5 Easy Ways to Track a Cell Phone Location for Free

Tracking a cell phone’s location can help recover a lost or stolen device, coordinate meetups in busy areas, or ensure a child’s safety. With an internet connection, real-time location tracking and history are now more accessible than ever. Below, we outline five effective ways to track a cell phone’s location for free, including app overviews and step-by-step guides.

Method 1: Top 8 Free Location Tracker Apps

Here are eight highly effective apps for tracking a cell phone’s location at no cost:

1. Find My Device (Android)

Google’s Find My Device app is designed to locate lost Android phones but also tracks locations with high accuracy. It requires the target device to be signed into a Google account with Location enabled.

Steps to use Find My Device:

Install the app on another device.
Log in with the target phone’s Google account.
If the phone is online with Wi-Fi or data, its location will appear.

Features: GPS tracking, remote locking, playing a sound for nearby detection, and data erasure.

2. MobileTracking Family Locator (Android)

MobileTracking Family Locator is a leading location tracker using advanced GPS and Wi-Fi technology. It offers real-time tracking and up to 15 days of location history, with a 3-day free trial (or 14 days with a yearly license).

Key Features:

Real-time location tracking.
Location history timeline.
Geofencing with entry/exit alerts.
Notifications for low battery or extended offline periods.

Steps to track:

Install MobileTracking Parental Control on your device and create an account.
Install MobileTracking Kids on the target phone and link the devices.
Grant location permissions.
Tap the “Location” icon on your device to view the target’s real-time location.
Use “Route History” or “Geofence” for additional tracking options.

Tip: Tap “Remote Camera” to view or hear the target device’s surroundings.

3. Where’s My Droid (Android)

Where’s My Droid offers free GPS tracking for Android, with features like remote locking and loud ringing, even in silent mode.

Steps to use:

Install the app from Google Play on the target device.
Grant permissions and set up a commander account.
Log into the commander account and select “Locate” to track the phone.

Features: GPS flare for low battery, SIM card removal alerts, and SD card wiping.

4. Find My (iPhone)

Apple’s Find My app is built for iOS devices (iOS 13+). For iOS 9–12, use Find My Friends. It tracks iPhones signed into the same Apple ID or with shared location settings.

Steps to track:

On the target iPhone, open Find My and select “Start Sharing Location.”
Add your email (linked to your Apple ID) and choose “Share Indefinitely.”
Open Find My on your device to view the target’s location.

Note: This is a free, official iPhone tracking method with flexible sharing durations.

5. FollowMee GPS Location Tracker (iPhone)

FollowMee uses GPS to track iPhones and supports multiple devices. It runs in the background and offers free access for a limited period, with premium plans starting at $9.99/year per device.

Steps to track:

Register on the FollowMee website.
Install the app on the target phone and log in.
The app records the device’s location in stealth mode.
View the location via the FollowMee website.

Note: Also available for Android, ideal for tracking family or employees.

6. Google Maps (Android & iPhone)

Google Maps, primarily a navigation tool, supports real-time location tracking via GPS when location sharing is enabled.

Steps to track:

Open Google Maps on the target phone (signed into a Google account).
Tap the profile icon, select “Location sharing,” and choose “New share.”
Set the duration to “Until you turn this off” and share with your profile.
View the shared location on your Google Maps app.

Features: Shows battery status, recent locations, and arrival/departure times.

7. Life360 Free Cell Phone Location Tracker (Android & iPhone)

Life360 provides live location tracking with interactive maps and cloud-stored location history. The free version includes two geofences and two days of history, with premium plans at $14.99/month.

Steps to track:

Install Life360 and create an account.
Create a “Circle” and note the invite code.
Install the app on the target phone, register, and join the Circle using the code.
View the target phone’s location on your app.

Note: Location sharing requires user permission, and users can disable it without notification.

8. Glympse Free Phone Location Tracker (Android & iPhone)

Glympse is a highly rated app for fast, free location sharing via GPS, ideal for businesses or groups. It requires no signup to view shared locations.

Steps to track:

Install Glympse on the target phone.
Select “Share Location” or “Request Location” and set the sharing duration.
Share the location or view a requested location on the map.

Features: Privacy-focused with dynamic map sharing.

Method 2: Track Phone Location by Phone Number

Online tools like Truecaller or Spokeo claim to track locations using phone numbers by referencing social media login data. However, their accuracy is limited.

Steps using Mobile Number Tracker:

Visit the website in a browser.
Enter the phone number and select the country.
View the approximate location in the user space.

Caution: Some tools require surveys, ads, or small payments to generate tracking links, which may pose security risks. Law enforcement or emergency services can track phones more accurately in specific cases.

Method 3: Track Phone Location with Built-in Tracking Websites

Android and iOS devices offer free built-in tracking websites, such as:

Google Find My Device Website (Android)

Requirements:

Target phone signed into a Google account.
Location and Find My Device enabled.
Phone is online and visible on Google Play.

Steps:

Visit www.google.com/android/find.
Log in with the target phone’s Google account.
Select the device to view its location on a map.
Use options like playing a sound or locking the device.

Samsung SmartThings Find

Requirements:

Target phone signed into a Samsung account.
Location and Find My Mobile enabled.
Phone is online.

Steps:

Ensure SmartThings Find is enabled (Settings > Biometrics and Security).
Visit findmymobile.samsung.com and sign in.
Select the phone to view its location and use features like ringing or tracking updates every 15 minutes.

Apple Find My Website

Requirements:

Target iPhone signed into an iCloud account.
Location and Find My iPhone enabled.
Phone is online.

Steps:

Visit www.icloud.com/find and sign in with the target’s Apple ID.
Click “Find iPhone” to view the location on a map.
Use options to play a sound, enable Lost Mode, or erase data.

Note: Two-step verification may complicate access without the target device.

Method 4: Track Phone Location with Carrier Services

Cell phone carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint offer location-tracking services (e.g., Verizon Smart Family, T-Mobile FamilyWhere) with free trials, though subscriptions may apply.

Steps:

Contact your carrier to confirm availability.
Follow their instructions to enable and use the tracking feature.

Examples: T-Mobile users can use Lookout.com, while Verizon offers myverizon.com.

Method 5: Track Phone Location via Social Media Apps

Social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat allow free location sharing if enabled by the user.

Steps using WhatsApp:

On the target phone, enable Location Services (Settings > Privacy).
Open WhatsApp, go to a chat, and tap the attachment icon.
Select “Location” and “Share live location,” choosing the duration.
View the shared location in your WhatsApp chat.

FAQs About Tracking a Phone Location

1. Are there completely free tracking methods?

Yes, options like Find My Device, Find My, Google Maps, and Samsung SmartThings Find are free. Apps like MobileTracking offer free trials with advanced features, such as remote camera access.

2. Can I track a phone without an app?

Yes, use built-in features from Apple, Google, or Samsung, carrier services, or websites like iCloud or Google Find My Device.

Considerations Before Tracking

Consent & Privacy: Obtain the phone owner’s permission, as unauthorized tracking is illegal.
Accuracy: GPS-based apps like MobileTracking are more precise than cellular or Wi-Fi methods.
Security: Choose reputable apps with clear privacy policies.
Battery & Data: Tracking apps may increase data and battery usage.

Conclusion

Tracking a cell phone’s location for free is achievable through location tracker apps, built-in device websites, carrier services, or social media sharing features. Apps like MobileTracking Family Locator stand out for their robust features, while built-in tools like Find My and Google Maps offer reliable, no-cost solutions. Choose the method that best suits your needs while prioritizing privacy and ethics.