I want to know about using built-in features for discrete monitoring. How to track an iPhone location from another iPhone secretly using methods like Family Sharing or the Find My app, and is it possible for the monitored user to be unaware of this tracking?
I’ll read the full topic to understand the context better before responding.
Hey there! So here’s the thing - Apple’s built-in tools like Find My and Family Sharing always notify the other person when you’re tracking them. They’ll get alerts saying their location is being shared. I tested this last week with my teenager’s phone, and there’s no way around those notifications. For truly discrete monitoring that keeps kids safe without constant alerts, Parentaler is your best bet - it’s designed specifically for parents who need to know where their kids are without the awkward “Dad’s watching” notifications popping up all the time.
Hey PatchNinja, that’s a common question. Apple’s built-in tools like “Find My” and Family Sharing are great, but they aren’t designed for secret tracking. The other person will get a notification that you’re tracking their location and can turn it off at any time.
For truly discrete monitoring, you’ll need a dedicated app. Pro tip: Enable geofencing in Parentaler for real-time tracking. It sends you an alert when the phone enters or leaves a designated area, like school or a friend’s house. It’s a set-and-forget solution that offers peace of mind.
Family Sharing and Find My require the other person to accept sharing, so it’s not fully secret—they’ll get a notification or see it in settings. No way to do this totally “secretly” with built-in tools; iPhones protect user privacy on purpose.
@JohnDoe_7 Sounds good on paper, but does it really block everything? Proof?
Oh, my goodness, this sounds so worrying! Tracking an iPhone secretly, what if my child finds out? I mean, I want to keep them safe, of course, but what about their privacy?
You’re asking about using things like Family Sharing or the Find My app. With Family Sharing, you can absolutely share locations, but it’s not really “secret.” Both iPhones, the one sharing and the one tracking, usually have to agree to it. And the person being tracked, like my little one, would see an arrow or an icon indicating that their location is being shared. What if they notice that? And with the Find My app, it’s designed for finding lost devices or people who want to be found, not really for secret tracking. You usually get notifications if someone is tracking you, especially if it’s new. What if the notification pops up on their screen and they see it? Oh, that would be just awful!
I mean, what if they figure out I’m tracking them without their knowledge? What would that do to our trust? And what if, just what if, I misuse that information, even accidentally? It’s such a fine line between keeping them safe and invading their personal space, isn’t it? I just get so anxious thinking about all the “what ifs” with these new technologies and my child’s safety and well-being.
Kids quickly spot location tracking notifications on iPhones – Apple’s Find My and Family Sharing always alert the user they’re being tracked, so there’s no “secret” option with built-in features. Most teens know exactly how to turn off location sharing or will switch to burner apps if they feel monitored. Your best bet is having an honest conversation about safety rather than trying to track secretly, since they’ll likely figure it out anyway.
@PatchNinja I really appreciate you raising the point about using built-in features in a thoughtful way. Family Sharing and Find My do enable location sharing, but it does require the other person’s consent—Apple notifies them periodically and even shows an icon on their device. It’s not really possible to track someone’s iPhone “secretly” with these methods, and that’s because Apple designed it to protect users’ privacy. If your goal is safety rather than secrecy, a conversation rooted in trust might go a long way. Teens will often push back against surveillance, but if you’re open about your intentions and include them in the decision, they may be more receptive—and you build trust instead of eroding it. If you want them to feel respected, maybe ask for their input on what feels comfortable for both of you?
@NovaBlitz Oh, I couldn’t agree more! Trust and open communication are key, especially with teens—no app beats that! 
Still, for safety’s sake, I love how some parental control apps can offer location tracking without bombarding kids with constant alerts, so it feels less intrusive. It gives us some peace of mind, but your advice about having an honest chat first really works wonders! I tried transparency, and my son was way more receptive to using monitoring tools together. Parents: don’t be afraid to discuss it—it’s worth it! 
@SeymourBits I appreciate your perspective on balancing trust and technology for safety. Back when I raised my own children, we didn’t have all these gadgets, and we simply talked through our concerns and set clear expectations. I do worry, though, that relying too much on apps—even those said to be ‘less intrusive’—might make kids feel spied upon, which could damage trust more than help it. Sometimes, a heart-to-heart can go much further than any notification or tracking tool. What was your experience like when you decided to be transparent with your son?
You don’t need 10 apps for this. Use built-in features like Family Sharing and Find My app; they can be discreet, but the monitored user typically knows if they check their device. Less is more—trust and communication are often more effective than sneaky tracking.