Sharing a Pin Location on WhatsApp: Android & iPhone Guide

To drop a pin on WhatsApp, open a chat, tap the paperclip icon on Android or the + icon on iPhone, and choose Location. Select Send your current location to share a fixed pin. To send a different place, search for an address or choose a spot on the map when available.

Below, we’ll show you how to send a location pin on Android and iPhone, check location permissions, and understand the difference between a fixed pin and Live Location.

What Is Pin Sharing?

A location pin marks a fixed place on a map, such as your current position or a meeting point. Sending a location pin does not continuously update where you are. To share your changing position for a limited time, choose WhatsApp’s separate Share live location option.

You’ve seen how that works if anyone has ever used WhatsApp to tell you where they were. However, you might still need help understanding how to share a pin location on WhatsApp. Let’s see why you’d want to do it in the first place.

Benefits of Sharing Location Pins

Sharing location pins on WhatsApp or another app provides a few valuable benefits, including:

• Providing directions – Whether you’re meeting a friend or hosting an event and wish to let the attendees know where to go, you can drop a pin on WhatsApp to ensure they find you quickly.
• Sharing a pin helps friends and family find a meeting point or know where to go. To let someone follow your movements during a trip, use WhatsApp Live Location instead of a fixed pin.

Now that you know why you can share your location, it’s time to learn how to drop a pin on WhatsApp. If you worry about the risks of sharing location, you can read "Is WhatsApp safe?".

Stay Aware of Their Online World. 🌐

FamiSafe helps families manage screen time and device location with features available on supported devices.

Adding Location Permissions Before Sharing Your Pin

To send your current location, turn on your phone’s Location Services and allow WhatsApp to access your location. If WhatsApp cannot locate you, check the app’s permissions. Menu names can vary by device and software version.

Here’s how to enable WhatsApp location permissions on Android:

1. Go to Settings > Location and toggle the Access my location switch.

2. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions > Location. Tap the Allow only while using the app option.

Here’s how to enable WhatsApp location permissions on iPhone:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and make sure Location Services is turned on.

2. Go to Settings > WhatsApp > Location.

3. Choose the location permission available on your device, such as While Using the App, and enable Precise Location if available. Available choices may differ by iOS version.

Now that you’ve enabled location services on your phone and allowed WhatsApp to know where you are, you can drop a pin in any individual or group chat.

How to Send a Location Pin on WhatsApp on Android

The following step-by-step guide will show you how to send a location pin on WhatsApp on Android. It’s straightforward and doesn’t take more than a minute. Here’s what you should do:

1. Launch WhatsApp.

2. Go to Chats and tap the desired conversation (the one with the person with whom you wish to share a location).

3. Tap the Attach icon, which looks like a paperclip, and hit Location.

4. To share a fixed pin, choose Send your current location. If you want to share your changing location, choose Share live location, set a duration, and send it. These are different sharing modes.

5. If you share your live location, tap Continue and select the desired duration: 15 minutes, one hour, or eight hours. You can stop sharing it anytime within the chat.

The recipient can open the location pin you sent. A fixed pin will not update as you move.

Want to send another place? Open the Location screen and search for a restaurant, address, or meeting point. Select the intended place before sending it.

Depending on your WhatsApp version, you may also be able to move the map and select a pin for a different place.

How to Pin a Location on WhatsApp on iPhone

The process is similar on iPhone, but the attachment menu opens with the + icon instead of the Android paperclip.

1. Launch WhatsApp.

2. Go to Chats and tap the conversation with the desired person.

3. Tap the Plus icon to access the attachment options.

4. Tap Location to open the map and drop a pin.

5. Choose Send your current location for a fixed pin, or Share live location for updates during a selected period. To send another location, search for the place or select a point on the map if supported.

6. Like on Android, you can send real-time coordinates for 15 minutes, one hour, or eight hours if you share your live location.

7. After dropping a pin, you can repeat the steps above to send a different location. The images will appear like in the screenshot below.

8. That’s how to send a pin location on WhatsApp on iPhone. It’s straightforward, fast, and convenient in many situations.

Bonus Tip: Using Third-Party Location Tools

WhatsApp is useful for sending a one-time location pin or sharing a temporary Live Location. Parents who need family location management can consider a dedicated tool that has been configured on their family devices.

Wondershare FamiSafe provides parental controls, including screen time tools and family location features on supported devices. These features are separate from WhatsApp location sharing.

For families, FamiSafe offers location tracking and geofencing after the necessary device setup and permissions.

Parents can view the location of a properly configured child device and set geofencing alerts where supported. Location accuracy, availability, and updates depend on network connectivity, location permissions, and device settings.

To get started, install FamiSafe using the official app store for your device and follow the current setup instructions in the app. The screens and permissions can differ across devices.

1. Install FamiSafe on the family devices that you want to connect, using the official app store.
2. Sign in or create the required account and follow the in-app pairing instructions.
3. Grant the location and other permissions needed for the features you choose. Review the location settings together with your family.

Follow the current in-app setup prompts for pairing and location access. FamiSafe does not send WhatsApp pins or read another person’s location without the required device setup.

Conclusion

To send a fixed location pin on WhatsApp, open a chat and choose Location > Send your current location. For a different place, search for the location; for moving updates, use Share live location. These steps work similarly on Android and iPhone, with slightly different attachment icons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I drop a pin on WhatsApp?

Open a WhatsApp chat, tap the paperclip icon on Android or the + icon on iPhone, and select Location. Choose “Send your current location” to share a fixed pin.

How do I send a pin for a different location on WhatsApp?

In a WhatsApp chat, open Location and search for an address or place. Select the correct result, or choose a point on the map if your version supports it, then send the location.

What is the difference between a location pin and Live Location on WhatsApp?

A location pin is a fixed point that does not update as you move. Live Location shares your changing position for a limited period, and you can stop sharing at any time.

Why can’t I send my location on WhatsApp?

Check your internet connection, phone Location Services, and WhatsApp location permissions. Enabling Precise Location may help with accuracy, where available.