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How to Track Someone on Google Maps without Them Knowing: 7 Proven Methods

Joshua Bryan
Joshua Bryan
Apr 16, 2025

Looking for“how to track someone on Google Maps without them knowing? If you’re a concerned parent, guardian, or employer, knowing the right methods can help.

How to Track Someone on Google Maps without Them Knowing

This blog provides seven discreet ways to monitor someone’s location and introduces effective methods that are reliable tracking solutions for real-time monitoring with advanced features.

Why People Want to Track Someone without Them Knowing?

There are many situations where discreet tracking becomes necessary. Parents may want to keep tabs on their children to ensure they’re safe—especially teenagers who are exploring more independence.

Employers might need to monitor field staff or delivery teams to boost efficiency and accountability.

In relationships, some individuals use tracking to check on a partner's whereabouts, though this should always be approached with caution and respect for privacy.

Another common reason is ensuring the safety of elderly family members, especially those with memory-related conditions like dementia.

While the intention is often protective, it’s important to understand that not all methods are ethical or legal.

That’s why this guide explores legitimate, effective, and privacy-conscious ways to track someone’s location—focusing on safety, responsibility, and compliance with the law.

Understanding your reason for tracking helps you choose the right method while staying within moral and legal boundaries.

4 Methods to Track Someone without Them Knowing (Not Using Google Maps)

Since there is a high probability of being discovered when tracking others using Google Maps, here we will first talk about some methods that will not be discovered. If you're wondering how to track someone on Google Maps, next part is for you.

These solutions offer different features that might better suit your specific monitoring needs.

1. The Best Tool to Track Someone on Google Maps Without Them Knowing (Using a GPS Phone Tracking App)

SafeMyKid Person Tracker without Them Knowing

For a discreet and reliable tracking solution, SafeMyKid is the best choice. This app offers a range of monitoring features while running silently in the background.

SafeMyKid is not just for parents—it’s also useful for employers who need to monitor company-owned devices and individuals who want to keep an eye on loved ones for safety reasons.

With advanced features like GPS tracking, route history, and geofencing alerts, SafeMyKid ensures you always stay informed.

Sign Up Free View Demo

Key Features of SafeMyKid to Track Someone without Them Knowing:

  • Real-Time GPS Tracking: Get instant updates on the location of the target device.
  • Stealth Mode: The app operates invisibly in the background, preventing the person from knowing they are being tracked.
  • Geofencing Alerts: Set up alerts to be notified when the device enters or leaves a designated area.
  • Location History: View past routes taken by the device.

How to Set up SafeMyKid to Track Someone without Them Knowing

Setting up SafeMyKid is quick and easy, and it takes just a few minutes. The app provides an intuitive interface, making the installation and setup process hassle-free.

Sign Up Free View Demo

Step 1. Sign up and Create an Account

Register using your email address and create a secure password. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your account setup.

SafeMyKid Signup Page

Step 2. Set up The SafeMyKid App

For iPhones: Simply log in using the iCloud credentials associated with the device. No physical installation is required.

For Android Devices: You'll need to download and install the app on the target device. The app will then operate in stealth mode.

Follow Instructions To Set up SafeMyKid

Step 3. Use SafeMyKid to Track Someone without Them Knowing

Log in to your SafeMyKid dashboard to track the target device’s location in real time. You can receive alerts and track movements directly from your dashboard.

Track Someone without Them Knowing

2. Tracking via Wi-Fi and IP Address

Even when GPS is turned off, you can track someone’s general location using Wi-Fi networks and IP addresses.

This method can be useful if you have access to their home Wi-Fi or router logs.

How It Works:

  1. If you have access to their home Wi-Fi, check the router’s logs to identify when their device connects.
  2. Use an IP tracking tool to approximate their location by identifying their IP address.

Pros:

  1. No Need for Additional Software: This method doesn’t require you to install any software on the target device.
  2. Works Without GPS: It can track a person even if their GPS is turned off.
  3. Relatively Easy Access: If you already have access to their Wi-Fi network or IP information, it's a simple method to approximate their location.

Cons:

  1. Less Accurate Location: This method provides a general location, which is often less precise than GPS tracking.
  2. Access Required: You need access to the target’s Wi-Fi router or IP address details to make this method work.

3. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Devices

Bluetooth technology can help you track someone in close proximity. BLE devices emit signals that can be picked up by compatible devices, including phones.

By placing a BLE device on someone’s belongings, you can monitor their movements within a limited range.

How It Works:

  1. Attach a Bluetooth tracker to their bag, car, or any other personal item.
  2. Use your smartphone to track the device’s signal.

Pros:

  1. Simple Setup: BLE trackers are easy to set up and can be attached to personal items quickly.
  2. No Need for Target’s Phone: You don’t need access to their phone to track the BLE device.
  3. Affordable Tracking Solution: BLE devices are often cost-effective and widely available.

Cons:

  1. Limited Range: This method only works within a close range, typically under 100 meters.
  2. Requires Physical Access: You must have access to the person’s belongings to attach the BLE device.

4. Monitoring via Social Media Platforms

Many social media apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, include location-sharing features.

If the person you are tracking uses these platforms and has location services enabled, you can view their location in real time through their posts or check-ins.

How to Monitor Social Media Location:

  1. Follow the target person on their social media accounts.
  2. Keep an eye out for posts or check-ins that reveal their location.

Pros:

  1. Real-Time Updates: If the target shares location-tagged posts, you can get real-time updates on their location.
  2. No Need for Extra Software: No installation of tracking apps is needed to monitor their social media posts.
  3. Increased Visibility: Many users check in at locations regularly, providing consistent tracking data.

Cons:

  1. Dependent on the Target’s Activity: This method only works if the person actively posts location-tagged content.
  2. Access Restrictions: You may need to be friends or followers on their social media accounts to see location-tagged posts.

3 Effective Methods to Track Someone (Using Google Maps)

Locate Phone Using Google Maps without Them Knowing

There are several methods to track someone using Google Maps without them knowing. While these methods can be helpful in certain situations, it’s essential to keep ethical and legal considerations in mind.

1. Using Google Maps Location Sharing

Google Maps has a location-sharing feature that allows users to share their real-time location with other people. If you can access their phone for a brief moment, you may be able to activate location sharing without them noticing.

Steps to Enable Location Sharing Secretly:

  1. Open Google Maps on the target device.
  2. Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
  3. Select “Location Sharing” from the menu.
  4. Choose your Google account as the recipient.
  5. Set the sharing duration to "Until you turn this off" to make it permanent.
  6. Close the settings and ensure no notifications appear to alert the person.

Pros:

  1. Provides real-time location updates.
  2. Free and integrated directly into Google Maps.
  3. No third-party software is required.

Cons:

  1. The person may notice a location-sharing icon in their notifications and disable it.
  2. Requires access to their device for a brief period.

2. Tracking via Google Timeline

Google Timeline records the locations visited by a device logged into a Google account with Location History enabled. This feature is ideal for checking someone’s past movements, although it doesn’t provide real-time tracking.

How to Check Google Timeline:

  1. Visit Google Timeline using a web browser.
  2. Log in with the person’s Google account credentials.
  3. You can then view their past locations, timestamps, and travel routes.

Pros:

  1. Tracks detailed location history, including timestamps and routes.
  2. Works as long as Location History is enabled on the device.
  3. No third-party software is needed.

Cons:

  1. Only shows past locations and does not provide real-time tracking.
  2. Requires access to the person’s Google account credentials.

3. Using a Google Account Linked Device

Track Someone on Google Maps Secretly

If you have access to the person’s Google account, you can use Google’s Find My Device feature to track their phone in real time.

Steps to Use Find My Device:

  1. Visit Find My Device.
  2. Log in with the person’s Google account credentials.
  3. Select their phone from the list of devices.
  4. You can now view their real-time location on the map.

Pros:

  1. Provides real-time location.
  2. Works even if the device is in silent mode.
  3. Can lock, ring, or erase the device remotely if lost.

Cons:

  1. The person may log out of their Google account or disable location services.
  2. Requires access to their Google account credentials.

Ethical and Legal Issues of Secretly Tracking on Google Maps

Before tracking someone's location, it is crucial to understand the ethical and legal implications involved.

Legal Considerations

  • Tracking Without Consent: Depending on your country or jurisdiction, tracking someone without their consent can lead to legal issues and privacy law violations.
  • Parental Rights: Parents have the legal right to monitor their minor child's location for safety reasons.
  • Employee Monitoring: Employers can track employees using company-issued devices, especially in jobs that require frequent travel. However, this must align with company policies and respect workers' privacy outside work hours.

Ethical Considerations

  • Respecting privacy is essential when tracking someone's location. Even if it is legally permitted, ethical concerns arise when consent is not obtained.
  • For family members with health conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, tracking can be a necessary safety measure. However, it should be done with care and transparency whenever possible.

By understanding these factors, you can ensure that tracking is done responsibly and within legal boundaries.

FAQs about Tracking Someone on Google Maps without Them Knowing

Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify the methods and considerations for tracking someone's location on Google Maps without their knowledge.

1. Is it legal to track someone’s location on Google Maps without their knowledge?

It depends on the situation and jurisdiction. Tracking a minor child or employees using company devices may be legal with proper consent. However, tracking someone without their consent, especially an adult, may violate privacy laws.

2. Can I track someone’s location in real time on Google Maps?

Yes, you can track someone’s location in real time if they have shared their location with you via Google Maps' location-sharing feature.

3. Can I track someone’s location using Google Maps without installing any apps?

Google Maps offers a built-in location-sharing feature, allowing you to track someone's location if they have shared it with you. However, you cannot secretly track someone without their consent using Google Maps alone.

4. How do I use Google Timeline to check someone’s past locations?

To use Google Timeline, log into the person’s Google account and access the Timeline page. It provides a record of past locations, including timestamps and travel routes.

5. What is the best app for secretly tracking someone on Google Maps?

SafeMyKid is an excellent app for discreet tracking. It offers real-time GPS tracking, stealth mode, geofencing alerts, and the ability to monitor location history.

Conclusion

How to track someone on Google Maps without them knowing involves methods like location sharing and third-party apps such as SafeMyKid.

Always ensure you respect privacy laws and maintain transparency to avoid ethical and legal issues.

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