6 Ways to Track a Phone Number
People often need to track a phone number when it is lost. But that is not the only reason to track a phone number. You can track a cell phone number location if you need to keep an eye on your child. This technology is also useful if you want to keep an eye on other family members, friends, or other loved ones. To ensure that you can easily track a phone number, we have put together the six best methods for you.
- Method 1: Send Messages to the Phone Number Owner
- Method 2: Install GPS Tracker on the Phone with the Number
- Method 3: Try the Reverse Phone Number Lookup Service
- Method 4: Share the Phone Number's Location via Google Maps
- Method 5: Using a Built-in Tracking Feature
- Method 6: Search in Social Media Apps Linked with Phone Number
Method 1. Send Messages to the Phone Number Owner
Most of the phone number tracking apps are compliant with AEPD regulations to get consent from the owner of the target device. Hence, they generate a link and send it to the target device to initiate the tracking. Once the owner of the phone number being tracked sees the message or link, they can click it to grant access to their location. Some links allow the target phone to share its location with you.
One of the examples of such apps is Locate Phone. Here are the steps to use the app;
Step 1. Visit the website and insert the phone number you wish to track.
Step 2. Pay using your credit card.
Step 3. Enter your phone number where the location will be sent.
Step 4. Once the number owner agree to share their location with you, you will receive an SMS indicating the location of the number.
Editor’s Take: This method is the most common. It may seem inefficient for cases of stolen devices, except a deceitful message is crafted that makes the new person in its possession click the link. Overall, it is efficient for real-time location sharing and precise location.
Method 2. Install GPS Tracker on the Phone with the Number
Most tracking apps use GPS tracking to find the target phone. Now, you can install an app that is dedicated to location tracking. However, this installation has to be done on the target phone. Hence, the parent and the target apps are synched together.
That way, the target device can share its screen, location, and several other details about the parent phone. Parents are often fond of using this method to track a phone number belonging to their kids. Hence, we recommend the AirDroid Parental Control app. It is an easy-to-use and lightweight GPS location tracker app.
Here is how to use the app.
Step 1. Download and install the app on your device.
Step 2. Create an account to get the nine digits for binding the devices.
Step 3. Download and install the AirDroid Kids on the device with the phone number from kids.airdroid.at.
Step 4. Enter the nine digits on the AirDroid Parental Control app, then click OK.
Step 5. Grant all the necessary permission on the device and click Done.
Step 6. Now, tap the Locaiton icon on the dashboard to track the phone number's real-time location.
Editor’s Take: This method is very efficient if carried out discreetly. Now, you can use other features with an app, such as AirDroid Parental Control, which has several functions. That way, you can set geofencing, get an emergency alert, and follow the battery level of the target device.
Method 3. Try the Reverse Phone Number Lookup Service
The reverse phone number lookup service is the method that does not primarily require the phone number. You can use details about the phone number, such as the user’s name, email, social media handles, or address to find out the number and its location. Many reverse phone number lookup services work by public data collation. Some examples of websites that offer this service include Spokeo, AnyWho, BeenVerified, Intelius, Mobefind, Scannero, etc. Here is how to use Spokeo.
Step 1. Visit the website homepage.
Step 2. Type in the number into the search box. You can also enter the name, address, or email.
Step 3. Click on SEARCH NOW to get all the details you want.
Step 4. You can get more details by purchasing a package or using the trial offer.
Editor’s Take: This method is not very efficient for real-time location and location precision because of its public data collation method. However, it removes the barrier of finding a device when you do not have the number.
Method 4. Share the Phone Number's Location via Google Maps
Google Maps is the leading mapping app in the world. Since it is available on virtually any smart device, it can be used to share the phone number location of the user. This sharing feature works with any of the chat apps on the device you are using. You can share directly, copy the location link, or share the longitude and latitude. Here is how to use Google Maps to track a phone number.
Step 1. Open Google Maps on the device with the phone number you need to track.
Step 2. Click on the profile icon and select Location sharing.
Step 3. Click on New share and tick "Until you turn this off."
Step 4. Select your Google account or app you want to access the person.
Step 5. Complete the process by clicking on Share.
Step 6. Now you can track the phone number’s location through Google Maps or the app you select.
Editor's Take: Sharing location via Google Maps is one of the most efficient ways to track a phone number. It can also be used on all devices via web or mobile apps. Its limitation is if the location or internet connection of the target phone number has been turned off. That way, the most recent location will be available, and not the real-time location.
Method 5. Using a Built-in Tracking Feature
Operating systems now have synchronizing features with all their gadgets using the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology helps Android devices connect phones, tablets, computers, watches, and other related gadgets. Similarly, Apple device users can connect their iPhone, iWatch, iPad, Mac, and other devices. With this synchronization, you can find any device connected using one of the devices it is connected with. This is made possible through the uniform account or ID, especially the phone number used to set up these devices. You can follow the step by step guide to track a phone number on an iPhone or Android.
Editor’s Take: This method is very efficient because all the gadgets connected share their locations in real time. They use the default tracking feature of the devices, especially that of their parent company.
Method 6. Search in Social Media Apps Linked with Phone Number
Social media apps collect user location. For example, WhatsApp allow users to share their location when sending out a Status. That way, you can find out the location of a person's phone number by checking their last post.
Also, you can share your location via your social media accounts. This feature is available in the chat section of social media apps. A common example is WhatsApp. Check out these steps to track a phone number via WhatsApp.
Step 1. Initiate a chat with the person who wants to track your location.
Step 2. Click on the pin icon at the bottom right of your screen and click the option to share Location.
Step 3. Choose between Send your current location or Share live location then select Continue.
Step 4. Set the duration that your location can be shared for, then click the Submit button.
Editor’s Take: This method is very efficient and available on all social media apps.
Which Is the Right Phone Number Tracking Method for You?
The most efficient method for all devices is to use Google Maps or share location through social media apps. It is the best method to stay in touch with your friends. The same applies to sending a message to request the consent of the person you want to know their location.
However, if you do not have the number, you might need a reverse lookup service. That way you can get the number and other details about the phone number and its user.
If a phone is lost or stolen, using built-in futures seems to be one of the most common with parental packages and IoT. Yet, the most rounded method is to install a GPS Location tracker app like AirDroid Parental Control on the target device. It is especially useful it is hard to communicate with your rebellious teenager. Since it can work in a stealthy mode.
Conclusion
There are several methods to track a phone number. We have identified and discussed extensively the most popular, accessible, and efficient ones in this article. However, alternative methods are available, such as contacting the mobile number service provider. In the case of theft, you can even contact the government authorities or law enforcement agencies to track a stolen phone by number. All these methods can directly or indirectly help you track a phone number location that is lost, stolen, or belonging to a loved one you would like to meet again.
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