Tracking the live location of a mobile device on Google Maps is a popular feature for personal and family use. Google Maps allows real-time location sharing with friends and family, but it requires consent from the device owner. Google Maps does not allow anyone to track a phone solely by entering the phone number—doing so without consent is illegal and a violation of privacy.
Here’s how you can use Google Maps to track live locations legally, for free, and with permission.
1. Using Google Maps Location Sharing for Live Tracking
Google Maps’ Location Sharing feature allows users to share their real-time location with trusted contacts. This is perfect for keeping track of family members, coordinating meetups, or ensuring safe travels. Both parties need to have Google Maps installed and agree to share their location.
How to Use Location Sharing on Google Maps
Open Google Maps on the device you want to track
Tap on the profile picture or initials at the top right and select Location Sharing
Choose Share Location and set a duration for how long you want to share your location (e.g., 1 hour or until manually turned off)
Select the contacts with whom you want to share your live location. They’ll receive a link and can view your real-time location on Google Maps
Select Your Sim Name
Airtel . . . . Jio . . . . . Idea
BSNL . . . . Voda . . . Other
This method is safe, straightforward, and secure, as both users must agree to share locations.
2. Using Google Find My Device for Lost Android Phones
If you’re looking to track your own Android device’s live location, Google Find My Device is a powerful and free tool. It shows the real-time GPS location of the device on Google Maps, helping users locate lost or misplaced phones. This feature is only available if location services are enabled on the device.
How to Use Google Find My Device
Go to the Find My Device website (https://www.google.com/android/find) or download the Find My Device app from the Google Play Store
Sign in with the Google account linked to the lost device
The real-time location of your device will appear on Google Maps if it’s online. You can also use options like Play Sound to make the device ring, Lock to secure it, or Erase to delete data if needed
This is ideal for finding lost devices and works with any Android device that has location services enabled.
3. Apple’s Find My for Real-Time Location Tracking on iPhones
For iPhone users, Find My iPhone (part of Apple’s Find My service) allows you to track the real-time GPS location of lost Apple devices. Like Google’s service, it shows the device’s location on a map and offers features like playing a sound or remotely locking the device.
How to Use Apple’s Find My iPhone
Open the Find My app on an Apple device or visit iCloud.com on a browser
Sign in with the Apple ID associated with the lost iPhone
The device’s real-time location will display on a map if it’s connected to the internet. You can also choose Play Sound, Mark as Lost, or Erase iPhone if needed
Find My iPhone is secure, but it’s intended for personal device tracking, not for tracking someone else’s phone without permission.
4. Using Family Location Sharing Apps for Live Tracking
Several apps allow families and friends to share live locations with each other on Google Maps or similar maps in real time. These apps are useful for family safety and provide real-time updates about family members’ whereabouts.
Popular Family Location Tracking Apps
Life360: Life360 allows real-time location sharing among family members and includes safety alerts. Family members can see each other’s live locations on a map, receive notifications when someone arrives at or leaves a location, and more
Google Family Link: Primarily a parental control app, Family Link also enables parents to monitor a child’s location with consent. Both parties must agree to location sharing
Glympse: Glympse provides temporary location sharing, allowing users to share their location with friends or family for a set period
These apps require mutual consent, making them safe options for live tracking among family members or groups.
Avoiding Fake “Live Location Tracker” Websites
Many websites claim to offer “live location tracking” of any phone number using Google Maps. Be cautious—these services are often scams designed to collect personal information or charge fees without providing actual tracking. Google Maps does not allow tracking based solely on phone numbers.
Signs of Fake Tracking Websites
Payment Requests: Legitimate tracking tools like Google Maps and Find My Device are free for personal use. Avoid websites that request payment to track a location
Requests for Personal Information: Sites that ask for personal data, such as phone numbers or email addresses, could misuse it for spam or phishing
Exaggerated Claims: Any website claiming to offer real-time location tracking by phone number without permission is likely fraudulent, as real-time GPS tracking is restricted
Stick to trusted services like Google Maps, Life360, and Find My Device, and avoid websites or apps that make unrealistic promises.
FAQs
Can I track someone else’s live location using only their phone number on Google Maps?
No, Google Maps doesn’t allow tracking someone’s live location using just their phone number. Location sharing requires consent from the device owner.
What’s the best way to track my lost Android or iPhone?
Use Google Find My Device (for Android) or Apple Find My iPhone (for iPhone) to locate your lost phone. These services display the real-time location on a map and offer options to play a sound or lock the device.
Are there legitimate live location trackers that work with Google Maps?
Yes, but they require consent. Google Maps location sharing, Find My Device, and family location-sharing apps like Life360 offer legitimate live tracking options with permission.
Final Thoughts
Using Google Maps as a live location tracker is possible only with the consent of the device owner. Google Maps’ location-sharing feature, Google Find My Device, and Apple’s Find My offer reliable, free ways to track devices and stay connected with family members.
For safety and privacy, avoid websites that claim to offer unauthorized tracking based on phone numbers, as these are often scams. Always use ethical methods like Google Maps location sharing, and respect privacy laws when tracking live locations.
