Google Maps offers ways to track and find someone’s location, but it requires permission from the person you wish to track. Without the other person’s consent, it’s illegal to access their location data, as privacy laws protect location information. Google Maps has a Location Sharing feature that makes it easy to share real-time locations with trusted contacts, but it’s essential that both parties agree to use it.
Here’s how to use Google Maps to track someone’s location legally and for free.
1. Using Google Maps Location Sharing for Real-Time Tracking
Google Maps’ Location Sharing feature allows users to share their live location with friends and family. It’s an excellent tool for mutual tracking when both parties agree, making it ideal for coordinating meetups or staying connected with family members.
How to Use Location Sharing on Google Maps
Open Google Maps on the device that will share its location
Tap on the profile picture or initials at the top right, then select Location Sharing
Choose Share Location and set a duration for how long you want to share the location (e.g., 1 hour or until manually turned off)
Select the contact(s) you want to share the location with. They will receive a link and can view your real-time location on Google Maps
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This method is secure and private, as it requires permission from the person sharing their location. It’s also temporary and can be turned off at any time.
2. Google Find My Device for Locating Your Own Android Phone
If you want to track your own Android device, Google’s Find My Device tool provides a real-time GPS location that you can view on Google Maps. This tool is especially useful for locating lost or misplaced Android phones and offers additional security features to protect your data.
How to Use Google Find My Device
Go to the Find My Device website (https://www.google.com/android/find) or download the app from the Google Play Store
Sign in using the Google account associated with the device you want to locate
The device’s location will display on Google Maps if it’s online and connected to the internet. You can also use options like Play Sound to make the device ring, Lock to secure it, or Erase to delete data remotely if needed
This service is only for tracking your own devices and does not allow tracking of someone else’s phone without their permission.
3. Apple’s Find My iPhone for Tracking Lost iPhones
For iPhone users, Find My iPhone (part of Apple’s Find My service) provides similar functionality, allowing you to track your lost or misplaced device on a map. Like Google’s service, it also includes options to lock the device or erase it if it cannot be retrieved.
How to Use Apple’s Find My iPhone
Open the Find My app on another Apple device or visit iCloud.com in a browser
Sign in with the Apple ID associated with the lost iPhone
The device’s location will show on the map, along with options to Play Sound, Mark as Lost, or Erase iPhone if needed
Find My iPhone is designed for locating your own devices and cannot be used to track someone else’s phone without permission.
4. Family Location Sharing Apps
Family location-sharing apps are a convenient option for families who want to stay connected with real-time tracking. These apps often use Google Maps for live tracking and require consent from all users. They are popular among parents who want to keep track of their children or family members who want to share locations for safety.
Popular Family Location Apps
Life360: Life360 allows real-time location sharing among family members and includes features like location alerts and notifications when someone arrives at or leaves a specific location. Each family member’s location is visible on a map, making it easy to keep track of each other
Google Family Link: Primarily a parental control app, Family Link also lets parents view their child’s location in real time. Both the parent and child must agree to share locations
Glympse: Glympse offers temporary location sharing, allowing users to share their location for a specific time. It’s ideal for one-time tracking when meeting friends or family
These apps are designed for mutual tracking with consent and are suitable for family use. They make it easy to track each other’s locations while respecting privacy.
Avoiding Scams and Fake Tracking Websites
There are many websites that claim to offer tracking services to locate someone’s location just by entering their phone number, but these are typically scams. Real-time tracking requires consent and can’t be done without permission. Be wary of websites that ask for payment or personal information without providing legitimate tracking.
Signs of Fake Tracking Websites
Payment Requests: Legitimate tracking tools like Google Maps Location Sharing and Find My Device are free. Avoid sites that ask for money to track a phone
Requests for Personal Information: Sites that ask for personal data, like phone numbers or emails, could misuse your information for spam or phishing
Exaggerated Claims: Websites that promise “exact location tracking” without consent are fraudulent. Only authorized tools like Google Find My Device and Apple’s Find My allow tracking with permission
Stick to trusted services like Google Maps and family tracking apps, and avoid any website that makes exaggerated claims about tracking without consent.
FAQs
Can I track someone else’s location on Google Maps without their permission?
No, Google Maps does not allow tracking someone’s location without permission. Location sharing requires mutual consent and can be disabled at any time by the person sharing.
What’s the best way to track my lost phone?
Use Google Find My Device (for Android) or Apple Find My iPhone (for iPhone) to locate your lost device. These services show the real-time location on a map and allow you to ring, lock, or erase the device remotely.
Are there legitimate services that track someone’s location for free?
Yes, but they require permission. Google Maps Location Sharing, Find My Device, and family tracking apps like Life360 allow real-time tracking with mutual consent.
Final Thoughts
Using Google Maps to track someone’s location is possible, but it requires permission from the device owner. Google Maps Location Sharing, Google Find My Device, and Apple’s Find My are safe and effective options for tracking lost devices or sharing locations among family members.
For privacy and safety, avoid websites that claim to provide unauthorized tracking, as they’re likely scams. Stick to ethical methods like Google Maps Location Sharing and family tracking apps that respect privacy and require mutual consent for location tracking.
