Sharing your estimated time of arrival (ETA) can be quite handy. It allows friends and family to know when you’ll be there without requiring constant updates. Both Apple Maps and Google Maps offer features that enable users to send live arrival information while driving. When activated, these updates occur automatically, which means you can keep your focus on the road and reduce distractions.
Benefits of Sharing Your ETA
This feature is not just convenient; it adds a layer of safety. Letting your contacts know your ETA lets them track your progress in real-time, which can be particularly comforting if you’re traveling at night, going a long distance, or navigating unfamiliar areas. You can concentrate on your driving instead of worrying about incoming messages.
To test these steps, an iPhone 15 Pro Max with iOS 26.2 and a Samsung Galaxy running Android 16 were used. Just ensure you have the latest version of Apple Maps or Google Maps installed.
How to Enable Shared ETA on iPhone
Before you start your trip, you need to check that Apple Maps has the required permissions. If not, you may not be able to share your ETA.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Select Location Services and make sure it’s activated.
- In Location Services, tap Maps.
- Choose While Using the App or Always for location access.
- Enable Precise Location.
- Return to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Maps.
- Find Share Your Estimated Arrival Time and turn it on.
Sharing ETA on iPhone with Apple Maps
To share your ETA using Apple Maps, follow these steps once you get underway:
- Open Apple Maps on your iPhone.
- Search for your destination and tap it.
- Select your travel mode, then tap Go to start navigation.
After navigation begins, tap the route card at the bottom to expand it:
- Scroll down and tap Share Your Estimated Arrival Time.
- Select Recent Contacts or find someone in your contacts.
- Your chosen contacts will receive a notification and can track your live ETA until you arrive or stop sharing.
Sharing ETA on Android with Google Maps
For those using Android, sharing your ETA is just as straightforward with Google Maps:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Find and tap your destination.
- Tap Start to begin navigation.
- When active, swipe up from the bottom to open the travel menu.
- Tap Share Your Travel Progress (it might also be labeled as Share Your Trip on some devices).
- Select a contact or share the link through text or another app.
Your contacts will be able to track your journey and see your estimated arrival time until you reach your destination or decide to stop sharing.
What Happens When You Share Your ETA?
After you enable sharing, updates happen automatically:
- Your arrival time adjusts based on traffic.
- Delays are shown without needing to send manual updates.
- Sharing will stop automatically when you arrive.
You can also stop sharing at any time from the navigation screen.
Final Thoughts
Using ETA sharing on your iPhone or Android can alleviate the stress of having to check in while you’re focused on driving. With features in Apple Maps and Google Maps, this little habit can enhance communication while ensuring you stay safe on the road.
Do you take advantage of ETA sharing when driving, walking, or using public transport? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
