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7 GPS Trackers for Phone That Offer Ultimate Accuracy

Joshua Bryan
Joshua Bryan
Mar 10, 2025

In today’s digital age, ensuring your child’s safety online and offline is a top priority for many parents. With the advent of smartphones, a GPS tracker for phones has become an invaluable tool for parents seeking to monitor their kids’ locations and activities.

GPS tracker for phone

Whether it’s to ensure they’re safe on their way to school or to make sure they aren’t engaging in inappropriate behavior online, phone tracking apps and features have made it easier than ever to stay connected.

In this guide, we will explore various GPS trackers for phones, including using built-in device features, third-party apps, and the best practices for using GPS technology to safeguard your kids’ privacy and well-being.

Why GPS Tracking is Important for Parents

Why GPS tracking is important for parents

GPS technology in smartphones has become increasingly accessible, allowing users to pinpoint their location in real time. This functionality isn’t just for navigation apps; it can be a lifesaver for parents who want to track their kids’ whereabouts and make sure they’re safe.

The Importance of Phone Tracking for Parents and Beyond

While phone tracking is often associated with ensuring the safety of children, its benefits extend to various other situations. Here are a few scenarios where phone tracking can be invaluable:

  1. Safety and Security: One of the primary reasons for tracking a phone is to ensure your loved one's safety. Whether they’re traveling to work, hanging out with friends, or simply going for a walk, knowing their location provides peace of mind.
  2. Monitoring Location History: Phone tracking also allows you to see where someone has been in the past. This can be helpful in situations where you need to ensure they’re not entering unsafe areas or engaging in risky behavior, whether it's a child or an elderly family member.
  3. Managing Screen Time and App Usage: Many phone tracking apps, like SafeMyKid, allow users to monitor app usage, block harmful content, and set time limits on screen time. This is particularly useful not only for parents but also for employers or caregivers who want to ensure responsible digital habits.
  4. Emergency Situations: In emergencies, knowing exactly where someone is can be critical. Whether it's a child, spouse, or even an elderly parent, GPS tracking apps help you act quickly if something goes wrong, allowing you to assist them immediately.
  5. Employee Monitoring: For employers, phone tracking can be useful in managing field workers or remote employees. It ensures employees are where they need to be during working hours and can help prevent any potential security risks.
  6. Tracking Stolen Phones: In cases where a phone is lost or stolen, tracking the device using GPS features can help locate it quickly, increasing the chances of recovering the device. This applies to everyone, not just parents.

How to Track a Phone with a Built-in GPS Tracker?

real-time GPS phone tracking

While third-party apps like SafeMyKid provide enhanced tracking capabilities, you can also use built-in features on both iOS and Android devices to track your child’s location.

1. Using Google’s Find My Device (For Android Users)

Google’s Find My Device feature is a free service that helps you locate your Android phone if it’s lost or stolen. However, it can also be used for tracking your child’s location in real-time.

Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Open the Settings app on your child’s Android phone.
  2. Navigate to Security and enable Remotely locate this device.
  3. Download the Find My Device app from the Google Play Store or visit findmydevice.google.com to locate the device.

Once the app is set up, you can track the phone’s location via the app or web interface, which provides real-time updates.

2. Using Samsung Find My Mobile (For Samsung Users)

Samsung offers its own location tracking service called Find My Mobile. This feature is only available to Samsung device owners, but it’s a great tool for tracking a lost phone or keeping tabs on your child’s location.

Steps to use Samsung Find My Mobile:

  1. Go to Settings on your Samsung device.
  2. Select Samsung Account and log in to your account.
  3. On a web browser, visit findmymobile.samsung.com.
  4. Log in using your Samsung account credentials and select the device you want to track.

3. Set Up Find My iPhone (For Apple Users)

Apple’s Find My iPhone is another powerful tool for locating a lost or stolen iPhone. However, it also works for keeping track of your child’s location.

To enable Find My iPhone:

  1. Open Settings on your child’s iPhone.
  2. Tap [Your Name] > iCloud > Find My iPhone and toggle it on.
  3. To track the device, visit icloud.com/find and log in with the Apple ID used on the phone.

Find My iPhone offers various features like real-time tracking, remote locking, and even erasing the device’s data remotely.

4 Best Third-Party GPS Tracker for Phones

While native phone features are helpful, third-party apps like SafeMyKid offer more comprehensive tracking solutions that cater to parents' unique needs. These apps allow you to track your child’s phone in real-time, monitor their digital activity, and enforce safe online habits.

1. SafeMyKid: A Comprehensive Parental Control Solution

SafeMyKid GPS tracker app for phone

SafeMyKid is one of the most reliable and feature-packed parental control apps available today. Designed specifically for parents, it helps monitor and protect your child’s phone usage, offering real-time GPS tracking, app monitoring, screen time management, and geofencing.

Why Choose SafeMyKid?

SafeMyKid is designed specifically for parents who want to monitor their children’s device usage without infringing on their privacy. The app allows parents to ensure that their child is using the internet responsibly, without them even realizing they are being monitored.

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Here’s why SafeMyKid is an excellent choice:

  • Discreet Monitoring: Unlike many other monitoring apps, SafeMyKid runs silently in the background, so your child won’t know they are being monitored.
  • Comprehensive Reports: The app provides detailed reports on your child’s usage across all devices, so you can stay informed about their online activities.
  • Block Harmful Websites: With SafeMyKid, parents can block access to specific websites to protect their kids from harmful or inappropriate content.
  • Track Browsing History: Get a full overview of the websites your child visits, giving you valuable insights into their online activity.

Key Features of SafeMyKid

SafeMyKid offers an array of features that make it a powerful tool for monitoring and protecting your child’s online behavior. Some of the most notable features include:

  1. Real-Time GPS Location Tracking: Track your child’s location in real-time, ensuring you always know where they are, whether they're at school or with friends.
  2. Location History: View a detailed history of your child’s past locations to know where they’ve been throughout the day, ensuring their safety and your peace of mind.
  3. Geofencing Alerts: Set safe zones around specific locations (e.g., home, school) and receive instant notifications if your child enters or leaves these areas.
  4. Stealth Mode: SafeMyKid runs discreetly in the background, ensuring that your child won’t know they’re being monitored, preserving their trust while keeping them safe.
  5. Real-Time Updates: Get regular location updates, so you can keep an eye on your child’s whereabouts without having to constantly check.
  6. Battery and Performance Optimization: SafeMyKid’s GPS tracking is designed to minimize battery drain and ensure your child’s device continues to perform without interruption.

How to Set Up SafeMyKid for GPS Tracking of Phones

Setting up SafeMyKid is simple and user-friendly, allowing parents to get started right away. Follow these easy steps to set up SafeMyKid on your child’s device:

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Step 1.Sign up and create an account

The first step is to sign up for SafeMyKid by creating an account using your email address. This will allow you to access all the features of the app and start monitoring your child’s activity.

SafeMyKid signup page

Step 2.Set up the SafeMyKid app

  • For iOS Devices: No app installation is needed. Simply log in with your iCloud credentials to set up SafeMyKid on your child’s iPhone.
  • For Android Devices: Download the SafeMyKid app from the Google Play Store and install it on your child’s Android device.

follow instructions to set up SafeMyKid

Step 3.Set Up SafeMyKid for GPS Tracking of Phones

Once SafeMyKid is set up, you can start adding websites to the blocked list from the SafeMyKid dashboard. This dashboard allows you to track your child’s internet usage, location, and the websites they visit.

Now that SafeMyKid is set up, you can monitor and manage your child’s online activity discreetly and efficiently.

 start using SafeMyKid for GPS tracking of phones

2. Find My Friends (For iOS and Android Users)

Find My Friends GPS tracker for phone

Find My Friends allows users to share real-time locations with trusted family and friends. Available on both iOS and Android, the app offers location sharing, alerts when someone moves, and cross-platform compatibility. It’s easy to set up with an Apple ID or Google account and is perfect for tracking your child's whereabouts.

Pros:

  1. Free to use.
  2. Simple and quick setup.
  3. Cross-platform compatibility (iOS and Android).
  4. Privacy control with trusted contacts.

Cons:

  1. Limited features (no driving reports or location history).
  2. Can drain the battery quickly.
  3. Privacy concerns when sharing location data.

3. Life360: Family Locator and Communication App

Life360 GPS tracker for phone

Life360 provides real-time location sharing, driving reports, and emergency alerts, making it an excellent tool for family safety. Key features include geofencing, crash detection, and the ability to send emergency alerts. The app offers a low-power mode to reduce battery drain and can track multiple devices.

Pros:

  1. Comprehensive family monitoring (location, driving, alerts).
  2. Geofencing and emergency features.
  3. Cross-platform support (Android and iOS).
  4. Low-power mode to save battery.

Cons:

  1. Premium features require a subscription.
  2. Continuous location tracking can raise privacy concerns.
  3. Can drain the battery if used for extended periods.

4. Family Locator by Sygic

Family Locator by Sygic GPS tracker for phone

Family Locator by Sygic tracks your child's location in real-time and provides geofencing alerts when they enter or leave certain areas. The app allows you to view location history, send messages to your child, and share your location with trusted family members.

Pros:

  1. Real-time location tracking with geofencing alerts.
  2. Simple, user-friendly interface.
  3. Free to download and easy to set up.
  4. Privacy-focused with trusted family members only.

Cons:

  1. Premium features require a paid subscription.
  2. Occasional lag or inaccurate location updates.
  3. May not perform well in areas with poor network connectivity.

How Does A GPS Phone Tracker Work?

GPS tracking works by using satellite signals to determine the exact location of a device. GPS receivers in the phone communicate with a network of satellites to triangulate the phone’s location, which is then displayed on a map.

GPS tracking can provide real-time updates, and in some apps, you can view location history to see where your child has been throughout the day. This is a valuable tool for ensuring your child’s safety and managing their whereabouts.

Why GPS Technology Is So Effective

  • Accuracy: GPS is incredibly accurate, often pinpointing locations within a few meters. This precision makes it highly effective for phone tracking.
  • Global Availability: GPS works anywhere in the world, providing a reliable way to track your child no matter where they go.
  • Real-Time Updates: Unlike some other tracking methods, GPS provides live, continuous location updates, making it ideal for monitoring your child’s movements in real-time.

Comparison of The Best GPS Trackers for Phones

Before choosing a GPS tracking solution for your child, it’s important to compare the available options. Below is a breakdown of the best GPS trackers, highlighting their key features and benefits.

GPS Tracker Type GPS Tracker Platform Key Features Best For
Built-In Trackers Find My iPhone iOS Location sharing, device locking, sound alerts Apple users looking for basic tracking
Built-In Trackers Google Find My Device Android Location tracking, remote lock/wipe, sound alerts Android users who want free tracking
Built-In Trackers Samsung Find My Mobile Samsung Lost device tracking, remote locking, data erasure Samsung users needing device security
3rd Party Trackers SafeMyKid iOS, Android Real-time tracking, geofencing, app monitoring, browsing history tracking Parents needing full control over their child's phone
3rd Party Trackers Life360 iOS, Android Family location sharing, driving insights, crash detection Families with multiple users needing detailed monitoring
3rd Party Trackers Family Locator by Sygic iOS, Android Real-time tracking, geofencing, messaging, location history Parents and families looking for simple, reliable tracking

FAQs About the Best GPS Tracker for Phone

To wrap up this comprehensive guide, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best GPS tracker for phones. These questions aim to clear up any doubts and help you make an informed decision when choosing a GPS-tracking solution for your child’s safety.

1. What is the best GPS tracker for a child’s phone?

The best GPS tracker for a child’s phone depends on your needs. SafeMyKid offers real-time tracking, geofencing, and activity monitoring, making it one of the most comprehensive solutions. Other options include Find My iPhone, Google’s Find My Device, and Life360.

2. Can I track my child’s phone without them knowing?

Yes, some parental control apps like SafeMyKid offer discreet monitoring features that allow you to track your child’s location without them knowing. However, it’s always best to have an open conversation with your child about safety and tracking.

3. How accurate is GPS tracking on a phone?

GPS tracking is highly accurate, often pinpointing locations within a few meters. However, accuracy can be affected by signal strength, indoor locations, and whether the phone’s GPS is enabled.

4. Do I need to install an app to track my child’s phone?

Not necessarily. iPhones have Find My iPhone, and Android devices have Find My Device, which can track a phone’s location without additional apps. However, third-party apps like SafeMyKid provide more advanced features such as geofencing, browsing history tracking, and app usage monitoring.

5. Is it legal to track my child’s phone?

Yes, it is generally legal for parents to track their minor children’s phones. However, laws may vary by region, so it’s important to ensure compliance with local privacy regulations.

Conclusion:

The best GPS tracker for a phone is a powerful tool for ensuring your child’s safety and well-being. Whether you use the built-in features on iOS and Android or opt for third-party apps like SafeMyKid, the ability to monitor your child’s location and online activities can provide invaluable peace of mind.

By using these tools, you can create a safer digital environment, help your child form healthy habits, and be alert if they find themselves in dangerous situations. SafeMyKid offers an easy and effective way for parents to protect their kids in the digital world, offering features like real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and online activity monitoring.

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