Tracking an Android phone can serve many purposes, such as finding a lost or stolen device, monitoring a child’s smartphone usage, or ensuring the security of your own phone. Android offers several built-in and third-party tools that allow legal and secure tracking, provided the device owner’s consent is obtained where necessary.

1. Use Google’s Find My Device

The most straightforward method is Find My Device, a free service by Google available on every Android phone linked to a Google account.

How to use:

• Visit google.com/android/find.

• Sign in with the Google account associated with the phone.

• You will see a list of devices linked to that account.

• Click on the target phone to view its location on the map.

• You can also make it ring, lock it, or erase it remotely.

✅ Requirements: The phone must be powered on, connected to the internet, have Location enabled, and be signed in to a Google account.

2. Parental Control via Google Family Link

If you’re a parent looking to track your child’s location and screen time, Google Family Link is a powerful solution.

• Install the Family Link for parents app on your device.

• Install Family Link for children & teens on the child’s device.

• Link the devices using a Google Family account.

• You can see the child’s real-time location, manage screen time, and approve or block apps.

This method ensures that tracking is both transparent and secure within a family environment.

3. Use Third-Party Tracking Apps

There are several third-party apps designed for location sharing and tracking, such as:

• Life360 – for family location sharing with driving reports.

• Find My Kids – designed for child safety with GPS tracking.

• FamiSafe – includes screen time control and web filtering.

⚠️ Important: Make sure to use these apps only with explicit consent from the user to avoid legal consequences. Tracking someone without their permission may be illegal in many jurisdictions.

4. Track Your Own Phone’s Location History

Google Maps often keeps a Location Timeline, if you have location tracking enabled. Visit timeline.google.com to see past locations your device has been to.