How can you let someone follow your route without installing an app?
Send them a private live location link that opens in a web browser. They tap it and see your position and route on a map, with no app to install and no account. Google Maps can share a link with someone who has no Google Account for up to 24 hours, and outing safety apps like Holler send a link built for runs, rides and hikes, with alerts if you're late. Pair the link with a return time so they know when to worry.
How to set it up
01Pick a tool that shares by link
Avoid options that need both people on the same app or phone system. Apple's Check In, for example, needs iOS 17 or later on both phones. A browser link works on any iPhone, Android phone or computer.
02Option 1: a Google Maps link
In Google Maps, tap your profile picture, then Location sharing, then New share, and copy the link to paste into a text or email. Google says the link shows your real-time location for up to 24 hours to anyone who has it. It shows where you are, but it won't warn anyone if you're late.
03Option 2: a safety link with alerts
With Holler, open holler.run in your phone's browser, add your Guardians, and start sharing. Each Guardian gets a private link by email showing your latest position and the route travelled as a line on the map. Add a return time, and if you haven't checked in five minutes after it, they get an overdue alert.
04Test it together once
Before your first real outing, start a share at home and have your contact open the link. Check the map loads, the alert email isn't in spam, and they know what the stale-location label means. Fix permission prompts now, not mid-run.
05Tell them what to do if something looks wrong
A link is only useful if the person watching knows the plan: call you first, then check your last location, then call 911 if you don't answer and something seems off. Our guide on how to be a good safety contact is worth sending them.
06End the share when you're home
Stop sharing as soon as you finish so your location isn't visible longer than needed, and so your contact doesn't wonder why the dot hasn't moved. A quick "home safe" message closes the loop.
Related questions
Does the person following me need an account?
Not for a Google Maps link sent to someone without a Google Account, and not for Holler. Holler Guardians open the live location link in any browser. If they want faster alerts, they can turn on browser or app push, but it's optional.
What if something happens during my activity?
Call 911 yourself if you can. Then tap SOS in Holler, which notifies your Guardians with your location. If you can't reach your phone, a missed return time sends them an overdue alert. Holler never contacts 911 itself, so your Guardians make that call if needed.
Can I share with more than one person?
Yes. Google Maps lets you share with several people, and Holler lets you add several Guardians who all get the same link and alerts. Any Guardian can acknowledge an alert, so the others can see someone is already checking.
How often does the map update?
It depends on the tool, your signal and your phone's settings. In a browser, keep the Holler page open with the screen on for the best updates. Without signal, updates pause and the last known location stays on the map.
More safety questions
Compare your options
Sources, checked September 2026: Google Maps Help: Share your real-time location with others, Apple Support: Use Check In on iPhone.
More safety answers, or see the safety guides.