How to Find a Lost Android or iOS with the Help of GPS Tracker Apps?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you can't find your cell phone despite not considering yourself a forgetful person? It's a common occurrence, especially when we're in a rush. The stress of losing or misplacing your cell phone, particularly when you need it urgently, can be overwhelming.
Luckily, with the advancement of technology, all the problems of lost cell phone detection can be easily solved. How do they work, and what are the best solutions for finding misplaced cell phones? Keep reading to find out the answers.
Key Takeaways
- uMobix: Ideal for discreet tracking with real-time updates and social media monitoring.
- GEOfinder: No installation required, simple and quick SMS-based tracking.
- Find My iPhone: Excellent for iOS devices, includes sound alerts and lock features.
- Find My Device: Great for Android, allows remote locking and data erasure.
4 Best Tools to Find a Lost Cell Phone
Well, what should you do if, for some reason, you find yourself in a situation where you have to locate a cell phone? Which tools can help you find it, and which is best if you do so discreetly?
In the section below, you will learn about the most effective and frequently used tools that have helped many people worldwide. The best part? You can use them for free. Intrigued? Then do not waste your time. Read the most important data about GPS trackers, familiarize yourself with how to use them, and never worry about a lost cell phone.
uMobix – Best App to Locate a Lost Cell Phone Without Them Knowing
With the help of a uMobix GPS cell phone locator, you can easily locate a lost or stolen cell phone if necessary. The fact that you won't even have to touch the target device is the main selling point of uMobix. Right after the app's installation (required for both Android and iOS-operated cell phones and tablets), the app will automatically start tracking the target person's real-time location data and detect its whereabouts on the maps.
The uMobix GPS tracker will help you be sure that you can find the smartphone in case of loss or theft.
How to Get Started with uMobix?
- Create an account on the uMobix website.
- Choose the most suitable subscription plan or contact their support team for a 2-day trial app version.
- Check your email for login credentials and a detailed installation guide.
- Take the target Android phone or iPhone and follow the instructions. Note that for iOS-operated devices, you must also know the target's iCloud credentials (Apple ID and password).
- Once installed, take your cell phone and, using the left-side dashboard, navigate to the "Location" section. Here, you will access data on the last visits and current locations.
In addition to GPS location tracking, uMobix offers comprehensive features such as monitoring social media activities, calls, messages, internet usage, and media files stored on the lost device. It also provides options to regulate data storage or block the device entirely. It helps prevent sensitive data leaks, protecting information like credit card and home address details from unauthorized access.
Pros
- Real-time tracking
- Easy installation process
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable alerts
- Location data is displayed on the maps
- Shows last visited places
- Many additional monitoring features are involved
- Free trial
- Works without rooting or jailbreaking
- Compatibility with iOS and Android
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Requires installation on the target device
- 1 subscription allows tracking one device at a time
GEOfinder.mobi – Best Location Tracker That Operates Without Installation
GEOfinder.mobi is the ideal solution for discreetly locating a phone without arousing suspicion. If, for instance, you've misplaced your phone and need to pinpoint its location, it's crucial to proceed cautiously to avoid alarming any potential thief into shutting it off. With GEOfinder, regardless of where your device was lost or stolen, you can navigate the situation with care, making finding its whereabouts as easy as 2X2.
How to Use GEOfinder?
- Enter the cell phone number whose location data you want to find.
- Click "Find".
- Create an account.
- Pay for the subscription plan.
- Create a text message or choose a pre-made template.
- Wait till the system generates a unique link.
- Copy the text message along with the URL and send it to the phone number whose location data you want to detect.
- Once they receive the SMS and tap on the link attached to it (ensure they will be motivated and interested in clicking on it), the recipient's location data will be automatically shared with you.
- View their whereabouts details in your userspace.
Pros
- VPN checker, WiFi tracker, and IP logger
- Cell phone carrier lookup
- Anonymous tracking
- You can track as many cell phone numbers as you want
- No installation
- Accurate location data within a 10-meter radius
Cons
- You can send one geolocation request per 5 minutes
Find My iPhone – Built-In Tool for Tracking iOS
You can track your Apple devices easily using the "Find My" app, which connects with iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Mac computers, AirPods, and AirTags. This app lets you find and manage all your Apple gadgets from one place, making tracking simple and convenient.
What information can you retrieve when using Find My iPhone?
- Locate your lost or stolen iOS device
- Lock the device
- Play a sound at a loud volume even if the mute mode is turned on
- View recent location history
- Check the current status of your battery level
- Erase sensitive data
How to Turn on Find My?
- Open the app or go to the App Store to download it.
- Once you have installed the free app, open it and sign in with the Apple ID you use for iCloud.
- Open the "Settings" app.
- Tap your name and then "Find My".
- If you want your device to be tracked in case it gets lost or stolen, turn on "Share My Location".
- Tap "Find My [device]".
- Turn on "Find My [device]".
- Turn on the "Find My Network" button to locate your device even offline.
How to Mark Your Device as Lost with Find My iPhone?
- Choose the device you want to locate.
- Scroll down to "Mark as Lost".
- Just follow the steps on the screen to display your contact information on your missing device or when someone scans your AirTag with their iPhone or smartphone.
- Tap "Activate". That's it.
Pros
- Accurate location tracking
- Remote control options (lock, play sound, erase data)
- Free to use
Cons
- Potential battery drain
- Requires internet connection
- The target person will be notified you are tracking them
Find My Device – Great Android Free Tool for Location Tracking
Find My Device is a good free-to-use tracker that can help you find your Android phone remotely. Using the app, you can track a smartphone or tablet, lock it remotely, or wipe the device. However, it can only be achieved when your Google account is connected to your cell phone.
Before the app installation, you should make sure that:
- Your Android phone is signed in to the Google account
- It has a sharing feature turned on
- The phone is turned on
- The device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Visible to Google Play
How to Use Find My Device?
- Go to https://www.google.com/android/find/ or download the Find My Device on the other Android phone.
- Sign into your Google account.
- After signing in, the location of your Android device will be displayed on a map.
- You can also use options like Ring, Lock, or Erase to secure your device remotely.
Pros
- Easy and free to use
- You can track your lost cell phone using any web browser or Android phone
- Allows you to ring your device, lock it, or erase its data remotely
Cons
- The target device must be online for you to view its current ocation data
- The user being tracked can turn off the stolen device, knowing their location is being monitored
- Not anonymous
Summary
The apps reviewed here enable users to locate and manage their lost or stolen phones remotely. The choice of which app to use depends on your specific tracking requirements. Find My or Find My Device is sufficient for monitoring your child's location. However, for discreet tracking without arousing suspicion, uMobix or GEOfinder are recommended. These apps offer accurate location data without the target user being aware.
FAQ's
Q. Can I track my lost phone without internet?
A. Some apps like Find My iPhone have an offline mode, but most GPS trackers need an internet connection.
Q. Can GPS trackers locate my phone if it’s turned off?
A. No, GPS tracking usually requires the device to be powered on and connected to a network.
Q. Are GPS tracking apps secure?
A. Yes, reputable GPS tracking apps ensure data security, but always choose trustworthy providers like uMobix and GEOfinder.
Q. Do GPS tracker apps work for both Android and iOS?
A. Yes, most GPS trackers are compatible with both Android and iOS.