Does Find My Friends Work Between iPhone and Android? Sharing Your Location with Android Users

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 26, 2021 References

The Find My Friends app is a useful tool to check in on your loved ones and make sure they’re okay. While it’s great if all of your friends and family have the same phones, things can get a little confusing if there’s a mix of iOS and Android users among you. We’ve answered your questions about location sharing so you can find the app that’s right for you and your family members.

Question 1

Question 1 of 5:
Can the Find My Friends connect iPhones and Androids?

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No, the app can’t connect iOS and Android users. Although both iOS and Android phones have apps called Find My Friends, they can’t be used to share your locations to each other. iOS users can only send their locations to other iOS users, and Android users can only send their locations to other Android users on that app.^{[1]
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- Keep in mind, though, that Find My Friends is not the only location sharing app available.
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Question 2

Question 2 of 5:
Can you share a location between iPhone and Android?

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Yes, if you use Google Maps location sharing. The Find My Friends app doesn’t work across device types, meaning it can’t connect an iOS user and an Android user. However, if you have Google Maps, simply open up the menu on the left side of the screen and tap “Location Sharing.” Tap the “Add” button, then select how long you’d like to share your location for. Then, send the invitation to the person you’re sharing with by entering their number and texting it to them.^{[2]
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Question 3

Question 3 of 5:
Can you track an iPhone with an Android phone?

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Yes, if you text your location via Google Maps. Have the iPhone user text you a link to their real-time location via Google Maps by selecting “Location Sharing,” then entering your phone number. If you want to, you can ask them to set it to stay on until they turn off their phone. That way, you can track them all day.^{[3]
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Question 4

Question 4 of 5:
Can you tell when someone checks your location?

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No, you won’t be notified when someone checks your location. Find My Friends doesn’t send anyone updates about how often their location is checked. If you stop sharing your location via the app, your friends won’t be able to see it anymore.^{[4]
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Question 5

Question 5 of 5:
What are some good location tracking apps?

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Life360 is one of the most popular location sharing apps. This app is used mostly for families, but you can share your locations with friends, too. As long as everyone has the app downloaded, you can check each other’s locations at any point. This app works across iOS and Android devices.^{[5]
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Find My Kids is recommended for younger children. Most often, the location is shared from a smartwatch that your child wears at all times. With this app, you can track your child’s location in real time, as long as you have the app downloaded. It’s available on both Android and iOS.^{[6]
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