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How to Track an iPhone with an Android – 6 Proven Methods

Joshua Bryan
Joshua Bryan
Apr 01, 2025

Since Apple and Android operate on separate ecosystems, many people assume that tracking an iPhone from an Android device is impossible. However, this is not true.

In this guide, we’ll explore six effective methods on how to track an iPhone with an Android, and how to choose the right approach based on your situation.

How to track an iPhone with an Android

Is It Possible to Track an iPhone with an Android?

Yes! Despite Apple’s strict privacy policies and closed ecosystem, you can track an iPhone using an Android device.

Apple’s Find My iPhone is the official method, allowing users to locate their devices through iCloud. However, there are limitations:

  • Find My iPhone must be enabled before the device is lost.
  • Internet access is required to track the iPhone in real time.
  • If the iPhone is turned off, tracking won’t work until it’s powered back on.

Alternatively, you can track an iPhone using Google Maps Location Sharing or third-party apps like SafeMyKid. These methods offer more flexibility and additional tracking features that go beyond Apple’s standard options.

6 Ways to Track an iPhone With an Android

Tracking an iPhone using an Android device may seem challenging, but there are several reliable methods to do so. Whether you need to locate a lost phone or keep tabs on a loved one, these solutions can help.

1. Use iCloud’s Find My iPhone on an Android Browser

Apple’s Find My iPhone is the most effective way to locate an iPhone, provided it was activated before the device was lost. Since Apple doesn’t offer an Android app, you must access iCloud via a web browser.

How to Track an iPhone Using iCloud:

  1. Open a browser on your Android device (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).
  2. Go to iCloud.com and log in using the Apple ID linked to the lost iPhone.
  3. Click on "Find iPhone" from the dashboard.
  4. Select the missing device from the list to see its location on a map.
  5. Use remote actions like:
    • Play Sound to locate the phone if it’s nearby.
    • Lost Mode to lock the iPhone and display a message.
    • Erase the iPhone to wipe data if recovery seems impossible.

How to track an iPhone using iCloud

Pros of iCloud Tracking:

  • The official Apple tracking method means there is no need for third-party apps.
  • Remote control features allow locking or erasing the iPhone.
  • Works on any web browser, making it convenient.

Cons of iCloud Tracking:

  • It must be enabled before the iPhone is lost.
  • It won’t work if the iPhone is offline or turned off.
  • Requires Apple ID credentials to access.

2. Use Google Maps Location Sharing

Use Google Maps location sharing

Google Maps allows real-time location sharing between iPhones and Android devices. However, this feature must be enabled before the iPhone goes missing.

How to Track an iPhone with Google Maps:

  • On the iPhone, open Google Maps and tap the user’s profile picture.
  • Select “Location Sharing” and choose the Android device as a trusted contact.

How to track an iPhone with Google Maps

  • On the Android device, open Google Maps to view the iPhone’s live location.

This method is useful for tracking friends, family members, or lost devices if location sharing was previously set up.

Pros of Google Maps Tracking:

  • Works across iOS and Android without extra apps.
  • Provides real-time location updates when online.
  • Can track multiple devices at once.

Cons of Google Maps Tracking:

  • Requires prior setup.
  • Does not work if the iPhone is turned off.
  • Limited tracking features compared to SafeMyKid.

3. Track an iPhone with SafeMyKid (Recommended Method)

SafeMyKid provides a seamless way to track an iPhone from an Android device, ensuring you stay updated on your loved one’s location.

SafeMyKid iPhone Tracker

With real-time GPS tracking, you can monitor movements accurately, while geo-fencing alerts notify you if the device enters or exits designated areas.

Additionally, SafeMyKid offers remote monitoring features, allowing you to view location history and set safety parameters. This makes it an excellent choice for parents or individuals looking for a reliable tracking solution.

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Why Choose SafeMyKid to Track an iPhone With an Android?

SafeMyKid provides a reliable and efficient way to track an iPhone using an Android device, ensuring you always know your loved one’s whereabouts.

Whether you’re a concerned parent or just need a seamless tracking solution, SafeMyKid offers powerful features to enhance location monitoring.

  • Accurate Real-Time Tracking – View the iPhone’s exact location with precise GPS updates.
  • Geo-Fencing Alerts – Get notified instantly when the iPhone enters or exits designated areas.
  • Location History Logs – Access past routes and movement patterns to track travel history.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility – Works seamlessly on Android devices to monitor iPhones remotely.
  • Stealth Mode Option – Runs discreetly in the background to avoid detection.

With SafeMyKid, you can ensure safety and peace of mind while staying connected to your loved one’s location.

How to Track an iPhone with SafeMyKid

SafeMyKid offers a simple and effective way to track an iPhone using an Android device. With just a few steps, you can monitor the device’s real-time location, ensuring peace of mind and security. Here’s how to get started:

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Step 1. Sign Up

Visit the SafeMyKid website and create an account.

Create an account on SafeMyKid website

Step 2. Link the iPhone

Enter the Apple ID credentials associated with the target iPhone to sync location data.

Link the iPhone

Step 3. Start Tracking iPhone with Android

View the iPhone’s location from the SafeMyKid dashboard.

Start tracking iPhone with Android

With SafeMyKid, tracking an iPhone from an Android device is seamless, providing you with accurate updates and reliable monitoring features.

  • No need to install an app on an iPhone
  • Works even if Find My iPhone is disabled
  • Additional phone monitoring features

4. Use a Family Tracking Service

Apple’s Family Sharing allows family members to share their locations. This feature must be enabled before the device is lost.

How to Enable Family Sharing:

  1. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Apple ID > Family Sharing.
  2. Select Location Sharing and add trusted contacts.
  3. Enabling family sharing on iPhone

  4. Use an Android browser to view the shared location.

Viewing shared location

Pros of Family Sharing:

  • Simple and secure tracking option

Cons of Family Sharing:

  • Requires prior setup

5. Track an iPhone Using a Phone Number

Track an iPhone using a phone number

Some online services claim to track phones using only a phone number. However, these services are often unreliable and may pose privacy risks.

Pros of Tracking an iPhone with a Phone Number:

  • No setup required

Cons of Tracking an iPhone with a Phone Number:

  • Inaccurate location results
  • Potential scams and security concerns

6. Contact Your Mobile Carrier for Help

Contact your mobile carrier for help

If other methods fail, contacting the mobile carrier may help. Most major carriers offer tracking and remote locking services for lost devices.

Pros of Contacting Your Mobile Carrier:

  • Can lock or erase lost devices remotely

Cons of Contacting Your Mobile Carrier:

  • Requires proof of ownership
  • Carrier tracking is less precise than SafeMyKid

Comparison of the 6 Methods of Tracking iPhone With an Android

Tracking an iPhone using an Android device can be done through various methods, each with its own advantages and limitations.

The table below compares different tracking options based on their best use cases, pros, and cons. This will help you choose the most suitable method for your needs.

Method Best Use Easy to Use Real-Time Tracking Advanced Parental Controls Geofencing Alerts
iCloud’s Find My iPhone Lost/stolen iPhone
Google Maps Location Sharing Tracking family/friends
SafeMyKid (Recommended) Parental monitoring, real-time tracking, and child safety
Apple Family Sharing Secure family tracking
Tracking via Phone Number Emergency device location
Mobile Carrier Assistance Recovering lost/stolen devices

SafeMyKid remains the top choice for tracking an iPhone with an Android, thanks to its advanced tracking features and real-time updates.

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Legal Considerations of Tracking an iPhone With an Android

Legal considerations of tracking an iPhone with an Android

Tracking an iPhone with an Android device comes with important legal and ethical responsibilities.

Whether you’re a concerned parent, an employer monitoring company devices, or someone trying to locate a lost or stolen phone, you must ensure that you comply with local laws and respect privacy rights.

The legality of tracking an iPhone depends on who you’re tracking and why. Generally, the following situations are considered legal:

  • Tracking your own device – If you own an iPhone, you have full rights to track it using Find My iPhone, Google Location Sharing, or third-party tracking apps.
  • Parental monitoring – Parents or legal guardians can track their minor children’s devices for safety purposes, provided they own the phone or have consent.
  • Tracking with consent – If an adult gives explicit permission to be tracked (e.g., sharing location via Google Maps), tracking is lawful.

FAQs for Tracking an iPhone with an Android

Here are seven additional frequently asked questions (FAQs) that expand on the topic while avoiding repetition from the main article:

1. Can I Track an iPhone if the SIM Card Has Been Removed?

Yes, but with limitations. If the SIM card has been removed, Find My iPhone will still work as long as the device remains connected to Wi-Fi. However, if the phone is turned off or lacks an internet connection, tracking will not be possible until it comes online again.

2. Will the iPhone Owner Know That I’m Tracking Their Device?

It depends on the method used.

  • Find My iPhone (via iCloud) does not send a notification unless you enable Lost Mode or play a sound on the device.
  • Google Maps Location Sharing notifies the user that their location is being shared.
  • SafeMyKid operates discreetly, providing location updates without alerting the user, making it ideal for parental monitoring.
  • Third-party apps like Life360 display active tracking in the app.

Always ensure you have permission to track someone’s iPhone to avoid violating privacy laws.

3. Can I Track an iPhone’s Location History from an Android Device?

Yes, but only with specific services:

  • Google Maps Timeline: If the iPhone has Google Maps installed and location history enabled, you can view past locations by logging into Google Maps Timeline from an Android browser.
  • SafeMyKid: This service provides location history tracking, allowing you to see where the iPhone has been over a specific period.
  • Find My iPhone does not store past locations, only the current real-time location.

For detailed tracking history, SafeMyKid is the most reliable option.

4. What Should I Do If the iPhone is Stolen?

If you suspect theft, follow these steps immediately:

  1. Use Find My iPhone to locate the device.
  2. Enable Lost Mode via iCloud to lock the device and display a contact message.
  3. Erase the iPhone remotely if recovery is unlikely, preventing data theft.
  4. Report the theft to your carrier to block the SIM card and prevent unauthorized calls.
  5. File a police report and provide tracking data as evidence.

Tracking a stolen iPhone should be done quickly, as thieves often disable tracking features by resetting the device.

5. Can I Track an iPhone Without Logging into the Apple ID?

No, Find My iPhone requires Apple ID credentials to track the device through iCloud. However, alternatives include:

  • Google Location Sharing, which must be set up in advance.
  • Cell carrier tracking, which requires proof of ownership but does not require an Apple ID.

6. How Accurate Are iPhone Tracking Methods?

Tracking accuracy depends on the method and environmental factors:

  • Find My iPhone is highly accurate, usually within a few meters when the iPhone has a strong GPS signal.
  • SafeMyKid provides precision real-time tracking, even in low-signal areas.
  • Google Maps Location Sharing relies on Wi-Fi, GPS, and mobile networks, so accuracy may vary.
  • Third-party apps like Life360 and AirDroid use similar tracking mechanisms, but accuracy can drop in areas with weak GPS signals.

For real-time accuracy, SafeMyKid and Find My iPhone are the most reliable options.

Conclusion

Do you want to know how to track an iPhone with an Android? It is possible to use iCloud, Google Maps, or third-party apps like SafeMyKid.

While Apple’s official Find My iPhone is a great option, SafeMyKid provides a more reliable, feature-rich tracking solution.

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