How to share location, contacts, and more with iMessage on iPhone or iPad

iMessages (Image credit: iMore)

iMessage lets you send more than just text, images, and video. You can also send contact cards, voice memos, map locations, and more. You do have to go to other apps to fetch the information you want to send, but once you're there, the Share Sheet makes it easy.

How to share a contact card via Messages using the Contacts app on iPhone and iPad
How to send Map locations and directions via iMessage on iPhone and iPad
How to send a voice memo through iMessage on iPhone and iPad

Sharing contact information with friends has never been easier than with iMessage.

Launch the Contacts app. On the iPhone you can alternately use the Phone app if you'd prefer.
Find and tap the Contact you'd like to share.
Now tap on Share Contact towards the bottom.

Launch the Contacts app, find and tap the contact, then tap on Share Contact

Tap on Messages.
Type the name of the person you'd like to share it with and select them.
Now tap Send.

Tap on Messages, type the name of the person you want to share it with and tap Send.

You've successfully sent a contact with iMessage! Way more efficient than copying and pasting a phone number, eh?

iMessage integration with the Maps app means that not only can you send a map of a specific location to anyone in your contacts, but you can also send your current location or have your location sent to your contacts for a period of time. It's a feature that might come in handy if you're trying to meet up with friends at a festival or when traveling through an unfamiliar city.

How to send your current location with iMessage for iPhone and iPad

If a friend or family member is coming to meet you, you might want to send your current location so they can quickly and easily get to exactly where you are.

Launch the Messages app.
Tap on the conversation in which you'd like to send your location.
Tap on the Infomation button in the upper right-hand corner.
Tap on Send My Current Location.

The person on the other end will be able to see where you are and even tap to get directions.

Sometimes you'll want to share your up-to-the-minute location with friends or family members for an hour, for a day, or even forever. Maybe you're meeting somewhere for dinner or an event, maybe you're at a theme park together, maybe you just want to make sure you're loved ones are safe. Regardless, it's easy to do.

Launch the Messages app.
Tap on the conversation in which you'd like to share your location. It can be with an individual person or with a group, as long as everyone in it is using iMessage.
Tap on the Information button in the upper right-hand corner.

Tap on Share My Location.
Choose the duration for which you'd like to share your location.

iMessage will then set up a temporary or permanent Find my Friends session, and you'll be able to see each other wherever you go!

How to send any location from the Maps app with iMessage

If you've just looked up a location in Maps for iPhone or iPad — a great place to eat or fun place to meet — and want to share it with someone else, you can send it right over with iMessage.

Launch the Maps app on your iPhone or iPad.
Find the location you'd like to share. If you'd like to share your current location, just tap on the location arrow in order to locate yourself.
Swipe up on the bottom of the screen.
Tap on the Share button.