Worried about your own or a family member’s cell phone going missing? Want to find out if your child is actually where they should be? If you said yes to either, then you need to know how to locate a cell phone. In our in-depth guide, we’ll be discussing the various ways you can find an Android and iPhone smartphone.
How To Locate Any Cell Phone
– Use A GPS Tracker App
Get straight to the cell phone’s location by using a GPS Tracker App, also commonly known as spy apps. These high-tech apps can be used on the latest Android and iPhone devices (like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and iPhone 11), and operating systems (Android 9 and iOS 13). After you install the app, you can monitor the phone remotely from your own computer, cell phone, or tablet.
Right on the app, you’ll be able to view the mobile phone’s real-time GPS location on a Google Map. Typically, the location is within a few feet of the actual location and updated every 10 minutes. Some tracking apps we highly recommend include PhoneSpector and Highster Mobile.
– Google Family Link
If you are specifically looking to locate a family member’s cell phone, the Google Family Link iOS and Google Play app is a good option. Using the app, you not only can see your loved one’s specific location, but also view their other phone activities and set restrictions (if needed). For example, you can set it up so your permission is needed for every app your child downloads. For specific instructions on how to set up this app on your child’s phone, click here.
– Contact Your Cell Phone Provider
Often, your cell phone provider, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, etc. can help you locate your smartphone. Most cell phone carriers have some service, paid or free, that can be used by their customers to find their phone.
How To Locate An Android Smartphone
Besides methods listed above, a method commonly used to track an Android phone is Find My Device. Once set up, you’ll be able to view your Android’s location from any of your other devices. Here’s how to set up the app and find your phone using it.
Step 2: Open the app and select the Gmail account you want associated with your phone. Now it’s set up!
Step 3: If you lose your phone, just open the app on another device, visit google.com/android/find, or Google “Find My Device” while signed into your Gmail account. The location will appear right away on a Google Map.
However, for the app to work, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must be signed into your Google account on the phone.
- The phone must be turned on.
- The Android phone must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- The phone location feature and Find My Device must be turned on.
How To Locate An iPhone
Similar to finding an Android phone, you can use Find My iPhone to locate an iPhone. To set it up, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Unlock the iPhone and go to Settings.
Step 2: Click on [your name] → iCloud
Step 3: Go down until you see Find My iPhone, then tap the button to turn it on.
Step 4: Log into your Apple account if asked.
Here’s how you would find your iPhone using Find My iPhone:
Step 1: Log into your iCloud account online.
Step 2: Go to the main menu and click on Find iPhone.
Step 3: Tap on All Devices and then on the iPhone you want to locate.
Step 4: View the map to view your iPhone’s location. You also have the option to play a sound, activate lost mode, or remotely erase your phone data.
How To Locate A Windows Phone
If you have a Windows Phone like Nokia or Lumia, then locating your phone will be different than the iPhone and Android methods mentioned above. However, this will only work if your phone is connected to the internet and has enough battery power.
Step 1: Go To account.microsoft.com/devices, and sign into your Microsoft account associated with your phone.
Step 2: Tap on your Windows phone and choose Find My Device.
Step 3: View the map to see your device’s most recently found location. Make sure to check the timestamp!
Step 4: Ask Microsoft to run a location search on your phone if the last location is outdated.
That covers how to locate a cell phone, whether it be Android, iPhone, or Windows. Hopefully, our guide helped you understand and set up these phone tracking apps and services. So now, you won’t ever have to panic if you or a loved one’s phone gets lost.
