Sometimes, we need to know where someone’s phone is. This can feel like we’re intruding into their personal space, but there are valid reasons.
If you are a parent, and you want to be sure that your child is at school and not in places they shouldn’t be. Or you’re concerned about elderly family members and want to ensure they’re safe.
There are apps designed to assist with this. And we have listed some top apps that can help you track your loved one’s phone location. However, it’s crucial to use them responsibly, always with consent, and for positive purposes only.
Contents
How to Track Someone’s Location with Phone Number?
It might sound complicated, but tracking a phone’s location using its number is pretty simple these days. Many apps have made the process user-friendly.
Before anything else, choose a trustworthy tracking app. The app should be reputable and have good reviews from users. You will be sharing sensitive data, so it’s essential to choose wisely.
After selecting an app, download and install it on the device you wish to track. This might require physical access to the phone. Follow the app’s instructions to set up tracking.
Enter the phone number you want to track. Some apps require sending an invitation link to the person you want to track.
It is vital to make sure the person knows they’re being tracked. Always get their permission before proceeding.
With permission granted, you can start monitoring the phone’s location. Most apps display a real-time map, showing the phone’s current position and location history.
Remember, the goal is to ensure safety or keep tabs on loved ones. Avoid misuse and always prioritize privacy and ethics.
Also Read: Free Note-Taking Apps for iPad for College Students
Top 10 Phone Location Tracking Apps
#1. Hoverwatch
Hoverwatch is a popular choice for phone tracking. It’s great for parents, bosses, or anyone wanting to know a phone’s location. With Hoverwatch, you can see where a phone is right now. You can also check call logs and messages. It even lets you peek at some social media stuff. The app is easy to use but packed with features. Many people rely on Hoverwatch to keep track of phone activities.
Unique Features
- Operates silently without the tracked person knowing.
- Stores location data to review where the phone has been over time.
- Set specific areas and get alerts if the phone enters or leaves these zones.
Pricing
| Personal Plan | Professional Plan | Business Plan |
| $24.95/month, with basic features for 1 device. | $49.95/month with advanced tracking features for 5 devices. | $149.95/month, track 25 devices with all advanced features. |
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Accurate real-time tracking.
- Multi-device support.
Cons
- Premium features require a subscription.
- Consume more battery on the tracked device.
- users may receive too many alerts.
#2. Life360
Life360 is widely recognized among families who want to stay connected. This app allows you to see where your family members are at any given time. Life360 also offers insights into driving habits, making sure that you know your loved ones are safe during their commutes.
Unique Features
- Life360 provides a feature called “Circle Members,” which lets you group family or friends, referred to as “Circles.” Everyone’s location within that Circle can be viewed on a shared map.
- It provides driving reports with details on how a person drives if they are speeding, braking hard, or using their phone.
- In case of emergencies, a member can send an alert to everyone in their Circle, immediately sharing their current location.
Pricing
| Free Version | Premium Plan |
| Suitable for basic tracking needs. It lets you see family members’ locations and create Circles. | At $5/month, this plan offers additional features, Location Sharing, Individual Driver Reports, and Customer Support. |
Pros
- Besides location tracking, the driving behavior insights add an extra layer of safety.
- Life360 is operational in over 140 countries, making it suitable for families that travel frequently.
- Designed to provide real-time updates without significantly draining the device’s battery.
Cons
- Some users may feel uneasy about the always-on location sharing with Circle members.
- The most advanced and useful features come with the paid plans.
- Some users have mentioned receiving too many alerts, which can be overwhelming.
#3. Minspy
Minspy is a newer entrant in the phone tracking market, but it’s quickly making a name for itself. It’s designed for people who want basic tracking and advanced monitoring features. With Minspy, you can keep tabs on phone locations and dive deeper into text messages, app usage, and more.
Unique Features
- Minspy is built to work quietly. The person using the tracked phone won’t even know it’s there.
- It provides text message insights, even the deleted ones. Great for parents wanting to keep an eye on their kids.
- Allows you to track which apps are being used the most and for how long.
Pricing
| Basic Plan | Premium Plan | Family Plan |
| At $39.99/month, Offers basic tracking features. | At $49.99/month, with all the advanced tracking features and monitoring tools. | At $69.99/month, it allows tracking 3 devices with comprehensive features. |
Pros
- It’s invisible on the tracked phone, ensuring privacy.
- Get a clear view of phone activity, from location history to app usage.
- Installing and setting up Minspy is a breeze, even if you are new to it.
Cons
- The most detailed features come with a higher price tag.
- Unlike some competitors, it might not track all social media platforms.
- For tracking to work, the target device needs an active internet connection.
#4. FamiSafe
FamiSafe is a dedicated solution for parents who want to ensure their children’s safety in the digital age. With the rise of online threats and distractions, FamiSafe provides parents with the tools to monitor and guide their children’s phone usage.
Unique Features
- It helps protect your kids from harmful content by blocking access to specific websites or categories.
- Set limits on how long your child can use their phone or specific apps.
- Tracks your child’s location and set safe zones, receiving alerts if they leave or enter these areas.
Pricing
| Monthly Plan | Quarterly Plan | Yearly Plan |
| At $10.99/month, a flexible monthly subscription with all features and 5 devices to track. | At $20.99/qtr. The three-month package offers 10 devices to track with all features. | At $60.99/yr, giving you full access to unlimited devices with all features for an entire year at a discounted rate. |
Pros
- All features are designed with children’s safety in mind.
- Parents can adjust settings based on their child’s age and maturity level.
- Easy for parents to set up and manage, even without tech expertise.
Cons
- No free version is available; a subscription is required for access.
- Continuous monitoring might slow down older devices.
- Parents might receive many alerts, especially if settings are very restrictive.
Find My Kids is designed specifically for parents. As the name suggests, this app focuses on providing parents with the tools they need to ensure their children’s safety. Whether it’s confirming that your child has reached school safely, monitoring ambient noise levels around them, or setting safe zones, Find My Kids offers a holistic approach to child safety.
Unique Features
- Allows parents to check the surroundings of their child by accessing the phone’s microphone.
- Set up zones like school or home and receive notifications when your child enters or leaves these areas.
- Review where your child has been throughout the day.
Pricing
| Monthly Plan | Yearly Plan | Lifetime Plan |
| At $2.99/month, a flexible monthly subscription for 1 device. | At $16.99 for the entire year with tracking 3 devices. | At $25.99, with all features for a lifetime member ship for tracking 3 devices. |
Pros
- Designed specifically for parents, with child-centric features.
- Offers a unique Listen-In feature for added peace of mind.
- User-friendly with a clear focus on child safety.
Cons
- Requires both parents and kids to have the app installed for full functionality.
- Some features might be seen as too intrusive by older children.
- Premium plan is needed for complete access to all features.
#6. mSpy
mSpy is among the leading phone tracking tools known for its comprehensive monitoring features. It’s especially favored by parents and guardians who want a deep dive into their children’s phone activities.
Unique Features
- You can read text messages, even deleted ones, and view shared multimedia.
- It can restrict access to specific apps or websites deemed inappropriate.
- Track every keystroke on the device, offering insights into messages, searches, and more.
Pricing
| Monthly Plan | Quarterly Plan | Yearly Plan |
| At $48.99/month, it offers essential tracking and monitoring tools. | For $27.99/month. You can access advanced features like keylogging, app blocking, and more. | At $11.66/month, this plan allows tracking and monitoring multiple devices, which is ideal for larger families. |
Pros
- mSpy provides a detailed view of phone activities, from messages to app usage.
- Operates silently, ensuring the user of the tracked device remains unaware.
- All monitored data is presented in an easy-to-navigate online dashboard.
Cons
- Compared to some competitors, mSpy’s advanced features come at a premium price.
- Physical access to the target device might be needed for initial setup.
- There might be slight delays in data updates, depending on the device and network conditions.
#7. Glympse
Glympse is all about sharing your location in real time with those you trust. Whether it’s letting a friend know you’re on the way or sharing your route during a long journey, Glympse keeps people connected and informed.
Unique Features
- It can share live locations with specific contacts for a set duration.
- Quickly start using the app without needing an account or lengthy setup.
- You can watch in real-time as contacts move on the map.
Pricing
| Free Version | Premium Plan | Business Plan |
| Offers basic real-time location sharing without any cost. Suitable for those who want to test it before purchasing the paid plans. | At $4.99/month, it unlocks advanced features, including faster location updates and an ad-free experience. | For companies at $19.99/month, it provides location solutions for teams, with additional tools for tracking and communication. |
Pros
- It starts sharing your location in just a few taps.
- Your location is only shared with those you choose and for the time you set.
- Great for personal use, meetups, or even business logistics.
Cons
- Glympse focuses on location sharing, not broader phone monitoring.
- If the GPS signal is strong or lost, tracking may be accurate.
- Unlike some apps that offer persistent tracking, Glympse is more about temporary location sharing.
#8. Eyezy
Eyezy is a modern tracking solution that blends functionality with user-friendliness. Designed for individuals and businesses alike, Eyezy offers precise location tracking and other monitoring tools to ensure comprehensive oversight.
Unique Features
- You can get real-time updates on the tracked device’s location.
- Set tasks or reminders based on specific locations—for instance, a reminder to pick up groceries near a store.
- It can monitor battery levels, storage usage, and other vital stats of the tracked device.
Pricing
| Monthly Plan | Quarter Plan | Yearly Plan |
| At $47.99/month, it might sound expensive but it comes with all features. | At $27.99/month, this plan offers enhanced features at a better price for 3 months. | At $9.99/month, it provides extensive tracking tools, and priority support at an amazing discount price. |
Pros
- Easy for users to navigate and understand, even without technical knowledge.
- Beyond location, it offers insights into device health and usage.
- Users can set up specific notifications based on their preferences.
Cons
- Requires a stable internet connection on the tracked device for accurate updates.
- It is not a free tool, subscription is needed to unlock the full potential.
- Some advanced features might require a bit of time to grasp and utilize fully.
#9. GEOfinder
GEOfinder is designed for those who value precision and timely updates regarding location tracking. Whether for personal safety, managing a team, or keeping tabs on loved ones, GEOfinder brings reliable location data to your fingertips.
Unique Features
- Offers detailed and accurate location data, ensuring you know the exact whereabouts of the tracked device.
- Set specific geographic zones and get instant notifications if the tracked device enters or leaves these areas.
- Review detailed logs of where the device has traveled over a specific period.
Pricing
| Basic Plan | Advanced Plan | Elite Plan |
| At $3.99/month, it provides standard location tracking features. | At $9.99/month, users benefit from high-precision tracking, geo-alerts, and extended travel history. | At $14.99/month, it’s the top-tier plan offering all features, premium support, and additional customization options. |
Pros
- GEOfinder is known for providing some of the most precise location data in the industry.
- Even with its advanced features, GEOfinder is easy to navigate and use.
- Suitable for both personal and professional use, catering to a wide range of tracking needs.
Cons
- GEOfinder does not offer a free tier, making it a purely subscription-based service.
- The high-precision tracking might consume more data, which could concern those with limited data plans.
- For optimal accuracy, the tracked device needs a good GPS signal, which might only sometimes be available.
#10. Cocospy
Cocospy is a globally recognized phone tracking solution featured in prominent media outlets for its efficient and stealthy monitoring capabilities. Catering to individual and professional needs, Cocospy offers a blend of standard location tracking with advanced surveillance features, making it a comprehensive solution for diverse tracking requirements.
Unique Features
- Cocospy operates silently in the background, ensuring the user of the monitored device remains unaware.
- Monitor messages and activity across various popular social platforms, from WhatsApp to Snapchat.
- Get detailed insights into incoming and outgoing calls, complete with timestamps and contact details.
Pricing
| Basic Plan | Premium Plan | Family Plan |
| At $39.99/month, this plan offers basic monitoring and tracking functionalities for 1 device. | At $9.99/month, but only if you choose the yearly package. You can access a wider range of features, including social media monitoring for 1 device. | For $69.99/month, this plan provides the most comprehensive set of tools, along with priority support for 5 devices which can be a better choice for families. |
Pros
- Cocospy is known for its discretion and ensures user privacy at all times.
- From location tracking to message monitoring, it offers a wide array of tools.
- Cocospy offers advanced features without requiring any alterations to the target device.
Cons
- Advanced features come with a higher cost.
- To view tracked data, users need to access Cocospy’s online dashboard, which might not be convenient for everyone.
- Some users have reported slight delays in data synchronization.
Is It Legal to Track Someone’s Phone Location?
Tracking someone’s phone location can be a sensitive and complex legal matter. It often depends on the context, the relationship between the parties involved, and local laws and regulations.
In most cases, you must have the person’s consent before tracking their phone location. This is especially true if you’re using a third-party app or service for tracking.
Parents generally have the right to track the location of their minor children for safety reasons. However, this may vary based on local laws and the child’s age.
Employers may track the location of company-owned devices used by employees, but it’s important to have a clear policy in place and inform the employees about the tracking.
Unauthorized tracking can lead to severe legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It can also result in civil lawsuits for invasion of privacy.
FAQs
How accurate are these phone tracking apps?
Most modern phone tracking apps offer high accuracy, usually within a few meters, provided the tracked device has a good GPS signal and stable internet connection.
Are these tracking apps safe to use?
Trusted and reputable apps, like mSpy and Cocospy, prioritize user data security and privacy. However, always read reviews and do your research before installing any app.
What happens if the tracked phone is turned off or offline?
Most tracking apps will show the last known location of the device. Once the phone is turned back on or reconnects to the internet, the location will update.
Do I need to install software on the phone I want to track?
Yes. To get detailed data and real-time location updates, a tracking app or software usually needs to be installed on the target device.
Conclusion
Phone tracking apps can be valuable tools for ensuring safety and security. When choosing an app, consider your needs, and the features offered, and always respect privacy laws. Use these tools responsibly to gain peace of mind and keep your loved ones safe.
Remember, the key is to use these tools responsibly, always respecting privacy laws and individual consent. By doing so, you can protect your loved ones and gain insights that contribute to their safety and your peace of mind.
