sign in to your Google account.
  • •Step 3: Search for your destination and click 'Directions'.
  • •Step 4: Click 'Start' to begin navigation.
  • •Step 5: Click on the 'Share' button on the navigation panel.
  • •Step 6: Select your preferred sharing method.
  • •Step 7: Confirm sharing and check with your contacts.

Method 2: Sharing ETA via Google Assistant

This method is useful for hands-free sharing while driving or multitasking.
  • •Step 1: Activate Google Assistant by saying 'Hey Google' or pressing the Assistant button.
  • •Step 2: Say 'Share my ETA to [Contact Name]' or 'Send my ETA to [Contact Name]'.
  • •Step 3: Google Assistant will calculate your ETA and send it to the specified contact.
  • •Step 4: To verify, ask your contact if they received the ETA.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to share your ETA, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Location services disabled' - Solution: Go to your device settings, navigate to 'Privacy', and enable location services.
  • •Issue: 'Unable to share ETA' - Fix: Ensure that you have an active internet connection and that the Google Maps app is updated to the latest version.
  • •Problem: 'Contact not receiving ETA' - Workaround: Try sharing via a different method (e.g., copy link and paste in a messaging app).

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these tips and shortcuts:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) - Copies the current URL in Google Maps for easy sharing.
  • •Command line: 'Share my location' - Use this command with Google Assistant for quick sharing.
  • •Hidden feature: 'Location sharing settings' - Access this in the Google Maps app settings to manage who can see your location.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best experience, always keep your Google Maps app updated and ensure your contacts are familiar with receiving ETA notifications.