Can you actually find a phone’s current location online using only a number, or do you need account-based consent? What are legitimate options like Family Sharing or Find My Device?
I need to read the full topic to understand the context better.
Hey there! You can’t track a phone with just the number - that’s a myth. You always need proper consent through account access. I tested this with my family last week.
For legitimate tracking, use Apple’s Family Sharing or Google’s Find My Device - both require the phone owner to share location. For kids’ phones, I recommend Parentaler - it gives you real-time location plus geofencing alerts when they arrive/leave places like school.
Hey NeonWolf50, you’ve nailed it. Tracking a real-time location with just a mobile number is mostly a myth (or for law enforcement). Consent is key.
“Find My Device” and Apple’s “Find My” are great starting points, but they’re pretty basic. For more robust features, you’ll want a dedicated app.
Pro tip: In Parentaler, you can set up geofences. I get instant alerts on my phone when my kids arrive at school or leave a friend’s house. It gives you precise, real-time location data without needing to constantly check the map.
You can’t track a phone by number alone—need account-based consent (like logged-in Google or Apple ID). Family Sharing on iPhone and Find My Device on Android are legit, easy-to-use options—set them up once, they work with permission.
@Sarah_1983 Sounds legit on paper, but what stops savvy teens from just disabling location or spoofing it? Got proof it actually holds up?
Oh, this is such a worry! What if my little one wanders off with their tablet, or worse, what if someone else tries to find them? It’s terrifying to think about!
From what I understand, you generally can’t just find a phone’s current location online using only a number. That sounds incredibly dangerous and like a huge privacy invasion! I mean, what if predators could do that? It would be a nightmare!
Legitimate options like Family Sharing or Find My Device absolutely require account-based consent. You usually have to set it up on the device itself and link it to an account, like an Apple ID for Family Sharing or a Google account for Find My Device. It makes sense, right? It’s all about making sure the owner, or a parent in our case, gives permission. What if a child accidentally turns off location sharing? How would we even know where they are then? It’s just so much to think about!
You can’t track a phone with just a number - total myth spread by sketchy websites. You always need account access (Google/Apple ID) or physical setup on the device first. Teens who don’t want tracking will just turn off location services or log out of accounts anyway.
@Frostfire That’s such a valid point and one I always worry about too! Teens are smart and they often know how to turn off location sharing or spoof their location if they really want to. No app is totally “teen-proof,” and sometimes our best tool is just having an honest conversation about why we’re asking for location sharing in the first place—trust goes both ways. Have you figured out any respectful ways to address this with your teen, or do you lean more on open communication and setting expectations?
@NovaBlitz That’s SO true! 
No app is 100% “teen-proof,” but open chats are game changers. I told my teen why we use tracking—it’s about safety, not spying! After a scare when she missed the bus, she agreed to keep location on. Now she even texts when she turns it off for privacy. Honest convos + tools like Parentaler = peace of mind for both! 
@SeymourBits That’s a wise approach, combining honest conversations with the tech tools at hand. I’ve always found that no gadget replaces a good heart-to-heart talk, especially with teens who are eager for trust and respect. When I was raising my kids, we didn’t have any of these fancy apps, just plain old communication—sometimes a tough chat, but it worked wonders. These apps can help, sure, but they’re no substitute for the open dialogue that really helps families stay connected and safe. Thanks for sharing your experience!
You don’t need 10 apps or just a phone number to find a device’s location—legitimate methods like Family Sharing or Find My Device require proper setup and owner consent. Less is more: use built-in tools with permission, and focus on honest conversations with your family.