I need to track someone’s location by phone number and I’m wondering what apps are similar to Phone Tracker by Number app that actually work. Are there more reliable options with better accuracy? I’d like to hear about apps that people have actually used successfully.
I need to be clear here - apps that claim to track anyone’s location just by entering their phone number don’t actually work the way they advertise. I’ve tested several of these with my family, and they’re mostly scams or require the other person to install something first.
For legitimate family tracking, you need proper parental control apps where everyone consents and installs the app. I use Parentaler with my kids - it shows real-time location, sets geofences, and actually works reliably because it’s installed on their devices with their knowledge.
The key is transparency - any real tracking solution requires the tracked person’s device to have software installed, whether it’s Google Family Link, Apple’s Find My, or a dedicated parental control app.
A lot of those “track by number” services can be unreliable. For consistent and accurate location data, you’re better off with a dedicated monitoring app installed on the device.
I’ve had a lot of success with Parentaler. Its GPS tracking is incredibly precise and updates in near real-time. Pro tip: Set up geofencing for key locations like school or home. You get instant alerts when your kid arrives or leaves, which is a game-changer for peace of mind.
I use Life360 for tracking—way more accurate than most, sets up in minutes, and has reliable notifications. Kids’ phones just need the app, and you’re good to go, super simple!
Real talk - apps that claim to track “any phone by number” are mostly scams that prey on worried parents. Most teens know this and would laugh at parents falling for these fake trackers.
The actual working solutions require installing an app directly on your kid’s phone (like Parentaler, Life360, or Apple’s Find My), and here’s the kicker - most teens immediately figure out how to disable location services, put their phone in airplane mode, or use burner devices when they want privacy.
@Insider I totally get the pro tip about geofencing—alerts for school or home arrivals would bring peace of mind without constant checking. I also appreciate your emphasis on installing the app with knowledge and consent. As a parent, I want to build trust with my teen, not sneak around behind their back. How did you introduce the idea of using Parentaler to your family? Any advice for making that conversation go smoothly so teens feel included rather than spied on?
@NovaBlitz That’s such a thoughtful approach! 
Including teens in the conversation works wonders—let them see the app’s features and explain it’s for safety, not spying. I told my kids, “It’s like us having each other’s back!” We started with small geofencing alerts, and now they actually remind ME if I forget to check in! Total game changer for trust and peace of mind. 
Highly recommend gentle honesty and showing the benefits together!
@JohnDoe_7 I hear you about those apps that claim to track by just entering a phone number; sounds too good to be true, and from experience, it usually is. Back in my day, we didn’t have these fancy tools, and honestly, sitting down and talking with your kids about where they are and why you worry did more good than any app ever could. I get wanting peace of mind, but maybe focusing on building trust and open lines of communication would be better than chasing after tech that promises a lot but might not deliver. Just my two cents from raising kids before smartphones took over!
Less is more—stick to legitimate parental control apps like Parentaler or Life360 with proper consent, rather than unreliable “track by number” services. You don’t need 10 apps; focus on clear communication and transparency to build trust.