Apple's current instructions say to open or start a Messages conversation, tap the plus button, tap Location, tap the map-pin button, tap Send Pin, and send the message. Apple describes a one-time location as a snapshot: the recipient sees that location and cannot follow the sender as the sender moves.

Apple's iPhone location-sharing guide distinguishes one-time, trip, and ongoing sharing on iPhone.

Which kind of location sharing fits?

  • On iPhone, use Messages or Maps to send one location at one moment.
  • On iPhone, use Share ETA in Maps for a trip-focused update.
  • On iPhone, use Find My when a selected person needs ongoing location sharing.

Apple distinguishes sharing one current location, sharing while traveling, and sharing an ongoing Live Location on iPhone.

How do you send one location in Messages?

  1. Open or start a conversation in Messages.
  2. In Messages, tap the plus button.
  3. In Messages, tap Location.
  4. In Messages, tap the map-pin button.
  5. In Messages, tap Send Pin, then send the message.

Apple documents a different Messages path for iOS 16 or earlier, so use the current Apple instructions when the labels on your iPhone differ.

How do you send your current location from Maps?

  1. On iPhone, when Maps is not open, touch and hold the Maps icon on the Home Screen.
  2. On iPhone, tap Send My Location.

The Maps shortcut and its label can vary by iOS version.

How do you share a selected place instead?

  1. In Maps on iPhone, select a place or search result.
  2. In Maps on iPhone, tap the Share button on the place card.
  3. In Maps on iPhone, choose a sharing option.
  4. In Maps on iPhone, you can also touch and hold a place and tap Share Location.

On iPhone, a selected place is not necessarily your current location; keep place sharing separate from the Maps Home Screen current-location shortcut.

Apple's iPhone User Guide documents both Maps paths.

What should you check before sending?