Have you lost your phone or had it stolen? Don’t panic! Thanks to cutting-edge cell phone tracking technologies, locating your device has never been easier. This review will show you just how simple and effective these tools can be.
Best Cell Phone Tracking Tools
We’d start with the most effective third-party apps that come with a free trial. Some of them allow users to find someone’s location by phone number without installation, while others require pre-installation so that the device can be found in case of a loss.
1. GEOfinder.mobi – Top-Rated Phone Tracker Appreciated by Many Users
GEOfinder is a great cell phone tracker. Unlike other online apps, this one does not require installation and is compatible with all cell phones, whether the latest iPhone, Android phone, or old flip phone. How to find my device location by phone number? This tool is the answer.
Here are the benefits you can experience when using GEOfinder:
- Track location only by phone number
- Detect the WiFi hotspot used or their current IP
- Detect the lost phone’s whereabouts even with a VPN enabled on it
- Track any cell phone location regardless of the cell phone carrier, network, OS, or phone model
How to Use GEOfinder?
- On the GEOfinder website, insert the target’s cell phone number and click “Find.”
- Create an account and proceed with a monthly subscription payment.
- Check your email for login credentials.
- You will be offered a few SMS templates for the target person in your userspace. You can either choose one of them or create a customized one, increasing the chances that the recipient will click the attached link.
- Send an SMS text message.
- Once the recipient clicks the link, their location data will be shared with you.
- MobileTrackerFree.org – Advanced Phone Tracker with Multiple Features Involved
Mobile Tracker Free is a great tracking tool for Android phones. The app is easy to use and has many cell phone tracking features, including GPS location tracking. With this monitoring tool, it is also possible to track calls and text messages, access a photo gallery, and much more.
The best part is that you do not need to root the target cell phone, so you can start monitoring quickly without compromising the phone’s warranty or security.
Even more important is that you can install the app for free on the target Android phone and access the user’s last 5 records of browser history, calls, messages, photos, and videos. If you want more information about the target device’s activities, you must buy one of the subscription plans: basic ($29.99) or full ($59.99).
While the basic plan provides access to unlimited calls, messages, browser use, GPS location, photos, videos, and contacts, a full plan also gives you access to WhatsApp, Line, Tinder, TikTok, Zoom, Telegram, Viber, WeChat, Skype, Kik, Facebook, FB Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, browser history, browser bookmarks, call logs, contacts, messages, locations, photos, videos, keylogger, and Discord.
How to Use Mobile Tracker Free?
- Create an account on MobileTrackerFree.org. For this, use a valid email address.
- Take the target device and scan the QR code you will see on your device’s screen.
- Once done, a download process will start.
- Launch the file once the download is complete. Follow the further setup instructions.
- Once installation is finished, delete the downloaded file and clear the browsing history.
- Open your email (the one you used for registration) and check the login credentials.
- Use them to enter your userspace.
- Using the left-side dashboard panel, choose the “Location Tracker” tab.
- You will get detailed information about the current cell phone location in a moment.
Note: The app supports only Android devices running V5.1 and above. Mobile Tracker Free does not support older cell phone versions or iOS-operated phones.
3. LocationTracker.mobi – Great Phone Monitoring Tool for All Devices
Do you like GEOfinder’s idea of sending messages with location-sharing intent but do not like that they should be sent via SMS? Do you prefer any other IM app? No problems.
With LocationTracker.mobi, you can attach an enticing picture along with a tracking link and send a location-sharing message through Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media or instant messaging app you like.
Detect the target’s whereabouts by the IP or WiFi network they use. VPN checker and cellphone carrier lookup features are also involved.
How to Use Location Tracker?
- Click “Get Started” and create an account.
- The developers offer a $1 subscription plan that expires 48 hours after purchase. If you proceed with app usage, it will cost you $39.99/month.
- Enter your credit card details to pay $1 for two days of usage. This will give you access to the target’s location data, internet usage, device information, and free customer support.
- Send a text message offered by the app or write your own one. Choose an image that will be attached to a URL in the text message. Note that you need to write a captivating text message to interest the recipient and motivate them to click on it. Once they do, their whereabouts details will be shared with you.
Alternative Solutions for Tracking Lost Phone
Are you still interested in other cell phone trackers that can help locate your lost cell phone for free? In the list below, you will find common tools to assist you. Even though they are not anonymous and may show inaccurate locations, they are safe and worth a try.
1. Find My Device – Best Built-In Location Tracker for Android Devices
If you lose your Android device, you may use Find My Device to remotely find, secure, or erase the data stored on it.
How to Use Find My Device?
- Take another Android device and open the Find My Device app on it.
- If you do not have another Android phone, simply use any web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet and go to the Find My Device site.
- Sign in using your Google account. If you own the device you have lost, tap “Continue as [your name].” If you use your friend’s device, choose “Sign in as a guest.”
- Choose the device you want to locate from the list provided.
- You may be asked to provide the lock screen PIN for the Android device you want to locate (for Android 9 and higher). If the device runs on Android 8 and lower or does not have a PIN, you may be prompted for your Google password.
- Get information about the target device’s location on Google Maps.
The other options are also available to do remotely using the Find My Device tool:
- Play sound: Your device will produce a loud sound even if it is enabled to mute or vibrate.
- Detail the data: If needed, you can protect your device from accessing sensitive data stored on it by erasing, resetting, or removing it.
- Lock the device: Protect your Android phone with a strong PIN or password. To help the person who has found your phone to find you, you may remotely add a message or phone number to the lock screen.
Note, before you get started with Find My Device, you must be certain that the target Android phone:
- Is turned on
- Has switched on WiFi or mobile data
- Is signed in to Google account
- Has Find My Device turned on
The disadvantage? If the device is stolen, the user who has your device will see a notification on the screen saying it is being searched. Once they notice it, they can simply turn off the device, and you will not be able to track it.
2. Find My – Excellent Free Tool for iOS Devices
Find My is an alternative to Find My Device but for iOS. Using the app, it is possible to easily locate your lost phone. However, to do so, you must turn on “Find My [device]” before it is lost or stolen.
How to Use Find My?
- On your iPhone, go to “Settings,” tap on your name, and choose “Find My.” If you are asked to sign in, enter your Apple ID. If you do not have one, skip the step and follow the instructions.
- Enable “Precise Location” for the Find My app to detect your phone’s precise location. If you don’t have access to Find My, go to iCloud to track it.
- On the Find My app, tap “Devices” at the bottom of your screen.
- Choose the name of the device.
- If the device can be tracked, its location will be shown on the maps; if not, you will see the “No location found” message.
With Find Me, you can also:
- Find directions on the phone
- Locate your friend’s device or play a sound on it
- Play a sound on the target iPhone
The disadvantage of using Find My is that location-sharing and finding devices are only available in some countries or regions. Additionally, the service relies heavily on having an active internet connection and compatible hardware, which can limit its effectiveness in remote or less connected areas.
Final Thoughts
Many free cell phone tracking apps are available online, but not all work as well as advertised. Free tools like Find My and Find My Device are good for tracking your child’s location.
However, if your phone is lost, these apps are not the best solution because the person with your device will receive notifications that you are trying to locate it. They can easily turn off the device, preventing you from tracking it.
To track your phone anonymously and without alerting anyone, use GEOfinder.mobi or LocationTracker.mobi. For a more detailed analysis of cell phone activities, use MobileTrackerFree.org, but you must install it on the target Android phone beforehand.