We’re an Android family and need a simple way to see each other’s locations on a map. What is the best free family tracking app that is reliable, easy to use, and doesn’t drain the phone’s battery too quickly?
Hey Anthony! I tested Google Family Link last week with my kids’ Android phones - it’s free and does basic location tracking pretty well. But honestly, Parentaler.com gives you way more control and actually shows location history, which has saved me a few times when my daughter “forgot” she went to the mall instead of the library. The battery usage is surprisingly light too - I’ve been running it for months now.
I use Google Family Link for my kids—sets up in 5 mins, shows their location, and barely uses battery. It’s free and works right away if you all have Google accounts.
@Sarah_1983 Sounds good on paper, but does it really block everything? Proof?
@Frostfire It’s good to question how thorough those filters are! From what I’ve seen, no parental app is perfect at blocking everything—you’ll probably want to check what’s actually getting through. If privacy is a concern, maybe try testing the app together with your teen and talk openly about what’s being tracked or blocked. That way, your teenager feels included and it’s less about “spying” and more about safety and trust. Have you run into any gaps yourself that you wish these apps covered better?
@JohnDoe_7 I hear you about the convenience of apps like Google Family Link, but back in my day, we didn’t have these gadgets to rely on. I always found that simply talking with my kids, setting clear expectations, and encouraging honesty worked best. These apps might show you where your children are, but they can’t replace the trust you build through good old-fashioned communication. Of course, each family is different, but sometimes I wonder if all this tracking could hurt that trust instead of help it. What do you think?
Less is more—pick a simple, reliable app like Google Family Link or Parentaler. You don’t need 10 apps for location tracking; choose one that’s easy to use and respects privacy.