GPS location tracking has evolved significantly in recent years and today allows you to find a lost cell phone or arrange with friends and family to share your location in real time. This only works with the consent of the person being located: the person activates the sharing on their own device and can stop it at any time. Below are some free apps that do this, with the main functions of each and where to download them.
Find My (Apple)
What is Find My?
Find My is an application developed by Apple that combines Find My iPhone and Find My Friends services. It allows users to track the location of Apple devices and friends or family members who share their locations.
Functionalities:
- Real-Time Location: See the exact location of Apple devices and people who share their locations.
- Notifications: Receive alerts when a friend or device arrives at or leaves a specific location.
- Lost Mode: Enable Lost Mode for missing devices, which locks the device and displays a contact message.
Download:
The Find My app is pre-installed on all Apple devices and can be used for free. Just go to settings and turn on location sharing.
Google Find My Device
What is Google Find My Device?
Google Find My Device is an application that allows users to locate, lock and erase data from lost or stolen Android devices.
Functionalities:
- Real-Time Location: Find the exact location of your Android device on a map.
- Play Sound: Make the device ring even if it is in silent mode.
- Lock and Erase Data: Lock your device remotely and erase all personal data to protect your information.
Download:
Available for free on Google Play, Google Find My Device can be downloaded and configured on any Android device.
Life360
What is Life360?
Life360 is a family tracking app that allows family members to share their locations in real time. It's an excellent tool for keeping the family connected and safe.
Functionalities:
- Family Circles: Create circles of family and friends to share locations and keep everyone informed.
- Location Alerts: Receive notifications when family members arrive or leave certain locations.
- Location History: View the location history of circle members to track their movements.
Download:
Life360 is available for free download on iOS and Android, with premium subscription options for additional functionality.
Glympse
What is Glympse?
Glympse is a real-time location sharing app that allows users to temporarily share their locations with friends, family or colleagues.
Functionalities:
- Temporary Location Sharing: Share your location for a specific period with anyone.
- No Registration Required: You don't need to create an account to use Glympse.
- Real-Time View: See the exact location of your contacts on a map in real time.
Download:
Available for free on iOS and Android, Glympse can be downloaded and used at no additional cost.
Location only with consent.
All the apps on this list work the same way: location information is only shown to those who have been invited and accepted by the user, who can see on their device that location sharing is active and can turn it off whenever they want. There is no legitimate app that locates anyone solely by phone number or without their knowledge. Tools sold with this promise are usually scams or require the hidden installation of spyware, which violates privacy and may constitute a crime in Brazil.
It's also worth remembering that cell phones don't directly use satellites for this: the position is calculated by GPS (which receives signals from satellites) combined with Wi-Fi and mobile network, and then sent over the internet. Therefore, the device sharing the location needs to be turned on and connected.
Conclusion
Find My, Find My Device, Life360, and Glympse help locate lost devices and coordinate location sharing between friends and family. In all of them, the person whose location is located knows this and decides whether they want to continue sharing. Talk to the person beforehand, set up the app together, and review from time to time who has access to your location.
