How to track a phone

Knowing how to track a phone can be helpful for various reasons – you might need to find your lost phone, keep an eye on your child during a school trip, or keep track of company devices. To do so effectively, you need to understand the methods and tools available.

In this guide, I will explain various options, including your smartphone’s built-in features and third-party apps, and give you step-by-step instructions on tracking a lost phone. Since device tracking entails serious privacy and security implications, we’ll also discuss the ethical and legal side of it.

But let’s start small and have some basic questions answered first.

What is phone tracking?

Phone tracking is the process of finding the location of a smartphone or mobile device. It can help you find out where a phone is in real time or where it was last seen.

We can track phones because they constantly “communicate” with other systems: cell towers, Wi-Fi networks, GPS satellites, and sometimes Bluetooth devices. When your phone sends and receives signals, it leaves clues about its location. Tracking works by collecting and analyzing these clues.

To put things into perspective: if you use Google’s Find My Device on Android, it connects to the phone using GPS or Wi-Fi and shows its location on a map. On iPhones, the Find My app does the same thing. But remember that you usually need to turn on these services in advance and link them to your account.

So, here are a few main ways to track a phone’s location:

• GPS (Global Positioning System) uses satellites to pinpoint your location. It works best outdoors and is very accurate, usually with a margin of error of only a few meters. Apps like Google Maps, Apple’s Find My, and location-sharing services rely on GPS. For example, if your child is on a field trip, GPS can show exactly where they are on the route.
• Even if GPS is off, phones can still be located using nearby Wi-Fi networks for tracking. When a phone connects to Wi-Fi or even just scans for available networks, it shares data that can help estimate its location. This method is often used indoors where GPS signals are weak.
• Bluetooth tracking works over short distances. It’s used in devices like Apple AirTags or Tile trackers. If your phone has Bluetooth on and comes close to another device in the same network (like other iPhones), it can send its location anonymously. This is useful for finding things in crowded places or tracking items with small devices.

Each method has pros and cons, and many tracking systems use a mix of all three to improve accuracy.

Unfortunately, this also means anyone with malicious intent can access your mobile device for fraudulent purposes or even cyberstalking. Our dedicated guide explains how to stop someone from tracking your phone.

Types of phone tracking: how does it work?

There’s more than one way to track a phone, so your chosen method depends on what you’re trying to do. In this section, I explore each option’s setup, strengths, and limitations so that you can decide which one is right for your situation.

How to use built-in phone tracking features

The easiest place to start is with the tracking tools already built into your smartphone. Both Apple and Android devices have reliable, free location-tracking services that require no additional downloads – Find My and Find My Device, respectively. These services let users locate, secure, or erase their phone if it’s lost or stolen.

Apple devices: Find My iPhone (via the Find My app)

Apple’s Find My feature is built into every iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It connects your devices to your iCloud account and provides a real-time map of their locations, accessible through the Find My app or at iCloud.com/find.

If a device goes missing, Find My lets you:

• View your device’s location on a map using GPS, Wi-Fi, and nearby Apple devices (even if the device is offline)
• Play a sound to help locate the phone nearby
• Enable Lost Mode, which locks the phone, disables Apple Pay, and displays a custom message with contact information
• Remotely erase the phone to protect personal data if recovery isn’t possible
• Use Precision Finding on newer models with a U1 chip (iPhone 11 and up) to locate your device down to inches

And even if your device is offline, Find My network can locate it using Bluetooth signals relayed by other Apple devices nearby.

To set up the Find My service on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > tap your name > Find My > Find My iPhone
2. Turn on Find My iPhone, Find My network, and Send Last Location

This feature is especially useful for parents and families using Family Sharing, as it lets you see everyone’s devices in one place. To set this feature up for other devices, follow Apple’s full setup guide.

While Find My excels at device finding, people tracking is limited to users within the Apple ecosystem.

Android devices: Find My Device by Google

Android users can rely on Find My Device, which is tied to your Google Account and pre-installed on most Android phones and tablets. No extra downloads are needed – you can access it through the free app or at android.com/find.

Once set up, it allows you to:

• See your phone’s location using GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers
• Ring the device at full volume for up to five minutes, even on silent
• Secure the device remotely by locking it and adding a message or phone number to the lock screen
• Erase the device if recovery isn’t possible (note: this also turns off tracking)
• Use Find Nearby (on supported models) for Bluetooth-based close-range tracking

Android smartwatches with Wear OS can also ping a paired phone – useful if the phone is lost around the house or office.

To activate:

1. Open Settings > Security > Find My Device
2. Make sure it’s turned on and that the device is signed in to a Google Account with location access enabled

For more details, refer to Google’s setup instructions.

If the phone is lost or stolen:

• Tap Secure Device to lock the screen and add a custom message.
• Choose Erase Device to factory reset it remotely. This deletes your data but also disables further tracking.

Both of these built-in features are among the most reliable and secure options available. Since the operating systems fully support them and don’t require third-party apps or services, they’re your first line of defense in case your phone goes missing.

Best phone tracking apps in 2025

While built-in tools cover the basics, many third-party apps offer more advanced or specific tracking features. Location-sharing and tracking apps can be grouped into the following categories:

• Family safety and coordination. Apps like Life360, FamiSafe, and GeoZilla are designed for families who want to keep track of each other. They offer real-time location sharing, safety alerts when someone enters or leaves a place, and location history.
• Temporary and on-time sharing. Apps like Glympse and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram let you quickly share your location. These are great for meeting up with someone or letting a friend know you’re on the way, without constant tracking.
• Built-in navigation sharing. Apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps let you share your live location or estimated arrival time while traveling. This is helpful when you want someone to track your trip or see when you’ll arrive.
• Finding lost devices and items. Platform-native tools like Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device help you locate missing phones, tablets, and even Bluetooth trackers like AirTags. They’re built into your phone and don’t require extra apps.
• Parental monitoring and surveillance. Apps like mSpy and KidsGuard Pro go beyond location tracking. They let parents (or employers) monitor phone calls, messages, and online activity, often without the person knowing. These raise privacy concerns and should only be used legally and ethically.
• Fitness tracking. Apps like MapMyRun and Strava use GPS to map your running, biking, or walking routes. They’re focused on exercise tracking and show your location during workouts.

App	Primary function	Platforms	Pricing model	Key differentiator
Life360	Family safety and coordination	iOS, Android	Freemium (Free, Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers)	Comprehensive safety suite (driving reports, crash detection, SOS, Tile tracking)
Glympse	Temporary location sharing	iOS, Android	Free (Premium Tags/Shares optional)	Time-limited sharing, no recipient account/app needed, strong privacy focus
Google Maps	Navigation and location sharing	iOS, Android, web	Free	Seamless integration with navigation, ETA sharing, uses Google Account
Apple’s Find My	Device, people, and item finding	Apple ecosystem (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS)	Free	Native Apple integration, powerful Find My network (offline), AirTag support
Google’s Find My Device	Device and accessory finding	Android ecosystem (Web access for finding, app for management)	Free	Native Android integration, powerful Find My Device network (offline), Remote lock/wipe

Here are some of the top phone tracking apps in 2025, organized by use case:

Life360

Life360 is a leading family safety and location tracking app designed for ongoing use. It offers:

• Real-time location tracking for all family members
• Geofencing alerts (e.g., when someone leaves school or arrives home)
• Driving behavior reports, crash detection, and roadside assistance
• Emergency SOS features

Its comprehensive suite makes it especially popular with parents and families looking to stay connected and informed.

Glympse

Glympse is built around temporary and privacy-focused location sharing. Key features include the following:

• Time-limited location sharing that doesn’t require the recipient to install the app
• No account sign-up is needed to view shared locations
• Features for meeting up with friends, coordinating travel, or brief location updates

It’s ideal for one-off use cases where permanent tracking isn’t necessary.

Google Maps

Google Maps includes optional location-sharing features built into its navigation platform. With it, you can:

• Share your live location with trusted contacts
• Send real-time ETA updates during a trip
• View shared locations across Android and iOS

This is a great free option for people who already use Google services regularly.

FamiSafe

FamiSafe is a family-focused tracking and parental control app. Features include:

• Real-time tracking and location history
• Safe zones and geofencing
• App usage monitoring, web filtering, and screen time controls

It balances safety and oversight, making it popular with parents of young children or teens.

mSpy and KidsGuard Pro

These are surveillance-style apps that offer advanced monitoring capabilities beyond just GPS:

• Call, text, social media, and browser history tracking
• Stealth mode operation (invisible on the target device)
• Real-time location and movement history

These apps are often used by employers or parents. However, they raise serious ethical and legal considerations, especially if used without consent – I explore this side of phone tracking in greater detail later in the article.

Strava/MapMyRun

Primarily fitness tracking apps, Strava and MapMyRun use GPS to:

• Map workout routes
• Share activity data with friends or training groups
• Offer safety features like live tracking during runs or rides

While not meant for general phone tracking, they’re useful for personal location history in fitness contexts.

Each app serves a different purpose – from quick check-ins to full-time monitoring. Choosing the right one depends on who you’re tracking, why, and how much control or data access you need.

Pros and cons of using third-party apps for phone tracking

While offering more flexibility and features, third-party apps also come with important trade-offs. Thus, it's important to weigh the benefits against the potential privacy, security, and ethical concerns.

Used responsibly, third-party tracking apps can enhance safety, convenience, and peace of mind. However, they also demand careful consideration of privacy and consent, especially when monitoring others.

Cell provider services

Most US cell providers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, encourage customers to use built-in tools like Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device, since these options are more accurate and effective for device recovery.

Still, carriers do offer their own optional apps and services that provide added support, especially for family tracking, security monitoring, and digital safety.

Cell provider	Verizon	AT&T	T-Mobile
Tracking support	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Parental tools	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Security tools	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Lookout app)
Ability to locate, lock, or wipe a lost phone	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (Lookout app)
Monthly cost	$6.90 per line but can vary depending on a plan	$3.99/month for ActiveArmor advanced, $7.99/month for Secure Family	$10.00/month

Here’s how each provider approaches phone tracking and related services.

Verizon

Verizon focuses more on device security and tech support than direct phone tracking. Through its Mobile Secure plan and the Digital Secure app, Verizon offers tools like identity protection, malware detection, and privacy features such as call filtering.

While these services help protect your phone and personal data, they don’t include the ability to remotely locate, lock, or wipe a lost phone.

If you're trying to find a missing device, Verizon will direct you to use Apple or Android’s built-in tracking tools. The principal value of Verizon's services lies in premium support and digital safety, not phone recovery.

AT&T

AT&T splits security and tracking into two apps: one for protection and one for families.

ActiveArmor is AT&T’s security app. It’s designed to block fraud and spam calls, protect your data, and provide alerts for suspicious phone activity. If you're using the premium version, it will even warn you about possible theft indicators (like if someone removes your SIM card or tries the wrong PIN too many times). However, it doesn’t let you track or recover your phone directly.

If you’re looking for family tracking features, AT&T offers Secure Family. This app is more useful for parents – it allows real-time location sharing and geofencing (alerts when someone arrives or leaves a set location like school or home), shows location history, and even lets you ring a phone to help find it nearby. It also includes parental controls, such as internet pauses and content filtering.

After a 30-day free trial, it costs $7.99/month for up to 10 devices.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers the most direct tracking options and flexibility of these three through multiple services: FamilyWhere, FamilyMode, and a partnership with the third-party security app Lookout.

FamilyWhere is unique because it uses T-Mobile’s network-based location tracking, rather than relying solely on GPS. This means that it can still provide a phone’s location even if GPS is turned off.

It’s ideal for parents who want to monitor phones on their plan, including their own. It includes features like real-time location on a map, 7-day location history, and scheduled check-ins. FamilyWhere costs $10/month after a free trial, and notifications are sent to the phone being tracked, so it’s not stealthy.

FamilyMode is more app-based and includes location tracking, screen time limits, content filtering, geofencing alerts, and even a tool to ring a lost device. It works well across platforms and is priced at $10/month.

Lookout Mobile Security app, which T-Mobile customers may already recognize, combines device protection with location tracking. The free version lets you locate your phone on a map, trigger a loud alarm, and automatically log the last known location before the battery dies. The premium upgrade adds remote lock and wipe features and theft alerts.

It’s a good choice for users who want both tracking and strong security tools, but it’s still one more separate app on their phones.

GPS tracking devices

Dedicated GPS tracking devices offer a more specialized, reliable, and often more rugged solution, especially when tracking needs go beyond personal convenience.

These standalone devices are designed specifically for location tracking. They work by receiving signals from GPS satellites and then calculating their exact location, which they can transmit in real time or store for later upload. Unlike smartphones, which rely on a combination of sensors and apps, GPS trackers are purpose-built for accuracy, durability, and continuous operation – even in tough conditions or remote areas.

There are two main types of GPS tracking systems:

• Active trackers transmit location data in real time via cellular or satellite networks. They’re ideal for applications where instant visibility is important, such as fleet management, live tracking of shipments, or monitoring vulnerable individuals. Users can typically access a live dashboard to see their current location, receive alerts (like entering or leaving a designated area), and even set up custom rules for tracking behavior.
• Passive trackers store location data internally and only upload it later, either when manually connected or within Wi-Fi range. They're more cost-effective because they don’t require constant data transmission. However, they don’t support real-time monitoring. Passive trackers are often used when knowing the travel history is more important than receiving real-time updates.

Dedicated GPS trackers meet specific tracing needs across personal, commercial, and asset management cases. Here are the most popular categories:

Category	Purpose	Examples
Vehicle trackers	Designed for cars, trucks, and fleets, these trackers help monitor location and driving behavior and prevent theft.	Bouncie, Tracki, LandAirSea 54, Spytec GL300
Asset trackers	Built to monitor valuable equipment, shipments, and inventory over time and across distances.	One Step GPS, GPSWOX, Geotab, GPS Trackit, US Fleet Tracking
Wearable/personal trackers	Worn by individuals such as children, seniors, or outdoor workers. These often include emergency buttons, fall detection, or health monitoring features.	Jiobit Smart Tag, AngelSense GPS tracker
Pet trackers	These small, collar-mounted devices let you find a lost pet or keep tabs on their activity.	Fi Smart Dog Collar, Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker, PetPace 2.0

When searching for a reliable GPS tracking device, make sure to consider the following factors:

• Availability of real-time location updates
• Geofencing
• Connectivity options, as trackers may use cellular networks or satellite systems. Satellite options offer coverage in remote areas but typically cost more
• Battery life
• Software (companion apps or web platforms) and integration with other systems

Tracking a lost phone: step-by-step instructions

Losing your phone is already stressful enough, but with the right tools, you can get it back without additional mental strain. As you already know, both Apple and Android devices have built-in features to help you locate your phone. So, here’s exactly what you need to do in case your phone goes missing.

Step-by-step guide on tracking a lost iPhone

The key is that Find My must be turned on before the phone is lost. If it is, here’s exactly what to do next:

1. Go to iCloud.com or use another Apple device. On a computer or phone, open a browser and go to iCloud.com/find, then sign in with your Apple ID. Or, use the Find My app on another Apple device (like an iPad or a friend’s iPhone) signed in with the same Apple ID as on a lost phone.
2. Select your iPhone. Once signed in, you’ll see a map showing all your devices. Tap or click All Devices, then choose your missing iPhone from the list. If it’s online, you’ll see its current location. If it’s offline, you’ll see its last known location.
3. Now you have several options, depending on the situation:
   1. If the iPhone is nearby (like in your house or under a couch), tap Play Sound to make it ring loudly, even if it’s on silent.
   2. Enable Lost Mode. This will lock your iPhone with a passcode and display a message (like “This phone is lost – please call me”) on the lock screen. To do this, tap Activate under Lost Mode. You can enter a contact number and a custom message. Apple Pay is automatically disabled when Lost Mode is on.
   3. Tap Directions to open the location in Apple Maps and navigate to where your phone is.
4. Erase your iPhone if necessary. If you’re sure you can’t get the phone back or you’re worried about sensitive data, tap Erase This Device to delete all content remotely. This removes everything from the phone but keeps the Activation Lock on, so no one else can use or reset it without your Apple ID and password.
5. Notify your cell phone provider. If your phone is truly gone, contact your mobile carrier (like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile) to suspend service or report it stolen. They may help block the device from being used.

It’s important to note that if Find My wasn’t turned on before the phone was lost, you can’t track it. Still, you should change your Apple ID password and report the device to your carrier. For future protection, make sure Find My is enabled on all your Apple devices.

Step-by-step guide on tracking a lost Android phone

Like Apple, Google’s Find My Device service can help you locate, lock, or erase your lost phone remotely, as long as it was set up beforehand. Here are the instructions:

1. Go to Google’s Find My Device. You have two ways to access it. On another Android phone or tablet, open the Find My Device app. If you don't have the app, you can download it from the Google Play Store. You can sign in with the Google Account linked to your lost device or as a guest if you're helping a friend. If you’re using a browser, visit android.com/find. Sign in with the Google Account associated with your lost device.
2. Locate your phone. Once signed in, you'll see a map displaying your device's location. The location is determined using GPS, Wi-Fi, or mobile data, depending on what's available. If the device is online, you'll see its current location. If it's offline, you'll see its last known location.
3. You’ll see several options to help recover or secure your phone:
   1. Play sound to make your phone ring at full volume for five minutes, even if it’s on silent or vibrate. This is great for finding it nearby.
   2. Secure device to remotely lock your phone with your PIN or password and sign you out of your Google account. If you don't have a lock, you can set one. You can also display a custom message and phone number on the lock screen, so someone who finds it can contact you. Google Pay is also disabled for security.
   3. Erase the device to permanently delete all data on your device. After erasing, the device will no longer be locatable using Find My Device. This action may not delete data on SD cards.
4. Report the loss. If you can't recover your device, contact your carrier to suspend service and protect your account. Change your Google Account password to prevent unauthorized access. Report the loss or theft to local authorities.

To be sure that Find My Device can find, secure, or erase your lost Android phone, ensure the following:

• The device is powered on
• It's connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi
• It's signed in to a Google Account
• Find My Device is turned on
• The device is visible on Google Play

Legal side of phone tracking: what you need to know

Phone tracking comes with serious legal responsibilities. It’s essential to understand who you can legally track, under what conditions, and with what kind of consent. Otherwise, failing to follow the law can lead to tangible legal consequences, including fines, lawsuits, or criminal charges.

Is phone tracking legal? It depends on three key factors:

1. Who is doing the tracking
2. What/who is being tracked (device ownership)
3. Why and under what circumstances the tracking is happening

Let’s break down the most common scenarios:

• Parents tracking their children. In most countries, parents or legal guardians are legally allowed to monitor their minor children (typically under age 18). This includes tracking their location, activity, and communication, though ethical considerations like age and privacy still apply.
• Employers tracking employees. Employers can legally track company-owned devices employees use, especially during work hours and for legitimate business purposes (e.g., route optimization, timekeeping, or data security). However, they must follow local labor laws, and many US states require that employees be notified in writing. Tracking personal devices without consent – even during work hours – is typically illegal.
• Tracking adults without their knowledge/consent. It’s unequivocally illegal to track a spouse, partner, friend, or any other competent adult without their informed and voluntary consent. This includes using GPS apps, spyware, Bluetooth trackers, or any other form of electronic surveillance. Being in a relationship provides no legal justification for non-consensual spying. Unauthorized tracking may violate privacy laws, stalking laws, or cybercrime regulations.

Consent is the cornerstone of legal and ethical phone tracking. But to be valid, it must meet three critical criteria:

• Informed. The person being tracked must understand exactly what data is being collected, how it’s used, who has access, and for how long. Most apps disclose this in their privacy policies. However, these are often too complex for average users to fully grasp.
• Explicit. Consent should be opt-in, especially for sensitive tracking like continuous GPS, communications monitoring, or app usage. This means the individual must actively agree to tracking – passive consent or default opt-ins are not enough.
• Voluntary. Consent must be given freely, without pressure or coercion. This is especially important in relationships with power imbalances, such as between employers and employees or parents and teens, where someone may feel obligated to agree.

Best practice is to get consent in writing, especially in workplaces or formal agreements. This protects everyone involved and helps avoid legal gray areas.

While the above rules are general, there are important exceptions:

• Minors. Parents usually have broad rights to track their children, but that right is still bounded by reasonableness and the child’s age or maturity.
• Company-owned assets. Employers can typically monitor devices they own, but laws vary by state. Some states require disclosure or employee acknowledgment.
• Public places. People generally have a lower expectation of privacy in public, but continuous or covert tracking can still cross legal and ethical lines.
• Terms of service loopholes. Many apps rely on complex terms that imply consent. However, courts may rule these insufficient, especially if they obscure invasive practices.

Phone tracking must always respect privacy, consent, and local law. While tracking your child’s phone or securing a company device is usually fine, tracking an adult without their full knowledge and permission is not.

When in doubt, ask yourself:

• Is the tracking justified?
• Is the person fully aware?
• Would I be okay being tracked in the same way?

If the answer is “no” to any of these, it’s probably not legal – or ethical.

Final note

Tracking a phone can be a useful skill in some cases and a powerful tool for safety and peace of mind overall. Your most reliable options would be built-in features, such as Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device, while third-party apps and GPS trackers can provide additional flexibility.

Yet, with great access comes great responsibility. Always use tracking tools ethically, respect privacy, and get informed consent when required. Understanding the technology and its legal implications allows you to protect what matters most without crossing personal (and even work-related) boundaries. Stay safe, and track responsibly.

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