Safety comes first, doesn’t it? And in that context, many times it becomes important to keep your friends and family updated about your estimated time of arrival (ETA), especially when you are in an unfamiliar location. Now the good news is that you can use Google Maps to share your ETA and trip progress on both Android and iPhone. Curious to know how? Read on to learn how you can become everyone’s favorite navigator.
What is the Meaning of ETA and How Does Google Maps Calculate It?
ETA is the estimated time of arrival. Google Maps calculates it based on the user’s current position, destination, route, speed limits, traffic patterns, and average driving speeds. Various sources of data including satellite data, crowdsourced data, and real-time traffic information are also considered when calculating the time. Other factors taken into account include weather, seasons, and days of the week.
How to Share Your ETA and Trip Progress on Google Maps
When you’re walking or traveling by vehicle, you have the option to let someone know where are you headed, when you expect to reach, and your current location. The person you choose can follow your location until you reach your destination.
Option 1: On Android
Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Google Maps app on the Android device
2. Search for your destination location and tap on Start to start the navigation.
Once you’re on your way, you will see the ETA mentioned on the navigation page.
3. Tap on the ETA to pull the options drawer and then select Share ride progress.
4. Choose the user you want to share the ETA and trip progress with and tap on Share.
5. When you get to your destination or if you want to stop sharing, just tap on More and then Stop sharing.
Also Read: How to Download and Use Google Maps Transit App
Option 2: On iPhone
Follow the steps below:
1. Open Google Maps on your iPhone and then enter your destination location.
2. Tap on Directions and select Start.
3. Swipe up and tap on Share trip progress.
4. Select your targeted contact and tap Share.
How to Share Your ETA and Trip Progress on Apple Maps on iPhone
ETA or Trip comes as a handy tool to feel confident your loved ones always know about your whereabouts. Apple Maps also provides you the feature to share your ETA. Here’s how you can:
1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone and enter the location under Search Maps.
2. Tap on the car icon, select your mode of transport, and tap GO.
3. Swipe down and select Share ETA.
4. Select your contact and your ETA will be shared with the selected contact.
Also Read: Google Maps Updates (2023) Brings In New Way to Search Places
Why Can’t I Share Trip Progress from Google Maps?
If you’re experiencing difficulties sharing your trip progress from Google Maps, several reasons could be causing the issue. Here are some common factors:
- Corrupt cache data
- Restricted Permissions
- Outdated app
- Network connectivity issue
Method 1: Allow Location Permission
Your device’s settings might be preventing Google Maps from accessing your current location. To ensure Google Maps can fetch your location and share trip progress accurately, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
2. Select Apps, scroll through the list of installed apps, and tap on Maps.
3. Tap Permissions, followed by Location, and then select either Allow all the time or Allow only while using the app.
4. Toggle on Use precise location.
Also Read: How to Use Google Maps to Track Someone
Method 2: Correct Date & Time Settings
Ensuring your device’s time and date settings are accurate is crucial for GPS functionality, as it helps pinpoint your location. Set your date and time settings to automatic mode.
1. Open Settings, and tap on General management, followed by Date and time.
2. Toggle on Automatic date and time and Automatic time zone.
Method 3: Update Google Maps
Such issues often stem from bugs and glitches within the app. Hence, it is important to update Google Maps to potentially resolve such issues and improve its performance.
Method 4: Turn Off the Wi-Fi-Only Option
If you encounter issues with sharing trip progress in Google Maps, it’s likely due to the Wi-Fi-only setting being activated within the app. Unless the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, you might face problems with sharing the trip progress.
1. Open Google Maps, tap on your profile picture at the top-right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
2. Toggle off the Wi-Fi only option.
3, Now return to the Google Maps interface to check if the issue is resolved.
Also Read: Waze Vs Google Maps Vs Apple Maps: Comparision
Method 5: Clear App Cache
A buildup of cache in Google Maps can sometimes affect the performance of the app. Moreover, in case the files have gone corrupt, it could lead to functionality issues. Here’s how to delete them:
1. Follow the path: Settings > Apps > Maps.
2. Tap on Storage and select Clear Cache.
Method 6: Log in with a Different Account
If you encounter difficulties sharing your trip progress on Google Maps, try to log in with a different Google Maps account as occasionally, such issues may arise due to specific account-related settings or configurations.
We hope this blog helped you learn how to share ETA and trip progress on Google Maps. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments section. Stay tuned to TechCULT for more such informative guides.
