How to share your estimated arrival time on iPhone and Android

Sharing your estimated time of arrival (ETA) lets others know when to expect you without constant checks. Apple Maps and Google Maps include built-in tools that send live arrival updates while you drive. Once activated, updates run automatically. That means fewer distractions and safer trips.

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Why this feature makes commuting easier

Sharing your ETA is fast and convenient. Lets contacts know you’re on your way and see your arrival time updated in real time. It also adds peace of mind during nights, long routes or unknown areas. Most importantly, you will focus on moving safely rather than answering messages.

We tested these steps using an iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 26.2 and a Samsung Galaxy phone running Android 16. Make sure Apple Maps or Google Maps are installed and updated to the latest version.

Enable Share ETA Permissions on iPhone

Before starting navigation, confirm that Apple Maps has the correct permissions. Without these settings enabled, ETA sharing may never appear.

• Open Settings.
• Tap Privacy and security.
• Tap Location services and make sure it is turned on.
• In Location servicestap Maps.
• Set location access to While using the app either Always.
• Light precise location.
• Return to Settings.
• Scroll down and tap Applications
• Click Maps.
• Scroll down and next to Share ETAenable it.

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How to share ETA on iPhone using Apple Maps

Follow these steps to share your live ETA with a contact using Apple Maps. Note: ETA sharing only works after browsing starts. You also need Location Services enabled for Maps and Contacts.

• Open Apple Maps on your iPhone.
• Search your destiny and touch it.
• Select your travel mode, then tap Go to start navigation.

Once navigation begins, tap the route card at the bottom of the screen to expand it.

• Scroll down and tap Share ETA.
• Choose a recent contact or touch Contacts to look for someone.
• Your contact will receive a notification and will be able to see your live ETA until you arrive or stop sharing.

How to share ETA on Android using Google Maps

Android users can just as easily share their ETA with Google Maps. You can share your live arrival time on any Android phone using Google Maps. The feature is integrated into the Google Maps application.

Menu wording or location may vary slightly depending on your device and Android version.

• Open the google maps app on your Android phone.
• Find your destination and tap Instructions.
• Tap Begin to begin navigation.
• While navigation is active, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the trip menu.
• Tap Share trip progress (on some devices, this may appear as Share your trip).
• Choose a contact or share a link via text message or another app.

Your contact can follow your live location and see updated arrival times until you reach your destination or stop sharing.

For advice: If you don’t see “Share trip progress,” make sure navigation has already started.

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What happens after you share your ETA?

Once sharing is active, both apps handle updates automatically.

• Arrival times are adjusted to traffic.
• Delays appear without manual messages.
• Sharing ends when you arrive

You can stop sharing at any time from the navigation screen.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Sharing your ETA on iPhone or Android takes the pressure off of keeping others informed while you drive. Apple Maps and Google Maps do the work for you. It is a simple habit that improves communication security and peace of mind.

Do you use ETA sharing when you drive, walk, or take public transportation? Has how often people check on you changed? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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