The best apps for sharing your location are the ones that let you share in private. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top five apps that you can use to share your location with friends and family—while protecting your privacy.
When you’re planning a trip, it’s nice to be able to coordinate with your friends and family—but you don’t want to give out your exact location. You want to be able to share with them enough information so they know where you are, but not so much that they can find out where you live or work. This way, if anything goes wrong on the trip, they’ll know where to look for help.
If this sounds like something that interests you, then keep reading! We’ll go through some of our favorite apps that allow you to share your location while still preserving your privacy.
Best Apps For Sharing Location
It can cause serious anxiety to not be able to get in touch with your loved ones suddenly. In such cases, especially in the case of kids or old people, the best phone tracker apps can be very helpful. These phone location tracker apps are designed for emergency situations to help you in identifying the last active location of the person, or if the phone is still connected to the network, with some apps, you can even find the real-time location of the person. To ease your mind if your loved ones are late or to ensure they are on the right path, you can install any of the top location-tracking apps that we are discussing further.
Our Top Picks
In this list, we have shortlisted the best phone tracking apps. Some of these top free apps can even support wearable devices such as smart bands to provide a more efficient experience. So, if you are hunting for a top track my phone Android and iOS app, stay with us until the end of this blog.
Best GPS Phone Tracker Apps In 2022
With each name included in this list of best phone tracking apps, you will find their features and download links for Android and iOS platforms. As we have reviewed each app to shortlist here, pick any and install without thinking twice if you find its features suitable. Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of top phone tracker apps.
1.
Waze – Best phone tracking app
4.9
4.1
One of the top free location trackers existing in the market, Waze is a GPS app that helps users in finding routes and traffic updates. The location tracker app also offers features like locating parking spots to avoid parking tickets, letting you know if construction work is going on in between the route, and more. You can also tune into your favorite music on the app and it supports voice controls as well. Now, as the best family tracking app, it cares about the privacy of each user. Thus, to track a family member, it is crucial that they share the location with you. That way, you will be able to track them in real-time for a limited amount of time.
Notable features of Waze, one of the best GPS phone tracker apps
A community of over 130 million users globally
Get traffic alerts including information like constructions, police checkpoints, and more
Ask for the location to track other Waze users in the real-time
Sharing location can be done by selecting trusted contacts
Download Waze – the best phone location tracker
iOSWaze – Best phone tracking app – iOS app download link
ANDROIDWaze – Best phone tracking app – android app download link
2.
iSharing – Free location tracker
4.7
4.5
The best location tracking app, iSharing comes with features designed to ensure an extra layer of security for you and your family members. You can track family members in real-time privately with the GPS tracker. Moreover, there are additional features like getting alerts whenever your family member leaves or arrives at a destination, alerts if they are nearby, sending panic alerts, and more.
Notable features of iSharing, best location tracking app
Real-time tracking;
Automatic alerts if the family member is nearby;
Ability to send panic alerts;
Review history to find out where family members have been;
Track lost or stolen phone.
Download iSharing – One of the best apps to locate someone for Android and iOS
iOSiSharing – Free location tracker – iOS app download link
ANDROIDiSharing – Free location tracker – android app download link
3.
Map My Run by Under Armour – Among best tracker apps
4.8
4.6
If the question of what is the best phone tracker app ever bothered you, then Map My Run by Under Armour, one of the best tracker apps today with advanced wearable integration features is your answer. This app is a great workout partner which records all the important stats and matrices from your workout for perfect analysis. With features like stride length, foot strike angle, and ground contact time, you will be able to monitor your workouts precisely, making necessary changes for better results.
Map My Run is highly integrable and can be synced with most wearables like Google Fit, Android Wear, Garmin, Fitbit, Suunto, etc. It also comes with under armor connected shoes as an extra pair of eyes for your workout.
Notable features of MapMy Run, best app for location tracking
Best Wearable Tech of 2019 by Outside Magazine;
1-year free trial with premium features;
Visual and haptic updates in real-time;
Track your workouts, location, and routes.
Download Map My Run by Under Armour – Among best tracker apps
iOSMap My Run by Under Armour – Among best tracker apps – iOS app download link
ANDROIDMap My Run by Under Armour – Among best tracker apps – android app download link
4.
FollowMee – Live tracking app
4.3
3.8
If you ever wondered how to track a phone without them knowing, then this another great app that converts your smartphone into a GPS tracking device is the tool you are looking for. You can install this app on any smartphone and simply track its location and whereabout from the FollowMee.com website directly. This location tracking app comes with various business features which allow you to integrate multiple devices with one account and let the user track the location of those devices at any given time.
FollowMee app works fine with weaker connection as well. It stores the data even when offline and updates the maps immediately on the receiving network.
Notable features of FollowMee, app that track location
Location monitoring through website;
Complete data privacy;
Track multiple devices at the same time;
Works with no internet.
Download FollowMee – Live tracking app
iOSFollowMee – Live tracking app – iOS app download link
ANDROIDFollowMee – Live tracking app – android app download link
5.
Family locator – Among best apps to track location
4.3
4.3
This free phone tracker app without permission is the perfect solution for families who are concerned about the safety and whereabouts of their family members and kids. The app works as a pair of eyes watching your family at all times. You will get notifications on reaching destinations, and allow location sharing on the family map.
You can also check the location history and other stats recorded by the app. You can also use it to track your phone in case it is lost. Set zones in your maps and get notifications related to them. If you have friends who wonder what is the best app to track someone’s location? You can recommend this app with confidence.
Notable features of Family Locator, best location tracking app
Notifications on reaching destinations;
Zone-based tracking;
Create private groups;
Track stolen or lost devices.
Download Family locator – Among best apps to track location
iOSFamily locator – Among best apps to track location – iOS app download link
ANDROIDFamily locator – Among best apps to track location – android app download link
6.
Find My iPhone – Best app for tracking location
4.5
Find My iPhone is one of the best iPhone location tracker apps that lets you locate the whereabouts of your spouse, kids, friends, peers, as well as, find the devices signed into your iCloud account. For location tracking, just turn on the family sharing’ feature in all the iPhones.
If you constantly lose your iPhone and are wondering what is the best phone tracker app that can keep your phone in track, then this authentic app, made by Apple Inc., is the answer to your question.
If any person in your contact list does not have the location-sharing option enabled, you can play a sound on their mobile. It is a built-in free app for the iPhone, which currently has three tabs, i.e., People, Devices, and Me. This iPhone location app can also help you find your Apple device even if it is offline.
Notable features of Find My iPhone, tracker app for tracking location
Remotely erase the content and settings of a device;
Provide driving directions to device location;
Battery charge indicator;
Remotely lock the device with a passcode and more.
Download Find My iPhone – Best app for tracking location
iOSFind My iPhone – Best app for tracking location – iOS app download link
7.
Google Maps – Best live tracking app
4.7
4.3
Google Maps is surely one of the best and most popular family phone tracker app for both iPhone and Android mobiles. With a recent ‘share location’ feature added, it has become even more accurate and reliable as a tracking application. It has a user-friendly interface and plenty of options to customize the real-time location tracking requirements.
The Google location tracking app also keeps a record of the past locations and displays them on the timeline. The free app enables you to manage the sharing options, as well. For example, you can choose the people to share the position and the duration. All these features make it a definite must for iPhone & Android users.
Notable features of Google Maps, location-sharing app
Real-time ETAs and traffic conditions;
Ride-share with real-time transit info;
Automatic rerouting based on live traffic;
Indoor maps to quickly the way and more.
Download Google Maps – Best live tracking app
iOSGoogle Maps – Best live tracking app – iOS app download link
ANDROIDGoogle Maps – Best live tracking app – android app download link
8.
FamiSafe – Best location sharing app
4.0
4.3
If you want to know how to track a phone without them knowing, especially if they are your kids or old family members with memory loss issues, FamiSafe is the app you need. With Famisafe, you can benefit from geo-fencing, smart parental control setting, app blocker & web filtering, location tracking, web filtering, screen time control, and emergency alerts. Using geofencing, you can create your own customized virtual safety zones like your kid’s school or your grandparent’s clinic on their cell phones.
You’ll get alerts when your kid or grandparent enters or leaves the zone. It’s a great location tracker that updates you about the loved one’s whereabouts without any stress. Famisafe comes with a 3-day free trial and is available for both iPhone and Android platforms.
Notable features of FamiSafe, the best location sharing apps
Track inappropriate content in kids’ social media apps;
Real-time alerts to signs of suicide, cyberbullying, and adult content;
Flexible warning keywords adding;
Real-time alerts about detected photos and more.
Download FamiSafe – Best location sharing app
iOSFamiSafe – Best location sharing app – iOS app download link
ANDROIDFamiSafe – Best location sharing app – android app download link
9.
Life360 – Among best free location tracking apps
4.8
4.5
One of the best location tracker app that is reliable and user-friendly. The free phone tracker app without permission provides you with a smart and easy way to monitor your kid’s location or keep a check on your friend’s whereabouts in real-time.
The Life360 mobile locator also includes cross-platform location sharing and in-app messaging. This best family locator app allows you to turn off the sharing feature in case you do not want your current location to be disclosed. The in-app purchase for the tracker starts at $1.5, while the premium plan starts at $4.99.
Notable features of Life360, the best free location tracking app
Option to create private groups called “Circles;”
Real-time location of Circle Members;
Tracks location of stolen or lost phones;
A single push connects the user to a representative over the phone and more.
Download Life360 – Among best free location tracking apps
iOSLife360 – Among best free location tracking apps – iOS app download link
ANDROIDLife360 – Among best free location tracking apps – android app download link
10.
TrackView – Best location tracker app
4.1
4.0
If you are looking for a free phone tracker app without permission for the safety and security of your family which you can carry everywhere with you, look no further, TrackView is the answer for you. TrackView cell phone location tracker app not only allows you to monitor the location of your loved ones but also turn their PCs, Tablets, or Smartphones into a connected IP camera with a GPS locator.
It offers a wide range of features such as geo-fencing, real-time location tracking of target devices, a web-based interface that you can remotely access, stealth mode, and access to your social media feeds, etc. This is an exceptional location tracker that can give you information about the target device’s past locations, and also allows you to operate remote audio and video recording.
With a premium plan starting at $2.99 and an ultimate edition at $54.99, this is the most reliable application to stay connected with your friends and loved ones. TrackView comes with a bunch of free features which can be used even if you don’t opt for the paid features.
Notable features of TrackView, one of TrackView best apps to locate someone
Location tracking;
Remote audio-video recording;
Turn your devices into an IP camera;
GPS tracker.
Download TrackView – Best location tracker app
iOSTrackView – Best location tracker app – iOS app download link
ANDROIDTrackView – Best location tracker app – android app download link
11.
Glympse – One of the finest apps that track location
4.5
4.4
Glympse is the answer to the question of what is the best app to track someone’s location. This one of the most popular location sharing and tracking apps has been exclusively designed to offer real-time tracking. Although it does not include stealth mode, it features a range of other functionalities such as location sharing without any downloads, instant alerts, navigation options, geo-fencing, and in-app messaging.
This iOS and Android free phone tracker app without permission also allows you to manually turn on/off the location tracking and supports cross-platform location sharing.
Notable features of Glympse, fastest apps to track people’s location
Location sharing in real-time with dynamic map;
Direct emergency or roadside assistance;
Provide a courtesy notice with ETA;
No sign-up required and more.
Download Glympse – One of the finest apps that track location
iOSGlympse – One of the finest apps that track location – iOS app download link
ANDROIDGlympse – One of the finest apps that track location – android app download link
12.
mSpy – One of the best apps to locate someone
4.1
3.9
Launched in 2010, mSpy has evolved as one of the best location tracking apps in the world. This free phone tracker app without permission lets you track your child’s smartphone activities. mSpy not only records your child’s GPS location but also sends it to you so that you can keep track of his/her real-time location throughout the day. Additionally, it is one of the best phone tracker apps that comes up with 25+ features with calls, SMS, GPS tracking, and others. Just install this app on your child’s phone and monitor their activity without letting them know, you’re tracking them.
Notable features of the mSpy, location tracking app
Track real-time location with GPS tracking;
View call history, get your kind’s details like phone numbers, contact names, and date, time, and duration of the calls;
Monitor sent/received text messages and track their internet activities;
Restrict incoming calls;
View photos & videos saved in your child’s gallery.
Download mSpy – One of the best apps to locate someone
iOSmSpy – One of the best apps to locate someone – iOS app download link
ANDROIDmSpy – One of the best apps to locate someone – android app download link
13.
Find My Kids – Best phone tracking app
4.7
4.6
As the name suggests, this free location tracker app is designed for emergency uses. You can use the Listen In feature to hear the surroundings of your kid if they do not receive your call. Moreover, with security controls, you can also get notifications of events like when they reach the school, return home, or go to other locations. You can also add custom locations for more customized alerts. With this free app to track phone without them knowing, you can also generate alerts in case you are not able to locate the kid. In case you enter into a crowded place, it can work as an extra layer of security.
Notable features of Find My Kids, the best family tracking app
Loud signal feature to generate a loud alert that can work even if the phone is on silent
Listen In surroundings of your kid to ensure they are safe
Set locations to receive exact names if your kid wanders somewhere they should not
Get alerts when they leave the school
Download Find My Kids – the top phone location tracker app
iOSFind My Kids – Best phone tracking app – iOS app download link
ANDROIDFind My Kids – Best phone tracking app – android app download link
14.
Durcal – Best family tracking app
4.0
3.8
This one of the top best GPS phone tracker apps is designed to help you in keeping seniors and relatives safe. However, the app requires permission from the user to track them. You can connect people with the family map and track them with the help of their smartphones or smartwatches. The best phone tracker app free also allows exchanging photos and making calls among other features. To get rid of your anxiety when your loved ones are late, installing this phone location tracker app is the best thing you can do.
Features of Durcal, one of the top location-tracking apps
Includes photo sharing and calling feature
Requires permission to access location
Suitable to track kids and seniors
With a subscription, it includes a GPS smartwatch
Download Durcal – the best family tracking app
iOSDurcal – Best family tracking app – iOS app download link
ANDROIDDurcal – Best family tracking app – android app download link
Before using these above-mentioned apps we must know the risk related to location tracking apps. We have picked these tracking apps based on the customer reviews and ratings. Also, we have taken the convenience and affordability of these apps into account. All the apps include a wide array of spying tools that club many features of parental control apps. Many of the tracker apps mentioned in this article are free and others have subscription plans. The subscription plans differ and are curated as per the features. If you want, you can also try Herow by Connecthings Android exclusive app for some amazing quality features.
We hope the above list answers your question of what is the best phone tracker app and you found a few apps to track people’s locations that suit your needs. Still, if you have any queries, if you want more info or if you are a product owner who wants to get your app reviewed, get in touch with MobileAppDaily Product Studio.
app to share location between iphone and android
WHETHER YOU ARE visiting a friend for the first time or meeting up with a family member in the city, a little navigational help might prove useful. Sometimes you want to go further than sharing a specific spot and need to share your position with someone for an extended period of time. Well, there are several easy ways to share your location using your smartphone. Here’s how.
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Table of Contents
How to Share Your Location Using Google Maps (Android or iOS)
How to Share Your Location Using Find My (iOS)
How to Share Your Location Using Facebook Messenger (Android or iOS)
How to Share Your Location Using WhatsApp (Android or iOS)
How to Use Emergency SOS on an iPhone
How to Use Emergency Sharing on Android
How to Share Your Location Using Google Maps
There is an advantage to Google tracking you through your phone: It’s easy to share your location with friends and family, especially since it’s the most popular mapping app in the world. There’s a simple method built into Google Maps, and it works on both Android and iOS devices.
PHOTOGRAPH: SIMON HILL VIA GOOGLE MAPS
Open the Google Maps app (Android, iOS).
Tap your profile picture or initials at the top right. Sign in to your Google account if you haven’t already.
Tap Location sharing and Share location.
Select how long you want to share your location.
Choose the people you want to share your location with (you may have to give Google Maps access to your contacts here). You can share your location with anyone in your contacts, provided you have added their Gmail address. You can also share your location directly with specific apps.
If you want to share with someone who doesn’t have a Google account, tap Copy to clipboard on Android and paste the link into an email or message. On an iPhone, you can tap More options to send the link via iMessage or a different app.
You can review the list of people you are sharing your location with on that same Location sharing tab, and you will see their profile picture on the map if they are also sharing their location with you. To stop sharing or to get directions to their location, tap on the profile picture or their name listed at the bottom.
How to Share Your Location Using Find My
If you and the people you want to share your location with are using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, then the Find My app is the easiest way to do it. Here’s how:
PHOTOGRAPH: APPLE
Open the Find My app and choose the People tab.
Select Start Sharing Location.
Enter the name or number of the person you want to share your location with and tap Send.
Select how for long you want to share your location, and tap OK.
You can stop sharing your location on the same People tab by tapping on the relevant person and choosing Stop Sharing My Location. You can quickly stop sharing with everyone by selecting the Me tab and turning off Share My Location.
How to Share Your Location Using Facebook Messenger
If you are already chatting to the person or group you want to send your location to in Facebook’s popular Messenger app, then you can share your location right there without exiting it. This works on Android and iOS.
PHOTOGRAPH: FACEBOOK
Open Messenger and select the relevant conversation with the person or people you want to share your location with.
Tap the Location icon (arrow) or tap the icon with the four dots to find the Location option.
You may be prompted to grant the Messenger app location privileges.
On the map, tap the blue bar that says Share Live Location. If you’d rather share a static point, tap the red pin at the top right of the map and search for a place to share or drag and drop a pin on the map.
When you choose to share your live location, it is shared for one hour, and you will see the option to Stop Sharing with a countdown clock next to it.
How to Share Your Location Using WhatsApp
If the person or people you want to share with use WhatsApp, it’s easy to share your location with them. This is available on both Android and iOS.
PHOTOGRAPH: SIMON HILL VIA WHATSAPP
Open WhatsApp and select the Chats tab.
Choose the person or group you want to share with.
On an iPhone, tap the plus icon at the bottom left. On an Android phone, tap the paperclip icon at the bottom right.
Choose Location.
Click Send Your Current Location for a snapshot of where you are now, or Share Live Location to share your real-time position as you move around for the period you specify (from 15 minutes up to 8 hours).
How to Use Emergency SOS on an iPhone
Apple’s iPhone has a feature called Emergency SOS. When triggered, it sends a text message and shares your location with your emergency contacts.
Start by opening the Health app and tapping your profile picture, then Medical ID, Edit, and scroll to Emergency Contacts. Tap the plus icon to add emergency contacts.
To activate Emergency SOS, hold down the power button and one of the volume buttons, or if you’re using an iPhone 7 or older, rapidly press the power button five times.
Drag the Emergency SOS slider to call emergency services. This will also trigger the text message and location sharing with your emergency contacts.
It might be a good idea to try this when you set it up (and give your emergency contacts a heads-up) so you know exactly how it works.
How to Use Emergency Sharing on Android
Unfortunately, the emergency options for sharing your location differ from manufacturer to manufacturer with Android phones. You can usually hold down the power button to access emergency information or an emergency mode.
On most Android phones:
Go to Settings, Location, and make sure that Emergency Location Service is toggled on. Where supported, this will share your location with emergency services when you call or text an emergency number.
Go to Settings, About phone, and tap Emergency information. You can add Emergency contacts here. On some devices, you can also tap Status updates under Emergency Sharing to automatically share your location in certain circumstances, such as when you start and end an emergency call.
Samsung phones offer something called SOS Messages. Here’s how to set it up:
Go to Settings, Advanced features, and choose SOS messages.
Toggle it on, read the information, and tap Continue.
Tap Start, and either Create contact or Select from contacts to add people.
Tap Back and you can choose how to trigger SOS messages and decide whether they should include photos or audio recordings.
When you trigger SOS messages by tapping the Power key four times rapidly or whatever method you chose, it will send an SOS message to your chosen contacts with your location. If you move, the location will update every 30 minutes for the next 24 hours.
Google Pixel phones have an Emergency SOS function enabled in the Personal Safety app. Here’s how to use it:
Go to Settings, Safety & Emergency, Emergency SOS, and choose Start setup. You can also find the Personal Safety app in your app drawer. Tap the gear icon at the top left and find Emergency SOS.
Choose whether or not you want the phone to play a loud sound when you trigger Emergency SOS.
Tap Start and then Next to let the phone dial emergency services. Tap Turn on to enable Assisted Calling, which will share your location and emergency details with emergency services if you’re unable to respond.
Then you’ll need to set up location sharing with emergency contacts. Tap Start setup and then Add contacts to add people you want as your emergency contacts. Tap Next, and then tap Go to Maps to enable location sharing in Google Maps. The app will need access to your location “all the time” for this to work, so you’ll need to grant this by heading to Settings, Location, App location permissions, Google Maps, and tap Allow all the time.
Head back to the Personal Safety app, and you can find the last option to set up Record emergency video. The Pixel will automatically start recording video when Emergency SOS is triggered. Toggle it on and grant the app permission to record. You can toggle an Auto share function, which will share the video with your emergency contacts after it’s backed up.
Remember to check who you are sharing your location with every now and then. If you’re sharing your location regularly for safety reasons, you might want to read our guide, The Best Personal Safety Devices, Apps, and Alarms.
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