glancy vs. Google Maps
Google Maps location sharing works almost everywhere, over a simple link. Here is how it compares to glancy on notifications and access history.
Google Maps location sharing has one big advantage: almost everyone already has the app, on iOS, Android, or the web, and sharing works over a simple link. That convenience comes with the same gaps as most mainstream location features.
Where glancy is different
glancy notifies you when your location is viewed and keeps a permanent access log - see access notifications and access log. Google Maps does neither: per Google’s Location Sharing help pages, regular views don’t trigger a notification, and there’s no log of who checked.
Where Google Maps does things differently
Location shared via a link expires automatically after 24 hours - sharing has a hard ceiling by design, which some people prefer over an open-ended connection.
Switching from Google Maps to glancy
- Note who you currently share your Google Maps location with, then send them glancy connection requests instead.
- Google Maps’ 24-hour link expiry means re-sharing repeatedly with the same people; a standing glancy connection removes that step.
- If you only need a one-off share for a single trip, Google Maps’ link-based sharing still works fine for that - glancy is built for ongoing, mutual sharing.
| Feature | glancy | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Notifies on view | Yes | No |
| Access log | Yes | No |
| iOS ↔ Android | Yes | Yes |
| Approximate location | Yes | No |
| Time-limited sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled sharing | Yes | No |
| Pause sharing | Yes | Partial* |
| Mutual connection required | Yes | not stated |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
* see sources below
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Maps location sharing expire automatically?
Yes. Per Google's own support documentation, a location shared via link expires after 24 hours; sharing with a specific contact can also be set to a shorter duration or left on until you turn it off.
