Are you noticing that location sharing stops updating on your phone, even when family apps are supposed to track everyone in real time? This guide walks you through quick universal checks and app specific fixes so you can get back accurate updates fast. We’ll cover the common reasons across Find My, Google Family Link, and Life360 on both iPhone and Android, then show you how to verify the results.
You’ll learn practical steps you can take today to restore reliable location updates without endless tinkering. We’ll start with simple checks like internet connectivity and basic privacy settings, then move to app level fixes such as permissions, background refresh, and updated versions. Along the way, you’ll see how to confirm that location data is flowing correctly again while keeping privacy and safety front and center.
Diagnose the cause: why location sharing stops updating
When location sharing stops updating, it can feel like a mystery. The good news is most issues are quick to spot and fix. Start with the basics, then move to app level settings. This section covers common culprits and a practical checklist you can use right away on both Android and iPhone.
Common causes you can test quickly
- Weak internet or no data connection
Quick fix: Try loading a webpage or streaming a video. If it stalls, switch from Wi‑Fi to mobile data or vice versa. A 10 second toggle of airplane mode can reset connections. - GPS or location services turned off
Quick fix:- Android: Settings > Location > Turn on. Prefer “High accuracy.”
- iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Turn on. Set the app to “Always.”
- Battery saver or power optimization active
Quick fix:- Android: Settings > Battery > Battery saver > Off. Then Apps > [App] > Battery > Unrestricted or Don’t optimize.
- iPhone: Settings > Battery > Turn off Low Power Mode.
- App permissions missing or not set to always location
Quick fix:- Android: Settings > Apps > [App] > Permissions > Location > Allow all the time.
- iPhone: Settings > [App] > Location > Always.
- Sharing turned off or expired in app settings
Quick fix:- Check the app’s sharing switch or expiry date and re‑enable location sharing for family members.
- For Find My, verify invited devices are still sharing. For Life360, verify map sharing is on. For Google Family Link, confirm the child’s location sharing is enabled.
- Device in airplane mode or signal blocks
Quick fix: Disable airplane mode and ensure the device has a signal. - Incorrect device clock or time settings
Quick fix: Set date and time to automatic to keep updates synchronized across devices. - Outdated app or operating system
Quick fix: Update the app from the Play Store or App Store, and install the latest system update if available. - Background activity and refresh settings disabled
Quick fix: Ensure the app is allowed to run in the background and refresh data when not in use. - Poor GPS signal indoors or in crowded areas
Quick fix: Step outside briefly and perform a quick location check in the app to re‑calibrate. - App cache or minor glitches
Quick fix: Clear the app cache or reinstall the app if problems persist.
Test after each fix by asking a family member to confirm whether updates appear. If updates still don’t come through, a device restart or contacting app support can help. Minor server hiccups can also cause temporary gaps.
What to test first on Android and iPhone
Begin with a practical starter checklist that covers the essentials and minimizes how long you spend chasing problems. Each item is actionable and easy to follow, so you can move fast and get back to sharing your location with confidence.
- Verify internet connection
Check that your device can browse the web or stream content without buffering. If it struggles, switch networks or restart your router. A quick test is to open a video or map outside of the app. - Confirm location services are enabled
Ensure location services are on and set to the appropriate mode for your device. On Android, use High accuracy; on iPhone, use Always for the location‑sharing app. - Ensure the correct app has location permission all the time
The app should be allowed to access your location even when it isn’t open. Update permissions if needed so updates aren’t blocked in the background. - Check the device clock is accurate
Automatic date and time sync keeps updates in time with other family members. If the clock is off, location data can appear delayed or out of sync. - Perform a quick share test with a family member
Have a trusted family member check your live location for a few minutes. If updates appear, the issue is intermittent; if not, keep testing the steps above until you pinpoint the cause. - Optional smartphone sanity check
If you’ve recently changed networks or installed a new app, run a brief test with a different device to confirm the problem isn’t isolated to one phone. A fresh test can reveal whether the issue is device‑specific or account related. - Next steps after testing
If the share test fails, update or reinstall the app, re‑grant permissions, and verify background refresh remains enabled. If problems persist, contact support with a short description of the steps you’ve taken.
This practical starter approach helps you quickly identify whether the issue lies with connectivity, permissions, or the app itself. By confirming basic functionality first, you can avoid long, fruitless troubleshooting sessions and restore reliable location sharing for your family.
Universal fixes that usually fix updating issues
If location sharing isn’t updating, you’re not alone. Most updates come from a small set of reliable fixes that apply across major family apps and platforms. This section provides practical, easy-to-follow steps you can try today. Think of these as the common-sense checks you’d perform on a busy morning to get everyone’s location flowing again. You’ll see paths that work on both Android and iPhone, with clear actions you can take without technical fuss. And yes, you may hear your smartphone mentioned a few times as the device you’re working on.
Check network and signal
A stable internet connection is the backbone of real time location sharing. If your smartphone can’t reach the network, updates won’t travel to other family members. Start with a quick network test and switch if needed.
- Test both Wi Fi and cellular data: Open a webpage or stream a short video. If it stalls, switch networks and test again.
- How to switch networks: Toggle between Wi Fi and mobile data, or enable airplane mode for about 10 seconds to reset connections, then turn it back off.
- Disable VPN if in use: A VPN can route traffic away from normal paths and delay location updates. Temporarily disable it to test.
- Improve signal indoors: Poor signal can delay updates. Move to an open area or near a window to recheck location.
Pro tip: After changing networks, give the app a minute to push an update. If you still don’t see the other person appearing, move to the next fix and test again.
Enable and verify location services
Location services must be active for any sharing to work. Make sure the feature is enabled and that the family app has the right permissions.
- Android: Settings > Location, set to High accuracy.
- iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, set to Always or While Using.
- App permissions: Ensure the specific family app has location permission granted at all times (Always on Android, Always on iOS).
Double check each device involved in the sharing chain. If any device has location services off or the app lacks permission, updates won’t appear for others.
Manage battery and power saving modes
Power saving features can pause or slow location updates. It’s common for users to forget these settings when battery life is tight.
- Low Power Mode or battery saver:
- Android: Settings > Battery > Battery saver > Off. Then Apps > [App] > Battery > Unrestricted or Don’t optimize.
- iPhone: Settings > Battery > Turn off Low Power Mode.
- Background activity:
- Android: Ensure the app is allowed to run in the background and refresh data when not in use.
- iPhone: Ensure background refresh for the app is enabled in Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Platform differences:
- Android tends to offer more granular background task controls; on iOS, background activity is more tightly managed, so you may need to re enabling background refresh for each app.
If the app is stuck in the background, a quick toggle of power modes or a background refresh check often resolves the issue.
Update apps and operating systems
Outdated software can create compatibility issues with location services. Keeping both app and OS current reduces friction.
- Update the app: Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and install any available updates for the family app.
- Check OS updates:
- iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update.
- Android: Settings > System > System Update (varies by OEM).
- After updating, restart the device and re test sharing to confirm the fix.
Regular updates also patch security gaps that could affect location data handling. If updates are pending for several apps, consider prioritizing the one you use most for location sharing.
Restart and retest sharing
A simple restart can clear stubborn glitches. After reboot, verify that location sharing is functioning with a quick test.
- Restart protocol:
- On iPhone: Press and release volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- On Android: Hold the power button, choose Restart.
- Retest steps:
- Open the family app and perform a live location share test with a trusted family member.
- Confirm updates appear on both ends within a minute.
- Real world validation: Test with a real person on the other end. If they can see you updating, the fix worked. If not, move to the next troubleshooting step.
Why this matters: a restart clears memory, resets network sessions, and can reinitialize background processes that feed location data to others.
This section focuses on actionable fixes you can apply quickly. By validating network stability, enabling location services, relaxing power savings, updating software, and performing a restart, most updating issues are resolved without lengthy troubleshooting. If you still don’t see updates after these steps, consider reaching out to the app’s support team with a brief summary of what you tried. The goal is to restore reliable location sharing so your family can stay connected with confidence.
Find My location sharing troubleshooting for iPhone users
If your location sharing isn’t updating on iPhone, you’re not alone. This section walks you through precise steps to ensure Find My is properly set up and allowed to share your location. Follow the paths exactly as shown so you don’t miss a toggle. After each step, test with a family member to confirm updates are flowing correctly.
Turn on Share My Location and Find My iPhone
Turn on location sharing in Find My and verify Find My iPhone is enabled in iCloud settings. This ensures your device can send updates even when offline or after a restart.
- Open the Find My app. Tap Me at the bottom, then tap Share My Location and turn it on. Choose how long to share — one hour, until end of day, or forever.
- Enable Find My iPhone in iCloud settings: go to Settings > [your name] > Find My. Turn on Find My iPhone, Find My network, and Send Last Location. This lets your device share location even if it’s offline.
- In Find My, confirm the device you want to share from is selected. In some setups you may need to pick your iPhone as the source of the share.
Test: Have a trusted family member check your live location for a few minutes. If updates appear, you’re good. If not, proceed to the next steps.
Check iCloud and Find My settings
iCloud status and Find My permissions determine whether location data can move between devices. Make sure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID and that Find My is allowed to share location.
- Open Settings > [your name] to verify you’re signed in with the right Apple ID.
- Go to iCloud > Show All and ensure Find My iPhone is on if it’s off.
- Return to Find My and ensure the Share My Location toggle is green (on). If needed, select your iPhone as the primary device for sharing.
- If you have multiple Apple IDs or family members, confirm each relevant device has permission to share and view location data.
Test: Ask a family member to check your location from their device. If the location updates still don’t show, continue with further checks.
Privacy settings and Screen Time restrictions
Location privacy controls and Screen Time restrictions can block updates. Adjust these settings and run a quick test to verify changes.
- Location Services: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services — turn it on and ensure the Find My app has the right permission (Always or While Using the App, depending on your setup).
- Find My permissions: Within Location Services, locate Find My and set it to Always (or the option that keeps location sharing allowed in the background).
- Screen Time restrictions: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If on, tap Location Services and allow changes for Find My. Ensure no blocks are active on sharing.
Quick tests:
- Open Find My and perform a live location share test with a family member.
- If you see delays, recheck the permissions and try a fresh share again.
If restrictions were blocking sharing, you should see immediate improvements after allowing changes.
Sign out and signed back in
Signing out of iCloud and signing back in can refresh permissions that affect location sharing. This step often fixes stubborn permission hiccups.
- Go to Settings > [your name] > scroll down and choose Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password and decide what to keep (for example, Keychain).
- Restart your iPhone.
- Return to Settings and sign back in with your Apple ID. Re-enable Find My and location services as described earlier.
- After signing back in, run another quick test in Find My by sharing your location with a trusted contact.
When this helps: you’ll often see the new permissions take effect immediately after re-login. If issues persist, consider updating iOS or contacting Apple Support with a note of the steps you’ve taken.
Google Family Link troubleshooting for Android and iPhone
When your child’s real time location stops updating, it can feel tricky. This section breaks down practical checks and steps for Google Family Link on both Android and iPhone so you can get location sharing back on track quickly. Follow these focused actions, test after each step, and you’ll know exactly where the issue lies.
Real time location sharing on the child’s device
Verify that real time location sharing is enabled for the child and that the sharing window stays active. Start with Family Link on your phone:
- Open the Family Link app and select your child’s profile.
- Tap Location and confirm that “See your child’s location” is turned on.
- Ensure the child’s device is selected and that Device location is enabled.
- Set the sharing duration to a longer window if available (e.g., until end of day or forever) to avoid quick expirations.
- Confirm the child’s device shows the correct status with high accuracy for best results.
If sharing looks enabled but updates still lag, recheck that both devices remain connected to the internet and that the child’s app is allowed to run in the background. A quick test with a trusted family member seeing your live location is the fastest way to validate success.
Check location permissions and battery optimization
Location permissions and battery management can silently block updates. Check and adjust for both Android and iPhone:
- Android
- Settings > Apps > Google Family Link > Permissions > Location > Allow all the time.
- Settings > Battery > Battery optimization (or Battery usage) > Find Google Family Link and set to Not optimized or Unrestricted.
- Ensure the child’s device uses High accuracy location mode (Settings > Location > Mode > High accuracy).
- iPhone
- Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Make sure Find My or Family Link has Always or While Using the App set to Always if required.
- Check Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh and ensure Family Link is allowed.
- If battery saver options exist, disable Low Power Mode during troubleshooting to prevent background pauses.
For both platforms, confirm the app has location access even when the app isn’t open and that no battery saver setting blocks background updates. After applying these changes, perform a live location share test with a family member to verify results.
Parent app checks and map sharing status
The parent view in Google Maps must reflect current sharing status and be ready to refresh if necessary. Here’s how to confirm and refresh:
- In Google Maps on the parent device
- Open Maps and go to Location Sharing.
- Verify your child’s name appears and sharing is on.
- If needed, refresh the sharing link by turning it off and on again, or re-selecting the child.
- On the child’s device
- Open Google Maps, go to Location Sharing, and check that your parent’s account appears as an active sharer.
- If you see “You are not sharing location,” tap it to re‑enable sharing and confirm the permission prompts.
- Clear app cache and reauthorize if problems persist
- Android: Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Storage > Clear Cache.
- iPhone: Offload the Maps app or reinstall if necessary to reset the connection.
If updates still fail to propagate, re-authenticate the Family Link connection. Log out and back in on both devices, then re-test with a family member to confirm the sharing status is current.
Update and clear cache
Keeping the apps fresh and clean helps avoid stubborn glitches. Use these steps to reduce friction:
- Update the Family Link app
- Android: Google Play Store > Google Family Link > Update.
- iPhone: App Store > Google Family Link > Update.
- Clear cache on Android
- Settings > Apps > Google Family Link > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Reinstall if necessary
- Uninstall and reinstall the app on both the parent and child devices.
- Reconfigure Family Link after reinstall to ensure permissions and settings are correct.
- Fresh installs can resolve stubborn issues that updates alone cannot fix.
If reinstalling, plan for a quick re‑setup to minimize downtime. After reinstall, run a brief live location test to confirm updates flow normally again.
Life360 and other family apps troubleshooting
If location sharing stops updating across Life360 and similar family apps, you’re not alone. A quick sequence of checks can identify whether the issue is a permissions problem, a background activity limiter, or a simple connectivity hiccup. The goal is to restore timely updates without heavy tinkering. The sections below walk you through practical steps you can apply today, with clarity on platform differences so you know exactly what to change on Android and on iPhone. Along the way, you’ll see how to verify fixes with real tests, using plain language and concrete actions.
Location permissions and battery optimization
Setting location permissions to “Always” and turning off battery optimization are foundational steps for Life360 and comparable apps. Here’s how to lock in reliable background updates and how this varies by platform.
- Android: ensure the app can run in the background at all times
- Location permission: Settings > Apps > Life360 > Permissions > Location > Allow all the time.
- Battery optimization: Settings > Battery > Battery optimization (or Battery usage) > Life360 > Not optimized or Unrestricted.
- Background activity: Settings > Apps > Life360 > Battery > Allow background activity.
- Tip: If you see a gray icon in the status bar, it often means background tasks are limited. Recheck permissions after a reboot.
- iPhone: keep location and background tasks available
- Location permission: Settings > Life360 > Location > Always. Turn on Precise Location if available.
- Background refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Life360 should be On.
- Low Power Mode: If you enable Low Power Mode, background updates can pause. Turn it off while troubleshooting.
- Platform differences you should know
- Android typically provides more granular control over background processes. If Life360 still stalls after granting “Always” location, recheck battery optimization and background activity settings.
- iPhone relies more on system-level background refresh and Power Reserve behavior. If updates seem delayed, force a refresh by toggling Background App Refresh off and back on, then re-test.
When you finish these settings, perform a quick test by moving a short distance and asking a trusted family member to observe if the update comes through within a minute. If it doesn’t, proceed to circle and sharing checks.
Circle settings and sharing mode
Your circle configuration determines who can see whom and under what conditions. Make sure you are in the right circle and that sharing is set to always or real time.
- Check the correct circle
- Life360: Open the app, confirm you are in the intended circle from the main screen. If you belong to multiple circles, switch to the one used for daily updates.
- Other apps (Find My, Google Family Link): Verify you are within the correct family group or check the parent/child pairing as applicable.
- Confirm sharing mode
- Life360: Ensure map sharing is on for all members and that the circle’s sharing mode is set to real time or continuous updates.
- Find My and Google Family Link: Confirm the sharing window is long enough to cover your typical activities. Set to forever or until end of day if available.
- Switching circles or groups
- If you recently joined or left a circle, re-add your device and re-confirm permissions. After switching, run a share test with a family member to ensure updates propagate.
- Status changes to watch
- Look for any automatic expiry of sharing or status flags like “paused” or “inactive.” Re-enable sharing if you see those indicators.
- Quick verification steps
- Have a family member check your live location for a few minutes.
- Confirm both ends show the same timing and accuracy. If there is a mismatch, re-check permissions and background settings for the involved devices.
This section ensures you’re broadcasting from the right source with the correct permission levels. A mismatch here is a common cause of delayed or missing updates.
Test in different environments
Location performance can vary with GPS conditions and network strength. Test in varied environments to separate GPS delays from app delays.
- Indoors vs outdoors
- Indoors: GPS signals can be weak. Step outside for a moment to re-calibrate, then test again.
- Outdoors: Expect faster updates as satellites line up. If updates are slow even outside, the issue is more likely app or network oriented.
- With weak signals
- Move to a location with stronger cellular or Wi Fi signal and watch for improvements.
- Differentiating GPS and app delays
- GPS delay: You move and the app lags before updating your position. This usually resolves as you remain in a stronger signal area.
- App delay: Updates occur slowly even with a good GPS signal and strong network. Try the steps in the “Location permissions and battery optimization” section and ensure the app refresh is enabled in the background.
- Practical quick tests you can run
- Do a live location share test with a trusted family member before and after each change.
- Record the time it takes for updates to appear. If updates consistently lag by 2–3 minutes, the issue is more systemic.
- Real-world tip
- If you see sporadic updates, try a short logout and login cycle or a full reinstallation. In many cases, a clean start restores reliable updates.
This section helps you pinpoint whether the problem is tied to signal conditions or to the app and device settings.
When all else fails, contact support
If you’ve exhausted standard fixes, escalation to the official support channels is the fastest path to a lasting solution. Gather and share context so the support team can help quickly.
- Life360 support path
- In the app: Settings > Help. Capture a brief description of steps tried and the observed behavior.
- Provide device model, OS version, app version, and the exact sequence you performed.
- Google Family Link support path
- Use the Help Center in the Family Link app or Google Support. Include screenshots if possible.
- Note the parent and child device models, OS versions, and app versions.
- Find My and Apple Support path
- For Find My issues, contact Apple Support and include the iCloud account details you use for Find My.
- Include steps you have already taken and whether the problem affects only one device or multiple devices.
- What to include in your logs
- Timeframe of the issue, steps you took, and any error messages.
- A short description of the symptoms, for example “updates stop at 2:10 PM and reappear at 2:15 PM.”
- How to reach them
- Prefer official support channels, either in-app support or the brand’s website. If you need faster odds, check community forums for similar, resolved cases.
Support teams can request diagnostic data from your device. Having your device model, OS version, app version, and a precise activity log ready saves time.
This section keeps you equipped for professional help when basic fixes don’t restore reliable updates. By presenting exact steps taken and the observed results, you speed up the path back to real time location sharing.
Conclusion
Fixing location sharing not updating comes down to a small set of reliable steps, tested one by one on your smartphone to isolate the issue. Start with connectivity and permissions, then check background activity and app updates; most problems clear up after a restart or reauthorization. Remember to test after each fix with a quick live location check so you know when updates flow again with accuracy.
Quick at-a-glance checklist
- Verify internet connection and switch networks if needed
- Ensure location services are On and app has Always permission
- Check background refresh and battery optimization to prevent pauses
- Update the app and OS, then restart the device
- Re-test with a trusted family member and re‑enable sharing if needed
Privacy best practices
- Share only with trusted family members and keep sharing windows as short as practical
- Regularly review who can see your location and revoke access when it changes
- Use strong account security and keep recovery options up to date
If issues persist, reach out to support with a concise log of the steps you tried. Your location data stays secure when you stay on top of permissions and updates, so your family can stay connected with confidence.
