Does Google Maps tell you when someone stops sharing location?

Google Maps: Understanding Shared Location Expiration

How does Google Maps indicate when someone stops sharing their location?

When someone shares their location through Google Maps, a map marker representing their real-time position is displayed. However, when they discontinue sharing their location, this marker becomes static or disappears altogether.

Understanding the static location marker

A static location marker on Google Maps indicates that the person sharing their location has paused location updates. This means that their current position is no longer being refreshed, and the marker remains at the last known location before the sharing was stopped.

Absent location marker

If the location marker disappears completely, it signifies that the person has explicitly chosen to end the location sharing session. In this case, the map no longer displays any indication of their location.

What to do when you encounter a static or absent location marker

• Static marker: If you see a static location marker, you can assume that the person is still sharing their location but has temporarily paused updates. The marker will automatically refresh when they resume sharing.
• Absent marker: An absent marker indicates that the location sharing session has ended. You can contact the person directly to inquire about their whereabouts or ask them to resume sharing their location if necessary.

Note: The accuracy of the location marker depends on the device’s GPS capabilities and network availability. In certain situations, the marker may not accurately reflect the person’s current position due to interference or signal issues.