Sharing your location in chat: once or live
Whether you want to show where to meet or let someone know you are on your way: in the Friendstime chat you share your location as a snapshot or as a live location that moves with you. Here is how it works in the app and in the browser and what is stored.
Once or live
When you share once, you send a snapshot that does not change, even if you move on. A live location, by contrast, keeps updating until the chosen time runs out or you end it. In the Android app the location appears as a small map that opens full size when you tap it.
In the Android app
You can share your location once in private chats and in chat groups. You share a live location only in a private chat, for 15 minutes, one hour, six hours, one day or until you end it yourself. That way the duration fits the occasion, from a short walk home to a day trip.
In the browser
In the web messenger you send your location in a private chat once or live for 15 minutes or one hour. A live location from the browser only runs while the chat stays open. If you close the window, the updates stop.
What is stored and who sees it
Only you and the other person can see a live location. Only the latest point is stored, no history, and after it ends the server no longer hands it out. The live location is end-to-end encrypted when both accounts have a key; otherwise it is stored readable on the server. Only share it with people you trust, and end it once it is no longer needed.
Photos can give you away too
Smartphone photos often contain GPS coordinates in their metadata. On Friendstime, location and device details, meaning EXIF including GPS, are removed automatically when you upload. That does not help when a street sign or a well-known building in the picture itself shows the place. In a post you only add a location if you want to.
Try it yourself
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Frequently asked questions
How long can I share my live location?
In the Android app for 15 minutes, one hour, six hours, one day or until you end it. In the browser for 15 minutes or one hour, as long as the chat stays open.
Does Friendstime store my route?
No. Only the latest point is stored, no history. After it ends, the server no longer hands out the location.
Can I share my live location in groups?
No. Live location is only available in private chats. In chat groups of the Android app you can send your location once.
Is the shared location encrypted?
Yes, when both accounts have a key: then the live location is end-to-end encrypted. Otherwise it is stored readable on the server. Only you and the other person can see it.