# 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](/en/features/access-notifications) and [access log](/en/features/access-log). Google Maps does neither: per [Google's Location Sharing help pages](https://support.google.com/maps/answer/15437054), 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](https://support.google.com/maps/answer/11966807) - sharing has a hard ceiling by design, which some people prefer over an open-ended connection.

## Switching from Google Maps to glancy

1. Note who you currently share your Google Maps location with, then send them glancy connection requests instead.
2. Google Maps' 24-hour link expiry means re-sharing repeatedly with the same people; a standing glancy connection removes that step.
3. 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.

## FAQ

### 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.


| 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 |

* Partial: see sources.

## Sources

Google Maps: Verified 2026-09-14
- Google Maps: [https://support.google.com/maps/answer/15437054](https://support.google.com/maps/answer/15437054)
- Google Maps: [https://support.google.com/maps/answer/11966807](https://support.google.com/maps/answer/11966807)