Do you know of a way to share your location with family members. I currently use Google maps because my family has both Android and iOS devices so preferably something cross platform. Thanks for your help.
This looks to be exactly what I was imagining. Thanks for the suggestion!
HomeAssistant, it has a “companion app” for android and ios. Once the app is installed on everyone’s phone you can see real time the device location.
More info on history and path tracking as well.
https://community.home-assistant.io/t/location-sharing-and-record-the-track/747789/3
Depending on your selfhosting skills you can either choose to put your homeassistant behind your own website, or you can use the integrated cloud service provided by NabuCasa for a small monthly fee.
I’ve never gotten this to work with iOS devices for several years now. Yes, I’ve made sure that background app refresh is permitted, location services are on, etc.
That’s weird. My wife uses an iPhone and it works flawlessly, and I don’t think any specific configuration was required.
Signal has a location send
I just tried this, and it looks like it defaulted to Google maps. I’m guilty of having that set as my default at the moment, is that why?
I am honestly not sure how to answer that.
Defaulted to Google Maps for me as well. And I don’t use them
Are we talking permanent background tracking? Or sending a message “hey, I’m here”?
Good question since I didn’t specify. I would prefer periodic tracking at some configurable interval, but I actually really appreciate all the answers because to be honest I had not even considered things like sending my location in Signal or the other one shot approaches.
I use μlogger on my phone and i set up the server: https://github.com/bfabiszewski/ulogger-server
Just share the GPS coords using any app that respects your privacy, and send using a messaging app that respects your privacy.
Doesn’t matter what the GPS app is really (although I always recommend OrganicMaps), most all of them have a way to copy your current location and also snap to a pasted coordinate.
I’ve not tried these but this site is helpful in finding apps.
https://selfh.st/apps/?tag=Location
Hauk looks interesting.
You can integrate OwnTracks with NextCloud. OwnCloud app sends data to your NextCloud instance and you can see location of friends.
This ones a little more challenging to setup, be aware you need to selfhost with a public address. Or personal VPN to your home with Tailscale or Wireguard.
Just a read before one invest time in w3w … https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2025/02/endless-downward-spiral-is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-what3words/
https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/xyz.zood.george
I noticed this app on F-Droid but have no experience with it. Maybe it’ll suit your needs
