Tech tip: Share your ETA on the go

December 21, 2024

By Kim Komando

I hate being late. No one wants to leave friends hangry at a restaurant. Here’s a trick I use: Share your ETA right from your map app. It keeps everyone in the loop.

It’s way better than sharing your location 24/7. Imagine if we’d had this tech back in our 20s. Total concert and party game‑changer!

Google Maps in navigation mode

• Tap the card at the bottom of the screen.
• Choose Share trip progress.
• You can either pick a contact to send updates to through Google Maps or select a messaging app to send a link with your location.
• Tap the bottom card > Stop Sharing to stop sharing your ETA. (It won’t share your whereabouts after you end the trip.)

With Google Maps on Android Auto, you’ll see the same navigation card showing the time left on your journey. Tap Share journey to let folks know where you are. Easy‑peasy.

Apple Maps in navigation mode

• Tap the Share ETA link that appears as soon as you start a journey.
• If the link has disappeared, tap the arrow at the bottom, then tap Share ETA.
• Choose a contact to share your arrival time with.
• Tap Stop Sharing ETA at any time, if you need to.

If you’re using an iPhone, you’ll get a link to see your location on Apple Maps. Team Android gets a text saying what time you’ll show up (and another text if that changes).

In an Uber

After you accept a ride, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the trip details. Tap Share Status on iPhone or Share My ETA on Android. (This works on the Lyft app, too.) Share this with anyone who takes an Uber alone.

Don’t want to be late in the first place?

Schedule a reminder to leave on time. Google Maps has it built right in when you look up a route!

• Type a destination and choose your mode of transportation.
• Expand the route preview and scroll to the bottom. Toggle on Remind you to leave on time.
• Tap Leave to choose when you plan to leave or Arrive to choose when you want to get there.
• Set the time and Google will automatically send you a notification 15 minutes ahead of when you need to leave! Brilliant.

Pro tip: Never use GPS to go to a cemetery. It’s not very comforting to hear, “You have reached your final destination.”

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