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How to Track Someone's Location with Phone Number – 7 Effective Methods

Joshua Bryan
Joshua Bryan
Mar 16, 2025

Have you ever wondered how to track someone's location with a phone number? With today’s technology, there are multiple ways to track a mobile device’s location, including built-in smartphone features, mobile carrier services, and third-party apps.

However, not all tracking methods are equally effective. Some offer precise real-time tracking, while others only provide approximate locations. In this guide, we’ll explore seven proven methods to track a phone number’s location, highlighting their pros and cons.

How to track someone's location with a phone number

How to Track Someone’s Location with a Phone Number

Tracking someone’s location using their phone number is possible through several methods, each with its own advantages and limitations. Some solutions rely on official services like mobile carrier tracking or built-in phone features, which require user consent and may have limited accuracy.

Others involve third-party tools that offer real-time GPS tracking and additional features. Below, we’ll explore the best tracking options, their pros and cons, and how to choose the most effective solution for your needs.

Track someone’s location with a phone number

1. Using Mobile Carrier Services

Most mobile carriers provide location-tracking services designed for family safety and emergency situations. These services allow users to track registered numbers within the same plan, making them a reliable option for locating loved ones.

However, explicit consent from the phone owner is required, and access is typically limited to authorized users such as parents or account holders.

Using mobile carrier services

How It Works:

  • Mobile carriers track phone numbers using cell tower triangulation.
  • Services like AT&T FamilyMap, Verizon Smart Family, and T-Mobile FamilyWhere allow users to locate registered devices.

Pros:

  1. Reliable and accurate
  2. No need to install apps

Cons:

  1. Requires prior consent from the person being tracked
  2. May incur additional charges

2. Using Built-in Phone Features

Both Android and iOS devices come with built-in location-tracking features that allow users to find their phones remotely. Android’s "Find My Device" and Apple’s "Find My iPhone" provide real-time tracking, helping users locate lost or stolen phones. These features require the device to be online and have location services enabled to function properly.

Using built-in phone features

For Android (Find My Device):

  1. Open Find My Device.
  2. Sign in with the Google account linked to the device.
  3. The phone’s last known location will be displayed on the map.

For iPhone (Find My iPhone):

  1. Go to iCloud’s Find My.
  2. Log in with the Apple ID associated with the device.
  3. View the phone’s location on a map.

Pros:

  1. Free and easy to use
  2. No need for third-party apps

Cons:

  1. The phone must be turned on and connected to the internet
  2. Location sharing must be enabled beforehand

3. Using SafeMyKid – The Best Phone Tracking Solution

While official tracking methods such as Find My Device and Find My iPhone are useful, they come with limitations like requiring the device to be online and location services enabled. SafeMyKid, on the other hand, offers a more advanced and reliable solution for real-time tracking.

Designed for parents, employers, and individuals, it provides accurate GPS tracking, geofencing alerts, and activity monitoring. With SafeMyKid, you can monitor locations securely and efficiently, ensuring peace of mind when tracking loved ones or employees.

SafeMyKid Phone Tracking Solution

Why Use SafeMyKid to Track Someone?

When it comes to monitoring a loved one’s digital activity or ensuring their safety, SafeMyKid offers a reliable and discreet solution. Key features of SafeMyKid include:

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  • Real-Time GPS Tracking – Get precise, up-to-the-minute location updates, ensuring you always know where the target device is.
  • Geofencing Alerts – Set up virtual boundaries and receive instant notifications when the person enters or leaves a designated area (e.g., home, school, workplace).
  • Stealth Mode – Runs discreetly in the background, making it undetectable on Android phones.

How to Use SafeMyKid for Tracking Someone’s Locations

Tracking a loved one’s device can be crucial for safety, security, and peace of mind. SafeMyKid provides an intuitive and effective solution for both Android and iPhone users. Follow these steps to get started.

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How to Track Someone's Phone Number Location on Android

Step 1. Sign up for SafeMyKid

Create an account with your email to get started.

Creating a SafeMyKid account

Step 2. Install SafeMyKid

Download and install the app on the target Android device, then grant the necessary permissions for full functionality.

Download and install SafeMyKid on Android

Step 3. Start Tracking Someone’s Location without Phone Number on Android

Access the SafeMyKid dashboard to view live location updates, app activity, and communication logs.

Tracking someone’s location without phone number on Android

How to Track Someone's Phone Number Location on iPhone

Step 1. Sign Up for SafeMyKid

Register an account using your email address to get started.

Register a SafeMyKid account on iPhone

Step 2. Enter iCloud Credentials

Provide the Apple ID and password linked to the target iPhone to enable remote monitoring (no physical access required).

Linking to the Target iPhone

Step 3. Track Someone’s Location without Phone Number Remotely on iPhone

Track the device’s location, screen time, and browsing history through the dashboard without needing to install an app on the iPhone.

Track someone’s location without phone number on iPhone

Why SafeMyKid is The Best Phone Location Tracker

SafeMyKid stands out as the most reliable and accurate tracking solution, offering real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts, and advanced monitoring features. Whether you're a parent wanting to ensure your child's safety, a business owner monitoring employees, or someone needing a secure and dependable tracking tool, SafeMyKid delivers precise and instant location updates.

Unlike many spy apps that require complicated setups, SafeMyKid offers an easy-to-use interface with secure and reliable tracking features. Its user-friendly interface, customizable alerts, and comprehensive tracking capabilities make it the ultimate solution for anyone looking to monitor locations with confidence and peace of mind.

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4. Using Online Phone Number Lookup Services

Several online tools claim to offer instant phone number tracking, but most provide only approximate location details based on public records, IP addresses, or carrier data. These services can sometimes help identify the general region or city of a phone number but lack the real-time accuracy and reliability of advanced tracking solutions like SafeMyKid.

Using online phone number lookup service

Examples:

  • MobileLocation.com
  • Truecaller (limited tracking features)

Pros:

  1. No installation required
  2. Quick results

Cons:

  1. Limited accuracy
  2. Some sites charge fees or require subscriptions

5. Tracking via Social Media and Messaging Apps

Some social media and messaging platforms offer built-in location-sharing features that allow users to share their real-time or current location with friends and family. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat provide options for temporary or continuous location sharing, making it easy to track someone’s whereabouts with their consent.

Tracking via social media and messaging apps

Examples:

  • WhatsApp: Enable “Live Location” sharing in chats.
  • Facebook Messenger: Share location with friends.
  • Snapchat: Use Snap Map to see friends’ locations.

Pros:

  1. Free and easy to use
  2. Real-time tracking available

Cons:

  1. Requires consent from the phone owner
  2. The person may disable the location-sharing feature

6. Hiring Professional Tracking Services

If you need advanced tracking with high accuracy, professional services are available. These services often use specialized technology to provide detailed location data. However, they can be costly and may require legal authorization to track someone’s phone number. It’s essential to ensure compliance with privacy laws before using such services.

Hiring professional tracking services

Examples:

  • Private investigators
  • Law enforcement (for legal cases)

Pros:

  1. High accuracy
  2. No need for user involvement

Cons:

  1. Expensive and time-consuming
  2. May require legal approval

7. Using Other Third-Party Tracking Apps

Several tracking apps exist besides SafeMyKid, each offering different features, pricing plans, and levels of accuracy. Some apps provide basic GPS tracking, while others include advanced monitoring tools like geofencing and activity reports.

However, many require installation on the target device, and some may have privacy concerns or hidden fees compared to SafeMyKid’s reliable service.

Using other third-party tracking apps

Limitations of Third-Party Apps:

  • Many apps require installation on the target phone.
  • Free apps often have limited accuracy and security risks.
  • Some services charge high fees for full functionality.

SafeMyKid remains the best and most secure option among third-party tracking apps, offering real-time GPS tracking, geofencing alerts, and advanced monitoring tools. Its user-friendly interface and reliable accuracy make it the top choice for parents, businesses, and anyone needing secure location tracking.

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FAQs on How to Track Someone's Location with Phone Number

Tracking a person’s location using just their phone number is a common request, but it comes with technical and legal limitations. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about phone number tracking.

1. Is it legal to track someone’s location using their phone number?

Tracking someone’s location without their consent may violate privacy laws in many countries. Always ensure you have legal permission or parental rights before using tracking services.

2. Can I track a phone number if the device is turned off?

No, most tracking methods require the device to be powered on and connected to a network. However, some apps like SafeMyKid can provide the last known location before the phone was turned off.

3. Do free phone number tracking services really work?

Many free tracking tools offer limited accuracy and may rely on public databases rather than real-time GPS data. Paid services like SafeMyKid provide more precise tracking with advanced features.

4. Can I track a phone number internationally?

Yes, but it depends on the tracking method. Some apps and carrier services only work within specific regions, while advanced tools like SafeMyKid offer global tracking capabilities.

5. Will the person know if I am tracking their phone?

This depends on the method used. Official tracking features like Find My Device send alerts, while third-party apps like SafeMyKid can operate discreetly, depending on your settings and legal permissions.

6. Does GPS tracking drain the phone’s battery?

Yes, continuous GPS tracking can consume battery life, but SafeMyKid is optimized for efficient power usage, ensuring minimal battery drain while providing accurate location updates.

7. Can I track multiple devices with one account?

Yes, apps like SafeMyKid allow users to track multiple devices under a single account, making it ideal for parents monitoring multiple children or businesses managing employee locations.

Conclusion

To track someone’s location with a phone number is possible through various methods, including built-in phone features, mobile carrier services, online tools, and third-party apps. While official methods provide basic tracking, they come with limitations such as requiring user consent, internet connectivity, or account access.

For the most accurate and reliable tracking experience, SafeMyKid stands out as a top-rated choice. It offers real-time tracking, geofencing alerts, and additional monitoring tools, ensuring a secure and effective solution for parents and businesses.

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