Top 10 Best Cell Phone Tracking Apps For Parents 2025
Are you searching for the best cell phone tracking apps for parents to keep track of kids’ phones? It’s important to know what your children are doing and where they are, especially with growing concerns about online safety. In this article, we’ve reviewed the top 10 cell phone tracking apps from last year to help you find the best one for your needs. Take a look at the options below to make the right choice.
Research by Mobile Insurance found that one in four people worldwide lose their phone every year. The loss rate is particularly high in public spaces, with over 40% of people losing their devices in restaurants, cafes, or on public transport (Mobile Insurance, 2022).
How to Choose the Best Cell Phone Tracking Apps For Parents?
When you look for cell phone tracking apps, you’ll find many options that all claim to be the best, which can make choosing one tough. To help you narrow it down, here are three key criteria to consider when selecting the best cell phone tracker. If an app meets these important standards, it’s definitely worth your time. Take a look at these three points:
Feature Availability
Checking features is the first step in choosing an app. If you’re wondering if the app meets your tracking needs, check out the feature list. Otherwise, you may have trouble using the app. If the current app does not meet your requirements, you can switch to another app without wasting time and money.
Customer Service
Before choosing a cell phone tracking app, check its customer service. Good support is important, especially when you run into issues or need help. Make sure the app offers 24/7 support from a professional team. Look for features like live chat and a toll-free number to ensure you can get assistance quickly and easily.
Vendor Reliability
Before you decide on an app, spend some time checking its website and the vendor’s credibility. Look for contact information like phone numbers and email addresses, and reach out to see how responsive they are. Also, read reviews from other users to understand their experiences and assess the app’s reliability.
Top 10 Best Cell Phone Tracking Applications for Parents
Here are the top 10 best cell phone tracking apps for parents who want to monitor their children’s phone activities effectively and responsibly. Each app provides a range of features, such as GPS tracking, call recording, chat message monitoring, screen time limiting, and more. Explore these options to find the best phone tracking app for keeping your kids safe.
1. iKeyMonitor – Best Free Cell Phone Tracking App
iKeyMonitor is the best free cell phone tracking app for parents, designed to help you track your children’s online activities. It offers detailed GPS location tracking, allowing you to keep track of your children’s whereabouts from anywhere. If you detect that your children have gone to inappropriate places, you can contact them immediately to protect their safety.
GPS Location Tracking
iKeyMonitor helps you track your children’s location in real time, showing you exactly where they are. Whether they’re at school, with friends, or out on their own, you’ll always know where they are and if they’re safe.
Geofencing
You can set up “safe zones” for your children—where you want them to be. Whenever they go in or out of these zones, you’ll get an alert. This way, you can stay updated on their movements and make sure they’re where they’re supposed to be.
Listen to Phone Surroundings
iKeyMonitor lets you listen to what’s happening around your children’s phones. This feature gives you peace of mind by letting you hear what’s going on in your children’s phone surroundings, whether they’re at school, hanging out with friends, or traveling. It’s an extra way to keep them safe.
Screen Time Limiting
You can set limits on how long your children spend on apps. This helps make sure they’re not spending too much time on their phone and are able to focus on other important things like homework, chores, or playing outside.
Other highlights:
- SMS tracking
- Voice message recording
- Phone call recording
- VoIP call recording
- Social media chat app monitoring
- Web history tracking
- Photo and picture monitoring
- Video recording
- Keystroke logging
- Screenshot capturing
- App and game blocking
- Installed app monitoring
- Clipboard monitoring
- Live screen video watching
- Get alert word notifications
PROS:
- Easy to Use: The app has a straightforward interface, making it simple to track your child’s location and manage the features with minimal effort.
- Free Plan Available: iKeyMonitor offers a free plan that provides basic GPS tracking, geofencing, and screen time limiting.
- 24/7 Customer Support: iKeyMonitor provides round-the-clock customer support to help setup, troubleshoot, or address any concerns arising while using the app.
- Supports Multiple Languages: The app supports several languages, making it user-friendly for families worldwide.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you subscribe to a paid plan and find that the app isn’t meeting your expectations, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
CONS:
- Requires Jailbreak to Work on iOS Devices: iKeyMonitor requires a jailbreak to be installed on iOS devices.
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $29.99/month.
System Compatibility: Android 6.0 and above, iOS 8.0 and above.
2. Google Family Link – Free Cell Phone Tracker
Google Family Link is a free cell phone tracker for parents designed to help you track their kids’ devices and online activity. With Family Link, you can track your children’s GPS location in real-time, monitor app usage, and set screen time limits. The app also lets you approve or block apps, ensuring your kids only access age-appropriate content. The GPS feature is especially helpful for you to know your child’s whereabouts at any given time.
Features:
- Track GPS Location: Google Family Link lets you view the real-time GPS location of your child’s phone. It helps you monitor your child’s movements and ensure they’re safe wherever they go.
- Monitor App Activity: With Family Link, you can monitor what apps your child is using and how much time they’re spending on each, and approve or block apps based on your preferences.
- Manage Apps: This allows you to control the apps your child installs, preventing them from accessing potentially harmful or inappropriate content.
- Set Time Limits: You can set daily screen time limits for each app. Once the time limit is reached, the app will automatically lock.
- Lock Devices: You can lock your child’s device remotely, helping you enforce “no phone” rules during meals, study time, or bedtime.
PROS:
- Free: Google Family Link is entirely free to use.
- Easy to Set Up: The setup process is straightforward, with step-by-step instructions that guide parents through linking their child’s device to their own.
- Integration with Google Accounts: The app integrates seamlessly with Google services, making it easy to manage everything from a central dashboard.
CONS:
- Troublesome Installation: The app requires you to set up a new Google account for your child, which can be time-consuming and confusing for parents who are not tech-savvy.
- Works Only with Newly Created Google Accounts: Family Link only works with Google accounts created for children under 13, which means it won’t work for devices with pre-existing accounts.
- Limited Features Compared to Professional Tracking Apps: It lacks more advanced monitoring options, such as real-time GPS history or location-based alerts.
Pricing: Free.
System Compatibility: Android 5.0+, iOS 16+.
3. Google Find My Device – Phone Tracker for Android
Google Find My Device is a free phone tracker for Android devices. It allows you to track your kids’ phones on a map. If the current location is not available, you will see the last known location. It also helps you find lost Android devices and lock them until you get them back.
Features:
- GPS Tracking: Find My Device allows you to track the exact location of your child’s phone on a map, making it easy to monitor where they are at any given time.
- Play a Sound: If your child misplaces their phone, Find My Device lets you play a sound on the phone, even if it’s on silent mode.
- Erase or Lock the Device: If you suspect that the phone is lost or stolen, Find My Device enables you to erase all the data remotely or lock the device to prevent unauthorized access.
PROS:
- Easy and Free: The app is easy to use and completely free, with no subscription required.
- Accurate Location Tracking: The GPS tracking provided by Find My Device is precise, allowing you to see your child’s exact location in real-time.
- Simple Interface: The app’s clean and straightforward design ensures that even non-technical users can navigate and use it efficiently.
CONS:
- Works on Android Only: Google Find My Device is limited to Android phones, so it won’t be useful for parents with iPhones or other devices.
- Requires Google Account and Passwords: The app relies on having access to your child’s Google account credentials, which means you need to ensure your child’s account is linked and that you have the correct passwords.
Pricing: Free.
System Compatibility: Android 9.0+.
Download: Android
4. Google Maps – Phone Tracking App for Android
Google Maps is a free Android phone tracking app for parents that was developed by Google. It is mainly used for exploration and navigation, but you can use it as a location-tracking app. Just ask your children to share their location to start tracking. The price of this app is zero dollars, and you can access its service without paying.
Features:
- Location Sharing: Google Maps allows you to share your child’s location in real-time with other family members or friends.
- Real-Time Updates: You can track your child’s location as it updates in real-time, providing the most accurate information about their whereabouts.
- Offline Maps: Even when there’s no internet connection, Google Maps lets you download maps ahead of time so you can continue to track your child’s location offline.
- Indoor Maps: Google Maps provides detailed indoor maps for certain locations such as malls, airports, and shopping centers, allowing you to track your child even in large public spaces.
PROS:
- Free: Google Maps is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
- Highly Accurate: It offers one of the most accurate location tracking services available, ensuring that you’re always up-to-date on your child’s whereabouts.
- Wide Range of Features: It offers various features like real-time updates, offline maps, and indoor navigation.
CONS:
- Limited Accuracy in Certain Areas: While Google Maps is generally accurate, its location tracking can be slower or less reliable in areas with poor GPS coverage or poor network connections.
- Slow to Load: The app may take some time to load, especially if the phone is located in a densely populated area where location data is more challenging.
- Some Features Not Available in All Countries: Certain features, like indoor maps or offline navigation, may not be available in all regions or countries.
Pricing: Free
System Compatibility: Android 8.0+, iOS 15 or later.
Download: Android
5. Find My – Phone Tracker for iPhone
Find My app is a free phone tracker for iPhone offered by Apple Inc. It allows you to track your child’s location in real time and even track their device offline. If the phone is lost, you can use the “Lost Mode” to help locate it and lock it remotely. While Find My is completely free, it is only available on iOS devices and does not offer the same depth of features as some other tracking apps.
Features:
- Location Tracking: Find My allows you to track your child’s iPhone in real time using GPS. Whether your child is at school, at a friend’s house, or out with friends, you can monitor their exact location remotely.
- Offline Tracking: Even when your child’s phone is offline, Find My can still help you locate their device if it has been previously located within a nearby area.
- Lost Mode: If the device is lost or misplaced, you can activate Lost Mode remotely.
PROS:
- Completely Free: Find My is free for iOS users without any extra costs.
- Integrated with iCloud: Since Find My works through iCloud, it integrates seamlessly with your child’s Apple ID, making setup and management simple and secure.
- Built-in into iOS Devices: The app is pre-installed on iPhones, so you don’t have to download anything extra to start tracking your child’s device.
CONS:
- Only Works on iOS Devices: Find My is exclusive to Apple devices, so it won’t be useful if you or your child use Android phones.
- Limited Tracking Features: While Find My provides basic location tracking, it lacks some advanced features like geofencing or detailed location history that other apps offer.
Pricing: Free
System Compatibility: iOS 15 or later.
Download: iOS
6. FollowMee – Cell Phone Tracker App
FollowMee is a cell phone tracker app for parents that provides real-time tracking for both iOS and Android devices. With FollowMee, you can easily monitor multiple devices from a single account. Once the app is set up, it delivers up-to-the-minute tracking information, ensuring you always stay updated on your family’s whereabouts.
Features:
- Location Tracking: FollowMee offers accurate real-time location tracking with GPS. It helps you follow your child’s movements remotely, whether they’re commuting, playing, or spending time with friends.
- Location Sharing: You can share your child’s real-time location with trusted family members or friends.
- Geo-fence: FollowMee allows you to set virtual boundaries, sending you alerts when your child enters or exits these zones. You can set geofences around important places like home, school, or a friend’s house.
- Mileage Report: This feature tracks the distance your child travels each day, giving you insights into their activity patterns.
PROS:
- No Advertisements: FollowMee offers an ad-free experience, so your child’s tracking app isn’t disrupted by any pop-ups or ads.
- Tracks Multiple Devices: You can monitor multiple devices with FollowMee.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app is simple to use and doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge.
CONS:
- Monthly Fees for Extra Services: The free version provides basic tracking, but you will need to upgrade to a paid plan to access more advanced features like real-time tracking and alerts.
- Limited Features in Free Version: While the free version is useful, it doesn’t offer features like alerts, location history, or advanced tracking that are available in premium versions.
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium plan starts at $5.99/month.
System Compatibility: Android 5.1 and higher, iOS 12.0 and higher.
7. iSharing – Family Phone Tracker
iSharing is a family phone tracker for parents that helps ensure your family’s safety. With the iSharing app, you can easily track the real-time location of your family members on a secure, private map. You can also receive automatic notifications if a family member is nearby, ensuring you stay informed about their whereabouts at all times.
Features:
- Real-Time Location Tracking: iSharing lets you track your child’s location in real time, so you always know where they are.
- Real-Time Alerts: You can set up geofences and receive instant notifications when your child enters or exits certain locations, such as home or school.
- Location History: iSharing keeps a history of your child’s past locations, which can help you identify their usual routes or habits and monitor their safety over time.
PROS:
- Free to Use: iSharing provides all its core tracking features for free, which is an excellent option for budget-conscious families.
- No Ads: Unlike many free apps, iSharing is free from advertisements, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
- Simple Setup: The app is easy to install and set up, so even parents who aren’t tech-savvy can get started without hassle.
CONS:
- Limited Tracking Features: iSharing offers basic location tracking and notifications but lacks more advanced features, such as screen monitoring or detailed reports.
- No Advanced Geofencing Options: While you can set up basic geofences, iSharing doesn’t offer detailed or customizable geofencing features in some other apps.
Pricing: Free
System Compatibility: Android 7.1, iOS 13.4 and higher.
8. Prey Anti Theft – Phone Tracker for Android and iPhone
Prey Anti Theft is a phone tracker for Android and iPhone. It’s designed to help you track your children’s devices in case of loss or theft. Prey offers features like location history tracking and geofencing, as well as the ability to lock or remotely wipe a phone if it’s stolen. The app also includes a “Lost Mode” that allows you to activate alarms or send messages to the device.
Features:
- Location History Tracking: Prey allows you to track your child’s device history, so you can review where they’ve been in the past.
- Geofencing: You can set up virtual boundaries and receive notifications when your child enters or leaves specific areas.
- Remote Lock: If your child’s phone is lost or stolen, Prey lets you lock the device remotely, preventing unauthorized access to their personal information.
PROS:
- Free to Use: Prey offers a free version with basic location tracking features, which is a great option for parents who want a no-cost solution.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app is easy to use and provides an intuitive interface, so even first-time users can easily set up and manage the app.
- Great for Anti-Theft: Additional features like a remote lock and location history tracking make Prey a useful tool for tracking children and protecting against phone theft.
CONS:
- Limited Features in Free Version: To access the full range of features like real-time tracking and geofencing, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version.
- Potential Security/Privacy Vulnerabilities: As with any app that tracks location, there are concerns about privacy and data security.
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium plan starts at $5/month.
System Compatibility: Android, iOS.
9. Life360 – Cell Phone Tracker for Android and iPhone
Life360 is an Android/iPhone cell phone tracker for parents that is compatible with both Android and iPhone. With Life360, you can keep track of your children’s locations without having to ask them directly. The app provides real-time updates on their whereabouts, so you always know where they are or where they’ve been.
Features:
- Location History Tracking: Life360 tracks your child’s movements over time, so you can view where they’ve been and at what times.
- Place Alerts: You can set up alerts for specific places like home, school, or a friend’s house. Life360 will notify you when your child arrives at or leaves these locations.
- ID Theft Protection: The app offers ID theft protection, which can monitor your child’s identity and help you detect suspicious activity.
PROS:
- Free to Use: Life360 offers a free version with location tracking and alerts, making it a cost-effective option for families.
- Comprehensive Family Tracking: The app provides a complete solution for monitoring your child’s location, driving habits, and overall safety, with a wide range of features.
- ID Theft Protection: The addition of ID theft protection is a unique feature that helps you protect your child’s personal information from being compromised.
CONS:
- Complex Installation: The app setup can be a bit complicated, especially for those who are not tech-savvy or new to family tracking apps.
- Location Services Can Drain Battery: Continuous location tracking can consume a lot of battery power.
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium plan starts at $7.99/month.
System Compatibility: Android 9.0 and higher, iOS: iOS 14.0 and higher.
10. Find My Kids – Kid Phone Tracking App
Find My Kids is a kid phone tracking app designed to ensure your children’s safety. This app allows you to monitor your kids’ locations on a map and review their daily location history. Once installed on your children’s phones, Find My Kids sends you notifications when they arrive home, go to school, or visit any other location.
Features:
- GPS Location Tracker: The app tracks your child’s phone using GPS in real-time, allowing you to monitor their whereabouts at all times.
- Application Control: You can control which apps your child is allowed to use, ensuring they aren’t spending too much time on potentially harmful apps.
- Loud Notification: If there’s an emergency, you can send a loud notification to your child’s phone, alerting them immediately.
PROS:
- Easy to Use: The app is user-friendly and doesn’t require much technical knowledge to operate, making it ideal for parents with minimal tech experience.
- No Registration Required: You can start using the app immediately without the need to go through a lengthy registration process.
CONS:
- Monthly Subscription Can Be Expensive: While the app offers valuable features, its subscription costs may be too high for some families, especially if they only need basic tracking features.
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium plan starts at $4.99/month.
System Compatibility: iOS 15.0 or later, Android versions 7.0 (Nougat) and higher.
Download: Android
Conclusion
Here are the top 10 free cell phone tracking apps for parents, each with its own pros and cons. You can choose the one that best fits your needs. For basic tracking, Google Family Link is a great option, while iKeyMonitor offers more advanced features if you need something more detailed.
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