How Google Maps’ live location feature aids in locating a stolen phone

Google Maps Introduces Live Location Sharing Feature – A Handy Tool for Tracking and Recovering Lost or Stolen Smartphones

Google Maps, a globally popular web mapping platform, now allows users to share their live locations with friends and family. 

This feature not only aids in tracking but also proves valuable for recovering stolen smartphones. Here’s a simple guide on how to use this feature:

1. Ensure you have the latest version of Google Maps.

2. Click on your “profile picture” in the top right corner.

3. Select “location sharing.”

4. Click on “new share” and choose the duration, contact, or platform to share your location with.

This live location-sharing functionality provides real-time access to the device’s location (with up to 2-meter accuracy), battery percentage, and other critical information. If a phone is lost or stolen, tracking can be done through another device with an active internet connection. However, this is effective only if the lost device is still on and connected to the internet.

To optimize tracking efforts:

– Avoid calling the lost phone to prevent any potential interference.

– Give Google Maps permission to access your location at all times.

– Use an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card to enhance security.

– Note that certain smartphones may make it challenging to power off without unlocking.

While privacy concerns may arise with such features, they prove instrumental in scenarios where tracking and recovering lost phones are crucial. Similar functionalities exist in apps like WhatsApp, Ola, and Uber.