How to GPS Track a Cell Phone [Free Incl.]

Many people need to keep track of a phone’s location for reasons like family safety and to find lost devices. While parents may want to do so to find their kids' location, others might need to find a lost or stolen phone. That’s why many devices have features that help track location, and some apps offer additional options. Yet, it only works if certain settings are enabled and privacy rules must be followed.

Thus, this article will explain how to track a phone by location using various methods. We will also share the built-in features in different mobiles that you can use to track your family members’ mobile. Apart from that, you will learn about an advanced tool that provides additional tracking and monitoring features.

Many smartphones have built-in tracking features that help users find lost devices or monitor family members' locations. These methods use GPS and internet connectivity to provide accurate location data. Thus, the following section will explore how to track a mobile phone location using the default features on your smartphone:

Android devices come with Google Find My Device, a built-in tool that helps users locate lost or stolen phones. It enables you to view the live location of your targeted phone and even lock or erase data remotely for security. Thus, let's dive below to learn how to activate GPS on an Android phone using this method:

Step 1. Access the Account Icon on your device and scroll down on the following screen to select More Settings. Afterward, you will see the Devices option, which will direct you to the devices that have accessed this account.

Step 2. Choose the device you wish to spy on from the list and tap the Find Device option. You can now view the device's location during its last activity.

Apple offers the Find My feature that helps locate spy on your preferred iPhones using GPS services. This method also allows users to view live locations, play a sound, or even erase data remotely from their tracked phone. Thus, go through the steps below if you’re looking for how to track a phone by location:

Step 1. Go to the phone's Settings you want to spy on and select the Apple ID to view its options. Then, open the Find My app and click the Share My Location option.

Step 2. Afterward, head to the People section in the Find My app and select the Start Sharing Location option. Then, tap the Plus icon to add your contact information and hit the Send button. Next, choose your desired tracking period from the bottom-up menu.

Step 3. Ultimately, open the Find My app on your device, and you will be able to view the shared location there

Tips:

Check out the live location apps guide if you also want to track a child’s real-time location location.

While the above tracking features are helpful, some users prefer external apps for additional tracking options. These apps offer live location updates, history tracking, and customizable alerts for better monitoring. Below, we’ll explore how these apps help track a phone’s location effectively without extra costs:

This is a powerful tool that not only provides navigation but also allows live location sharing. It helps users keep track of family members or locate a lost phone easily. By enabling location sharing, users can access live updates and movement history. Thus, let’s dive below to find out how to GPS track a phone through this method:

Step 1. Launch the application on the phone and select the Profile icon. Next, select the Location Sharing feature and press the New Share button. Subsequently, choose your preferred duration and the contact and hit Share.

Step 2. Tap the received link and select Open URL to view the location displayed on the map.

Apple Maps also allows family and friends to share their location securely. This method makes finding lost devices easier or monitoring loved ones remotely. Apple Maps provides a reliable and free solution when you’re wondering how to track mobile live location. Follow the instructions below to spy on a smartphone:

Step 1. Upon opening the app, select the Share My Location option. Continue by choosing WhatsApp to send the location to the device from where you want to spy.

Step 2. Choose the contact you want to share and tap the Next option before hitting the Send button on the following screen.

Step 3. When you receive the link, simply open it and you will be able to track the phone of your targeted person.

Free tracking methods offer basic location services, but they lack advanced security and parental control features. If you're looking for how to track a mobile phone location with real-time accuracy and better monitoring, FamiSafe provides a comprehensive solution.

With live tracking and location history, FamiSafe ensures parents stay informed about their child’s whereabouts without constant check-ins. Unlike built-in tracking tools, it offers geofencing alerts, allowing users to define safe zones for children or loved ones. If a tracked individual enters or exits these areas, instant notifications help parents respond proactively.

Beyond location tracking, FamiSafe includes App Blocking and Screen Time Management, enabling a safer digital environment for kids. The Location History feature also records past movements, helping parents ensure their child follows safe routines.

• Remote Control: Parents can Lock their child’s phone or restrict features to encourage safer phone usage remotely .
• App Blocker: Block distracting apps to ensure their kids stay focused on their studies.
• Driving Report: Tracks the driving behavior of your loved ones, including speed and route history.

Follow the detailed steps below to find out how this dedicated tracking app works to monitor your loved one's location:

• Step 1. Setup FamiSafe App to Track Your Loved One’s
• Step 2. Access the Live Location Feature for Tracking
• Step 3. Check the Live Location of Your Loved Ones

Step 1. Setup FamiSafe App to Track Your Loved One’s

Upon installing this app, press the Start button on the parent's device and get the passcode shown on the next screen. Then, proceed to the FamiSafe app on the targeted mobile and utilize the code to link the two devices.

Step 2. Access the Live Location Feature for Tracking

Subsequently, select the Live Location feature on the parent’s device to view the map in full screen.

Step 3. Check the Live Location of Your Loved Ones

When the map is displayed on full screen, you will begin to see the live location along with other helpful details on your added person.

Upon exploring this dedicated app, many users are confused about choosing the best method to track their desired phone. To overcome this challenge, we have created a detailed comparison table between FamiSafe and other methods:

From the comparison, we can say that FamiSafe is the best solution for your needs. The app’s real-time location tracking feature even stands out as the best method to learn how to track mobile live locations. Therefore, you should install and try FamiSafe today to spy on your preferred smartphone with ease.

To sum up, many smartphones offer built-in features for tracking, which help you locate lost phones or spy on your loved ones. These methods work well but have limitations, such as requiring location services to be enabled. Plus, free apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps allow users to track live locations, but they need manual location sharing. This makes them useful for short-term tracking but not ideal for advanced monitoring.

For those looking for how to track a mobile phone location with added security features, FamiSafe stands out as the best solution. It provides live tracking, accurate location history, and geofencing. Whether you need to monitor your child’s safety or spy on your loved ones, FamiSafe offers everything in one secure platform.

Q1. How does GPS tracking work?

This method uses satellites to determine a device's precise location in real time. The device receives signals from multiple satellites, calculating its exact position. This information is sent to a server, allowing users to track movements on a map.

Q2. How to activate GPS on an Android phone for location tracking?

To activate this service on your smartphone, follow the steps below:

• Open Settings on your mobile phone.
• Navigate to the Location section.
• Enable the Location Access toggle to activate GPS.

Q3. Is there a way to track a phone location for free without them knowing?

Spying on a smartphone location for free without the user knowing is difficult. Most tracking methods require permission or prior setup. Along with that, built-in services like Google Find My Device and Apple Find My need account access.

Q4. Can I track a switched-off phone?

It is challenging because GPS and internet services stop working. However, Google Find My Device can show the last known location for specific smartphones before shutdown. So, you can still locate the phone for several hours after it's turned off.