How long should you share live location?
Choose sharing time for the task and realistic delays, rather than the longest option. A clear expiry helps both you and your recipients.
Feature availability
Instructions for My Safe Circle describe version 2.2, still in development and beta, and not released in app stores. Installed versions may lack the feature; interface and behaviour may change during testing.
Start with the purpose
Name what must finish: reaching an entrance, completing a journey or meeting after an event. Sharing all evening for a brief meeting adds exposure without meeting a new need.
Compare duration and plan
In beta 2.2, Free allows repeatable 15-minute sessions; Premium adds 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours. Choose before starting. Available duration does not promise continuous connectivity or battery life.
Allow for delays without automation
For a short meeting, choose a short interval and agree how to report delay. For a longer journey, cover a realistic window. Do not assume automatic extensions the manual does not describe.
Expiry is not arrival
When time runs out, updates end; that does not confirm the journey is complete. Agree a final message. If finished earlier, stop and check the result; consider point retention separately.
Guides for your next step
To set up a session, read duration and recipients. For update issues, use the screen-off checks. For data after the session, see Stop, consent withdrawal and deletion.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always choose eight hours to be safe?
No. Match duration to purpose, allow a realistic margin and agree a channel for changes of plan.
Is the feature already in app stores?
No. This guide describes version 2.2, still in development and beta; it does not promise availability in the published app.
Does a live session guarantee someone will act?
No. Sharing a point does not confirm a contact is watching the map or can respond. Agree separately who will respond.
Sources consulted
Technical and safety information was checked against the following official sources.
Guide by the My Safe Circle team, written from the app manual and checked on October 4, 2026 against the listed sources.
LIVE LOCATION, PRACTICAL CHOICES
Prepare your Circle
Check the manual and app version before looking for the feature. These guides describe voluntary use with approved recipients.
Explore My Safe CircleMy Safe Circle helps contact trusted people. It is not an emergency dispatch centre and cannot guarantee delivery, reading or intervention. For immediate danger, call your local emergency number.