One click share location in Google Maps to specific user or other app? I know there's a share location feature in Google Maps and various android apps for sharing locations.

But is there a widget / shortcut or something where you can click on it and instantly share your location with a pre-defined contact whether by SMS, email, etc. ?

I have a relative that I need to pick up quite frequently but sometimes they're in one street and sometimes they're walking in another.  They're a little older and aren't too tech savvy except for the basics (viewing photos, chatting, etc.).

Basically I want to set up a widget / shortcut on their homescreen and if I can't find them, I can call them and tell them to click on the button to share me your location so I can find them.

Google Messenger has a share location by SMS feature too but that's too many clicks, want to simplify as much as possible.

Other apps like Life 360 or Family Locator are on 24/7 and kill the battery.  Don't need 24/7 location sharing.
Basically I want to set up a widget / shortcut on their home screen ....


There are a number of social media apps that can do this but they are not one click as you mentioned besides setting up a widget is not possible

Hence, suggesting automation as an alternative

I prefer Macrodroid, being easy to learn and free (upto 5 macros). You would need to install Macrodroid ontheir device

Create a macro 

Trigger: Empty Trigger

Actions: Share location

You get the following options - SMS, Twitter , Email , Calendar, Variable


Select SMS and either select contact or number (yours)
Repeat the action above and enter your email after choosing the default e-mail account registered with their device


Constraints​ : Leave blank

Name the macro and save it

Go to widgets of your home screen and drag and drop Macrodroid widget on any screen. Long press the widget and assign the name of macro (Tip: Install an icon pack that shows visually striking icon so that it is easier for them , like this and replace Macrodroid widget) 

Tell them to press the widget to send you their location by pressing it. Done!

Your SMS would have a link to the location with a pic as below that you can open in Maps. Ditto in your email



Note: GPS needs to be enabled for this to work (obviously). If you can't trust them to remember enabling GPS, that can also be automated. Steps below





For enabling / disabling GPS root permissions are required normally. It is unlikely their device would be rooted, so there is an alternative - adb hack in Macrodroid that overrides this limitation


Set up adb see instructions here Is there a minimal installation of ADB? and How to install adb
Type adb devices and once you get the serial number of device as output 


adb shell pm grant com.arlosoft.macrodroid android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

followed by:

adb shell pm grant com.arlosoft.macrodroid android.permission.CHANGE_CONFIGURATION


Now enhance your macro (in the actions section)


Location Mode &rarr; High Accuracy
Wait 15 seconds ( for location to be registered. May need to tweak it )
Select SMS and either select contact or number (yours)
Repeat the action above and enter your email after choosing the default e-mail account registered with their device


(If you are choosing the email option they would need to enable data but if they forget SMS would go through , so you are covered )


Wait 30 seconds
Location Mode &rarr; Location Mode off


This would ensure that battery is not drained by GPS and they don't need to remember to enable/ disable GPS

Yet another approach is mentioned in comments - instead of them doing the work, you do it by adding their device to your account and use apps that track lost devices , choice is yours  but I think that the solution mentioned here is superior as it does not call for changes on their device settings and is on demand saving battery



Edit: Another refinement possible , add another trigger in the macro . Missed Call and assign your number to it. When you want their location give  a missed call (cut the call before they pick up). You will get the location by SMS. This is handy if they are unreachable for some reason and you want their location. Bonus !!!