Smartphones provide many advantages, but they also pose threats to your child. These dangers could include fraud, cyberbullying, and harassment. Some reports show that roughly 41% of teens suffered from cyberbullying with almost one in every four of them having been harassed more than once.
For parents, the safety of their child while surfing the Internet always comes first, and being able to covertly monitor a child’s cell phone can be reassuring. So how do you track a phone?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to track your child’s phone without them knowing it and do it for free. We will discuss tools such as Google Family Link, Google Maps, and the “Find My” feature, along with a more advanced method of parental control apps like Msafely, to help you protect your child.
Is It Possible to Track My Child’s Phone without Them Knowing
Yes, it’s possible to trace the location of your child’s phone without him or her realizing it. Parents or guardians of children can check the phone usage of a child; this is most particularly applicable when the child is not yet an adult.
How to Track My Child’s Phone without Them Knowing for Free?
Tracking your child’s mobile device is easy and cheap especially if the child is an Android or an iOS user. Now, let us discuss how to track your child’s phone for free and without them knowing about it.
Method 1: Using Built-In Phone Features
Both Android and iPhone have built-in tools—Google Find My Device for Android and Find My for iPhone—that allow you to monitor your child’s phone secretly. Below are the requirements and steps to use each feature.
#1. Google Find My Device (Android)
Google’s Find My Device is a handy tool for Android users. It can help you to track, lock, or erase your child’s phone remotely. This can be particularly useful for Android parental monitoring, and if you want to check where your child is in real time.
To use Google Find My Device, the phone must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. You also need access to your child’s Google account linked to the device.
Follow these steps to use Google Find My Device and track your child’s phone for free:
- Enable Location & Find My Device: From your child’s phone, go under “Settings” press “Security” or “Google” and enable “Find My Device”.
- Turn on Location
- Log into Find My Device: Use your computer or login from your own phone into the Google account linked to your child’s phone and visit “Android Find”.
- Track the Location: After logging in, you can locate your child’s phone on the map and locate, lock, and delete the device if required.
#2. Find My (iPhone)
Apple’s Find My iPhone is another powerful tool that lets you locate, lock, or erase an iPhone remotely. You can track your child’s phone but it has to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. If the phone is turned off, you will only see the most recent location of the phone.
Here are some requirements for using this method
- Location services on the iPhone have to be switched on.
- The phone must be linked to cellular data or Wi-Fi.
- You must have access to the device’s iCloud account.
Google Finds My iPhone will help you locate your child’s iPhone without hassle. Follow these steps to track your child’s iPhone with the help of Find My iPhone;
- Turn on Find My iPhone: First, on your child’s handset, navigate to “Settings,” followed by “iCloud,” and toggle on Find My iPhone.
- Find the Device: On another Apple device, open the Find My app or go to icloud.com using your child’s iCloud account configuration. The map will display the phone’s precise location.
- Respond Appropriately: Trying to locate the phone could include playing a sound, locking it straight across to secure information, or deleting the device remotely.
Pros and Cons of Using Built-In Phone Features
Pros:
- Find My iPhone and Google Find My Device are both integrated into the devices and are free.
- Simple to activate and use with your Google or iCloud account.
- You can lock the gadget, wipe it, or make a sound if needed.
- No third-party apps or subscriptions are necessary.
Cons:
- Both features require the phone to be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data for real-time tracking.
- Google’s feature only works on Android, and Apple’s only works on iPhones.
- Only the latest known location is visible if the phone is not online.
- Your child may eventually notice location services are turned on.
Method 2: Using Google Family Link (Android & iPhone)
One of the best ways to monitor your children’s phone is through Google Family Link which you can use without your child knowing. Let’s discuss how to use Google Family Link for both Android and iPhone.
Using Google Family Link (Android)
When you use Google Family Link, you can view your child’s location on Google Maps, manage how long they are allowed to use their device, the applications they can download, and even restrict some of the content.
Google Family Link is effective for Android users, though there are some basic capabilities for parental control on iPhones too.
Requirements for using Google Family Link (Android):
- Your child’s device needs to be an Android smartphone.
- Both you and your kid must have a Google account.
- The Google Family Link app should be on both devices.
- There must be an active internet connection for real-time tracking.
Steps to Set Up Google Family Link (Android):
- Download the Google Family Link App: Download this app from the Google Play Store and install it on your phone as well as your child’s phone.
- Make the Family Group: At this point, you will need to make a Google account for your child if they haven’t already.
- Link your Child’s Device: On your child’s phone, go to settings and accept the invitation which will allow that device to be on your family group.
- Hide the Monitoring: After the setup is completed, remove the emails from Family Link on your child’s phone in order to protect them from realizing that you have set up parental controls. You can also opt to hide the app from Family Link by going to home screen settings and selecting the “Hide apps” option.
- Start Tracking: As of now, you will be able to know your child’s location through Google Maps, be able to manage their screen time, know which apps they are currently running, and be able to block certain apps or set a listening cut-off time limit.
Using Google Family Link (iPhone)
Though Google Family Link is predominantly an app for Android devices, it can still be useful on an iPhone, but it has its restrictions. The main feature available on iPhone is monitoring your child’s screen time and app usage, but it doesn’t offer as much control over location tracking as it does on Android.
Here are the requirements for Google Family Link (iPhone)
- The parent must have an Android or iPhone, but the child’s phone must be an iPhone.
- Google Family Link app is installed on both devices.
- Google accounts for both parent and child.
- Wi-Fi or mobile data for monitoring.
Setting up Google Family Link (iPhone) on your child’s phone is straightforward
- Download the Family Link app from Google Play Store: Both your iPhone and your child’s iPhone should have the app installed from the App Store.
- Create a Family Group: Open the app on your device, sign in with your Google account, and follow the instructions to set up a family group.
- Link Your Child’s Device: Send an invitation from your device to your child’s iPhone. Accept the invitation on their device to link the accounts.
- Hide the Monitoring: Clear any Family Link notifications from your child’s phone by swiping left on the notification or accessing the Notification Center. This will reduce the chances of them noticing the parental controls.
- Start Monitoring: You can now monitor your child’s screen time, app activity, and downloads. However, location tracking is more limited compared to Android.
Pros and Cons of Google Family Link (Android & iPhone)
Pros:
- Free to use with no need for additional subscriptions.
- Real-time location tracking (Android only) via Google Maps.
- Manage apps by limiting or prohibiting access to specific apps and content.
- Screen time management and monitoring of app usage.
- Ability to hide notifications and prevent alerts from being seen on the child’s device (Android).
- Monitor in-app purchases and control app downloads.
- Completely free with no hidden fees.
Cons:
- Setup can be complex and time-consuming, especially for hidden monitoring.
- Limited location tracking on iPhone (no geofencing or full history).
- Requires active internet connection for real-time tracking and updates.
- Lacks full location tracking on iPhone compared to Android.
- May require tech-savvy kids to notice if notifications aren’t hidden properly.
- Can only track Android devices fully, limiting its functionality for iPhone users.
- Does not block pre-installed apps on iPhone like it does on Android.
Method 3: Using Google Maps on iPhones and Android
Google Maps is one of the simplest and easiest ways to track a child’s phone on both Android and iPhone devices. This kind of tracking is done by location-sharing that has already been integrated into the device, thus making this process hassle-free and quick. Please keep the following factors in mind;
- First and foremost, the two devices must have Google Maps installed.
- Also, the location should be turned on the phone.
- You have to have the Google account of your child in case you cannot get their permission for the location sharing.
Steps to Track Your Child’s Phone with Google Maps for both iPhone and Android:
- Download And Install Google Maps: You have to ensure that the Google Maps application is installed and running on your child’s device.
- Sign In to Their Google Account: Use your child’s Google account to sign in to Google Maps on your phone.
- Enable Location Sharing: On your child’s device, go to the location-sharing feature and turn it on, sharing the location with your Google account.
- Send a Location Link: You can also send a link to yourself via email or text to track the phone’s real-time location.
Pros and Cons of Google Maps:
Pros and Cons of Google Family Link (Android & iPhone)
Pros:
- Free and easily accessible on most smartphones.
- Works on both Android and iPhone devices.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- No need for extra apps or subscriptions.
Cons:
- Requires the phone to be online and location services to be enabled.
- Only provides location tracking without additional monitoring features.
- No activity monitoring or app usage reports.
- Not ideal for long-term or detailed monitoring.
Advanced Method to Track My Child’s Phone without Them Knowing
A good option to consider when you want to monitor your child’s phone usage without their knowledge is parental monitoring apps. To this effect, Msafely is one of the best parental control applications since it is intended to give a variety of monitoring options in a discreet manner.
Let’s discuss what makes Msafely a top choice for many parents.
Using a Parental Control App – Msafely
Let’s now discuss what Msafely offers and why it stands out as a solid parental control app for tracking your child’s device.
(1) What is Msafely?
Msafely is a phone monitoring and tracking application that runs on both Android and iOS phones. The “stealth mode” of this application is a crucial feature. This allows Msafely to operate in the background invisible to your child. This makes it one of the best spy apps for parents.
Msafely gives abundant data about the target device including location, and social network pages, so that you will know what is going on with their phone.
Msafely’s also has cloud technology which allows remote access to the device without requiring any installation on the target phone. This not only saves you time and effort but also makes detection highly unlikely. Unlike many free apps, which often come with limited features, Msafely is secure and frequently updated to stay compatible with the latest versions of iOS and Android.
(2) Steps to Use Msafely to Track Your Child’s Phone Without Them Knowing
Tracking your child’s phone with Msafely is an easy process. Here’s how you can do this
- Open an Account: All that you need is to go to Msafely’s website and create a free account with your email.
- Choose the Device You Want to Monitor: Msafely offers monitoring solutions whether the target device is an Android or an iPhone.
- Begin Monitoring: Make your way to the Msafely dashboard and check out the locations, messages, and other actions carried out on your children’s phones in real-time. So this way tracking children’s phones becomes easy.
(3) Msafely’s Comprehensive Tracking Features
Msafely has more in-depth tracking features. Some of the notable features are:
- Call logs and Apps Monitoring: Check all available apps, the ways they are used, general call records, and the people who have been called.
- Photos and videos Monitoring: You can view every media file or content that has been saved on the target device and any files that have been sent to and from that device to ascertain materials with their visuals.
- Social Networks Monitoring: Monitor social apps like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and WhatsApp and track all their messages and media at the time of sharing.
- Location Tracking: This option allows the user to be able to locate the device on a map in real-time.
- Geofencing: Set up geographic boundaries and receive alerts when your child’s device enters or leaves designated areas, adding an extra layer of safety.
- Browser History Tracking: Track websites visited on the target device, giving you an idea of their internet habits and potentially blocking unsafe sites.
- Email Tracker: You can view other people’s emails including those that may have been deleted.
What is the Best Way to Track My Child’s Phone without Them Knowing
After discussing the four methods above, it is clear that Msafely is the best. It is more robust, it has a simple UI and Geofencing features. The customer service is also exceptional. Here is a table comparing the four methods.
Built-In Phone Features
Features: Location tracking, locking, sound play, remote erasing
Pros: Free, no installation needed, easy to set up
Cons: Limited to location only, requires Wi-Fi or data, child may notice
Best For: Basic location tracking
Google Family Link
Features: Location tracking (Android only), screen time management, app control
Pros: Free, detailed control over apps, screen time limits, geofencing (Android)
Cons: Limited location tracking on iPhone, setup can be complex, child may receive notifications
Best For: Android users wanting free app control and screen management
Google Maps
Features: Real-time location tracking
Pros: Free, accessible on Android & iPhone, easy setup
Cons: No additional monitoring features, requires data and location services, limited for long-term use
Best For: Quick, real-time location tracking
Msafely
Features: Location tracking, geofencing, social media monitoring, app usage, call/SMS tracking, and more
Pros: Comprehensive features, robust stealth mode, remote control, geofencing, easy to navigate UI
Cons: Paid subscription required
Best For: Parents wanting comprehensive, discreet tracking
Now you see that Msafely stands out as the best option for tracking your child’s phone discreetly. Msafely provides everything you need to ensure your child’s online and offline safety without them noticing.
Why Do You Need to Track Your Child’s Phone Without Them Knowing
Tracking your child’s phone in a less noticeable way may allow you to take pre-emptive measures to shield the child from the dangers associated with the smartphone and the internet. Here are a few justifications that may make you consider doing this:
1. Ensure Their Safety with Location Tracking
Most of the parent monitoring apps help assist the parents with tracking a phone without them knowing about it. It is extremely useful in cases when a kid forgets their phone or when a child gets lost or needs to be found in urgent situations.
2. Limiting Access To Adult Content
There are many of these users out there and for sure many more are trying to find ways to promote adult content to kids. Using web and app filters, such sites can be restricted thus making a child’s browsing experience more secure and healthier.
3. Restricting Cyberbullying
As social media and social messaging applications become a part of our daily lives, communication becomes more accessible giving rise to the likelihood of cyberbullying. By tracking a child’s phone, you’re able to take proactive steps, like having a conversation with your child, blocking the bully, or reaching out to school staff.
4. Detect Early Warning Signs of Struggles
Watching for any unusual or concerning communication can alert you to potential issues like anxiety, substance use, or depression. Early detection through secret monitoring can allow you to provide the right support when it’s needed most.
5. Promote Balanced Screen Time
Excessive phone use can interfere with sleep, schoolwork, and family time. Many parental controls include features for screen time management, which can help ensure your child’s time on their device is balanced with other aspects of life.
6. To Stay Aware of Potentially Dangerous Trends
Social media trends can sometimes encourage unsafe behaviors. If you supervise your child’s interactions, you will always detect any participation in unwise or dangerous trends or challenges, and this will help you intervene and encourage the child to make better decisions.
FAQs
Q1. How can a phone be tracked without the owner’s knowledge?
In order to monitor a phone without its users knowing, all that is needed is a parental control app like Msafely that can be used in “stealth mode”. This is an undercover app that hides the program enabling you to track movements, texts, or social media.
Q2. How can I track my child’s location without them knowing?
Apps like Find My Device, Google Maps, and Msafely let you track your child’s location in real-time and view location history without alerting them.
Q3. How to track my daughter’s phone?
There are apps designed for parental control. Msafely is one of those apps that allows its users to find the whereabouts of their child through GPS technology. Other apps include Google Family Link and Google Maps.
Q4. How to track my son’s phone?
Install a parental control app on his device, like Msafely, which provides location tracking, message monitoring, and app usage details. You can also use Google Family Link and Google Maps.
Q5. What is the best free parental control Android app?
Google Family Link is one of the best free options for Android. It allows you to set screen time limits, monitor app usage, and view their location, though it may lack some of the advanced features of paid apps.
Q6. What is the best phone monitoring app for parents?
It is Msafely. Apps like Msafely offer extensive features, including location tracking, social media monitoring, and content filters for multiple devices.
Q7. How to put a tracker on my kid’s phone?
Download a parental control app like Msafely, create an account, and follow the setup instructions to connect their device to yours. Once set up, you can access their location, messages, and online activity from your dashboard.
Q8. How to secretly track a phone?
Some applications designed to manage parental control like Msafely, with a stealth feature, enable users to track their children without being detected by the device. The Find My feature, Google Family Link, and Google Maps can also be used.
Q9. Can I spy on my child’s phone?
Yes, this can be done but some helpful parental control tools should be used so it is legal to do so.
Conclusion
Keeping an eye on your child’s phone activity discreetly is a valuable way to ensure their safety and well-being. Tools, such as Google Family Link, Google Maps, or “Find My”, allow you to keep tabs on their movement without having to pay for it.
Nonetheless, if what you need are powerful and hidden features, Msafely is the best option as it offers much more comprehensive monitoring abilities from a simple location tracker to a social network tracker.
Bear in mind though, that safeguarding your child against both the virtual environment and the real world, does not equate to invading their personal space rather it is about shielding them from a possible danger they are yet aware of.