Here's another neat trick: Head to the main Google page and type "where's my phone? As long as you're logged into your Google account, this will open the same phone-showing map. In addition to revealing your Android device's location, this page gives you another three options. You can get the phone to ring, even if it's set to silent, which might help you work out which sofa cushion it's fallen under.
The ringing lasts for five minutes, which should give you plenty of time to sift through the dirty laundry or grope around under the bed.
Just remember that the location on the map shows the phone's location when it last connected to the internet. So if the battery died in your apartment, before someone moved the phone, you won't find it nearby even if the map insists that it's right next to you. Check the info panel to figure out just how long it's been since the Android's last check-in. The two other options let you lock and wipe the phone remotely, the same options you get with the equivalent Apple service.
Use the lock option and set a message to appear on the lock screen if you think someone might pick up the phone and return it to you. As long as it's locked, no one can access your data, unless we're talking about someone with high-level hacking skills. Finally, the wipe option is available if your phone's been stolen and you want to make absolutely sure the data and apps on it won't be vulnerable.
Remotely locking your phone will often be enough to keep people out, but if you're never going to get it back, or think someone may have gotten past the lock screen somehow, then this is the safest option. Bear in mind that, unless you've backed up your data elsewhere, this will get rid of your information forever.
Because both Apple and Google have provided such comprehensive tools of their own tools that can also track your other devices, like Android Wear smartwatches and Apple Watches , third-party developers haven't really rushed to release their own apps in this area. But they do provide a few options we like. Beyond being able to track your phone on a map and trigger its speakers, Cerberus lets you take pictures from your phone's camera and screenshots of its screen. This might help you work out where your phone is and who has it.
The app can also permanently display a message for whoever picks your phone up. Again, you can see your registered phones on a map, as well as taking screenshots and pictures and displaying a message on the screen. Both apps can ring a really loud alarm too. Prey Anti-Theft is free for up to three devices. Finally, if you use Google Maps on either your iPhone or Android, head to your timeline page. It's possible that Google Maps has logged your phone's last location, even if the main phone-tracker app wasn't switched on.
Meanwhile, if you're looking to track other people's phones—say you need to keep tabs on family and friends—then we've got more apps that can help. By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Skip to main content. AI's Economic Impact Technology, Work, and Urban Ecosystems: How Should Cities and Regions Respond? Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Transportation Want more award-winning journalism?
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This is your last free article this month. You've read all your free articles this month. Log in for more, or subscribe now for unlimited online access. Log in for two more free articles, or subscribe now for unlimited online access. On Android, you can tap Enter Email in the top-right corner of the screen to enter an email address. Select a person to invite. Tap the name of the person whom you want to track. It's in the top-right corner of the screen.
On Android, tap an email service, then tap the paper plane-shaped icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Have the other person accept your invite. Review the other person's location. Every ten minutes, GPS Tracker will update with the other person's phone's current location. You can monitor this from the main GPS Tracker page. Not Helpful 11 Helpful Can a Samsung phone be tracked by an iPhone without the owner's knowledge?
I use lookout to track my Samsung Galaxy S5. I track it with the lookout website on my computer, and I know there is also an iPhone app, so it should work. Not Helpful 13 Helpful Yes, even if you turn off location you can still be tracked to a certain area. The only way to stop being located is to remove the battery physically out of the phone and for extra measure take out the SIM.
It is the only sure-fire way to stop your phone from pinging the nearest tower.
Three Best Phone Tracker Apps
This is a problem because you can't remove an iPhone battery. Better get a second phone that has a removable battery and leave the iPhone where you want them to think you are located. Not Helpful 3 Helpful Absolutely none, unless the app you're using is not authentic. Legit tracking apps will never produce false results on the whereabouts of your device.
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2.
If You Have a Smart Phone, Anyone Can Now Track Your Every Move - MIT Technology Review
This should find your lost device. Yes, depending on the software that you use. Most apps would request the person being tracked to accept and agree first during set-up.
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So they would most likely know that you're keeping tabs on them. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1. How track someone's phone without knowing? Answer this question Flag as Can I track a Samsung phone from an iPhone?
mSpy (Powerful Phone Tracker)
Can I track another iPhone with my iPhone 4? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Already answered Not a question Bad question Other. Warnings In most places, it is illegal to track someone's phone without them knowing about it.
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