Best Apps to Track Child Location For Caring Parents

Discover the top tracking apps for kids designed to enhance your child’s safety and provide you with peace of mind through real-time location updates and advanced monitoring features.

Keeping tabs on kids and other family members can be a real headache. However, with today’s tracking and mobile technology, the process has become a lot easier and faster than it used to be.

In this article, we list some of the best real-time location tracking apps as well as their pros and cons. You’ll discover fantastic apps like Findmykids, which accurately tracks children while adding extra options to boost your kid’s protection and assist in emergencies. Here’s what you should know about the top apps to track kids’ locations!

Contents

• Our Тоp Picks
• Best App to Track Your Child’s Location
• How to Choose the Best App to Track Your Child
• FAQs

Our Тоp Picks

By using a mobile location tracking app, you can know the whereabouts of your loved ones and get location alerts when they reach or leave home. The different kinds of tracking apps available in the market offer different features depending on your needs. You can read about them here and choose the best app for you and your family.

Best App to Track Your Child’s Location

Findmykids

Findmykids is the most comprehensive GPS location-tracking app for parents. The app can tell you a person’s current location as well as their location history to help you ensure your child’s safety. It’s also simple to use—all you have to do is install it and follow the instructions upon setup.

The app is available for Android as well as iOS devices. Сlick here to download it now and try it for free!

It’s impressive how easy it is to use the Findmykids app. You can’t put a price on the peace of mind provided by this app. And on top of that, you’ll get detailed app statistics, so you’ll know how much your child uses social media, other messaging apps, and the phone overall. You can also send a loud signal when you want your child to check in. The loud signal will bypass the silent mode, ensuring the kid gets your message.

Findmykids comes with monthly, annual, and unlimited subscriptions for up to three devices, ensuring anyone can find their favorite pricing package.

The primary features of the Findmykids GPS app are:

• 24/7 real-time location tracking with the history of your kid’s whereabouts;
• accurate geopositioning for up to 12 meters;
• alert notifications when your child steps into an unauthorized area;
• compatibility with GPS smartwatch devices;
• a report on your child’s smartphone activity (app management);
• the audio recording of your child’s surroundings (Android only).

Pros:

• all features are available with the free trial;
• certified by COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act ) under the kidSAFE Seal Program;
• includes an SOS button for emergency alerts;
• accurate location information;
• easy-to-use interface;
• minimum impact on device autonomy;
• grants admin rights only to parents;
• option to add an unlimited number of devices to your account.

Cons:

• limited-time free trial.

User Review

“Amazing! My son likes to walk himself to school with friends as we live close, and he’s nearly 10. We both love the features, and I can follow him precisely if needed. Definitely worth the upgrade if you want more features! But even the free version is very useful and easy to use for both myself and my son.” Claire Kinney

Most parental control apps don’t have a geolocation feature, so Findmykids is a good choice if you want to combine these two features—geolocation and child phone usage analytics.

Life360

Next on our list is Life360. This is one of the kid tracker apps that is perfect for families as it helps keep track of different family members and helps everyone stay connected.

The idea of location sharing is convenient, especially if you are behind the wheel. You can tap on your family member’s photo, and the system will automatically provide directions to that location. 

The free version, however, only offers two days of location history, and there are limited place alerts, which could compromise the app’s functionality, while the premium features cost $4.99 monthly. 

You can use the Life360 app to track the location of other family members on Android and iOS devices.

Some of the features of Life360 are:

• displays the ETA (estimated time of arrival) of a user;
• notification alerts when a member arrives/leaves a saved place (like home or school);
• an SOS option that notifies your family when you need help;
• helps family members share their locations;
• automatic car crash detection (US users);
• driver Protect version tracks the driving behavior of members.

Pros:

• accurate location sharing;
• emergency panic button;
• in-app messaging;
• car breakdown assistance.

Cons:

• many features need to be paid for.

User Review

“I use Life360 because it lets me know when my family has left or gotten to school. It’s important I know when my sisters and mom get home safely.” Jessup

Hoverwatch

Hoverwatch is one of the most accurate mobile location tracking apps available on Android smartphones for parents. The impressive geolocation feature accurately pinpoints the location of your kid’s Android device using Wi-Fi signals, cell towers, and GPS satellites.

While Hoverwatch is an advanced app that monitors children’s online activity, it’s also among the more expensive ones. 

You have monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions, with the last one costing €99.95, which is quite pricey.

Apart from location tracking, the app offers some useful features that include:

• ability to track the messaging activity on apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.;
• tracks the internet history of a device;
• traces received calls and SMSes;
• takes phone screenshots when you want.

Pros:

• simple and easy-to-use interface;
• accurate GPS tracking;
• can track messaging apps;
• records incoming and outgoing calls.

Cons:

• advanced features require the target phone to be rooted;
• limited free trial.

Users Review

Hoverwatch has received positive feedback for its reliability, ease of use, and responsive customer support. Users appreciate its quick issue resolution, simple setup, and effectiveness in monitoring online activities, particularly for parents overseeing teenagers and employers tracking workplace productivity. Many find it a valuable tool for ensuring safety and efficiency without direct supervision. Source

FamiSafe

One of the most trusted real-time location tracking apps for families, FamiSafe offers a plethora of features that make it extremely useful. Apart from accurate location tracking, it also has a “geofencing” feature that lets you identify a certain area and get real-time alerts when someone arrives or leaves that area.

Similar to other location tracking applications, you can download FamiSafe from the Google Play Store for Android or the iOS store for Apple’s devices. The monthly plan starts at $10.99 per month, although you can get a yearly subscription for $60.99.

That’s not all. Some other features that you can find on FamiSafe include:

• website filtering to block inappropriate content;
• parental control app features such as screen time control;
• app blocker and activity tracking;
• location history report;
• explicit content detection.

Pros:

• tracks real-time location;
• compatible with Android and iOS devices;
• useful phone usage analytics;
• cyberbullying prevention.

Cons:

• limited-period free trial;
• no call monitoring.

Users Review

FamiSafe receives mixed reviews. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, flexible settings, and continuous improvements. Many find it helpful for monitoring their children’s online activity, though some mention occasional glitches with notifications and app blocking. Overall, it’s a versatile tool for parental control, with room for enhancement. Source

Find My Phone

If you’ve dealt with the stress and inconvenience of a lost or stolen device, this GPS location tracker is for you. Find My Phone’s navigational assistance guides you to your lost smartphone device, making retrieval quick and easy. The functionality available on mobile devices ensures constant location updates so you can easily locate the phone’s whereabouts.

Using this GPS tracker app, you can instantly:

• find a lost, stolen, or missing device, no matter who it belongs to;
• keep a tab on missing or lost devices;
• track where a device has been using the location history feature.

Pros:

• provides an accurate location of your device;
• easy user interface;
• helpful in tracking lost devices;
• provides location history;
• free to use.

Cons:

• limited features;
• cannot track app activities.

Users Review

Find My Phone is a reliable tool for locating lost devices, offering features like remote ringing, locking, and erasing. Users appreciate its accuracy, especially its ability to provide an exact address. While some wish for louder alerts or better compatibility with non-preinstalled devices, it remains a must-have for security and peace of mind. Source

Find My

Apple combined two of its apps, Find My Friends and Find My iPhone, to create the new real-time location tracking app Find My after the iOS 13 update in 2019. This application comes pre-installed on all iOS devices. It does not just help you track your own iPhone in case it gets lost, but it also helps you keep tabs on the whereabouts of your loved ones once they share it with you.

The overall functionality, however, is quite limited. We understand that Find My is free and not designed to be a geotracking app in the first place, but if you prefer detailed reports and extra features for your monitoring tool, this isn’t the best app for you. Instead, we suggest looking for one where you can determine the frequency of location checks and use other advanced features.

Other features of this app include:

• can share location through the app or iMessage;
• helps locate all kinds of Apple devices—iPhones, iPads, AirPods, Macs, and Apple Watches;
• can instantly and remotely lock your device;
• can erase your data if necessary.

Pros:

• provide the location of your missing Apple device;
• locate your device even if it isn’t connected to the internet;
• easy to share location with friends and family;
• can be used on multiple Apple devices.

Cons:

• limited features;
• doesn’t track app activity.

iSharing

iSharing is the best app for location tracking for families. The app is extremely secure and allows you to track your family members privately and in real time with the GPS tracker. It also gives automatic location updates and alerts when someone leaves/arrives at a particular location or if they are nearby.
Although the basic version is free, you can apply for a Premium subscription, which costs $3.99 per month. And even with those options, don’t expect any additional features like an option to monitor calls.

Some other features include:

• directions to your loved one’s location;
• can send a panic alert to selected contacts;
• shows the battery status of your loved one’s phone;
• can convert phones into walkie-talkies;
• message your loved ones in-app.

Pros:

• clean and easy-to-use UI;
• displays driving habits through summary graphs;
• available on iPhones and Android devices;
• essential features available in the free version;
• provides a person’s location history.

Cons:

• in-app purchases.

Users Review

iSharing offers useful location-sharing features like real-time tracking, battery monitoring, and driving speed insights, making it convenient for families. However, many users report issues with accuracy, delayed notifications, excessive ads, and frustrating subscription policies, including unexpected charges and difficulties with cancellation. While some appreciate its design and free features, others find it unreliable compared to alternatives. Source

Google Maps

Well-known for providing directions, Google Maps is the best app for location tracking on either iPhones or Android devices. Google Maps lets you share your live location with friends or family, letting them know your whereabouts and ETA.

Although Google Maps is free and convenient, its features are quite limiting. If you want full child activity tracking, you won’t find it here since there are no screen time management features or social media monitoring. But for what it’s worth, Google Maps could be useful until you find a better alternative for your kids’ online safety.

Some other features of Google Maps include:

• real-time travel updates—shows road blockages, delays, accidents, etc.;
• suggests the fastest routes;
• finds directions to almost any location you can think of.

Pros:

• you can select a duration for sharing your location;
• maintains a timeline of your location history;
• supported by iOS as well as Android devices;
• provides highly accurate location sharing.

Cons:

• directions can be inaccurate at times;
• has limited features when it comes to activity tracking.

Users Review

While the app runs smoothly overall and offers useful features, several users report issues affecting its core functionality. Some complain about laggy performance in driving mode, inaccurate routing, and an overcomplicated timeline update. On the positive side, many still rely on it daily, appreciating its mapping capabilities, but hope for better optimization and fewer disruptive updates. Source

Kaspersky Safe Kids

As geotracking is the focus of our review, let’s mention that Kaspersky Safe Kids provides detailed information about your child’s whereabouts at all moments. But that only scratches the surface of what this app can do.

The biggest advantage of Kaspersky Safe Kids is screen time management. It’s a parental control app where you can set how much time your kid can use a certain device per day, as well as prevent them from even installing social media apps. Another way to keep kids safe is to use Safe Search and web filtering to hide inappropriate content.  It’s also possible to create schedules for using a device. For example, you can limit kids’ use of their phones during family time.

Although you can download the app for free, you achieve full functionality only with the premium version, which is a bit pricey. And the installation on your and the kid’s phone will take some time.

Some of the other features of Kaspersky Safe Kids are:

• GPS tracking used to monitor the child’s location;
• detailed reports about the app, internet, and YouTube activity;
• web filtering and Safe Search options;
• available on Android and iOS devices;

Pros:

• provides highly accurate real-time locations;
• it helps build proper digital habits with device scheduling;
• you can block apps to prevent your kid from using them;
• excellent internet filtering options;

Cons:

• installation takes a bit of time and effort.

Users Review

Kaspersky Safe Kids offers helpful features for parents, such as screen time management, internet usage scheduling, and GPS tracking, making it easier to set boundaries and monitor children’s online activities. Many appreciate its age-specific recommendations and the ability to track YouTube content, which helps in guiding kids toward safer digital habits. However, some parents may find the controls require fine-tuning to balance restrictions with flexibility, and individual preferences for content filtering might vary. Source

Google Family Link

Google Family Link is more than just a basic Family Locator; it enables you to take control of your child’s phone by setting various app permissions, managing usage, and tracking their location. Google Family Link also allows parents to adjust time limits on device usage so kids can maintain a healthier balance with screen-based activities.

For location tracking, Family Link offers real-time positioning, allowing you to see where multiple family members are at any time. Simply connect the desired devices to your account, and you’ll have access to these features at no cost.

Google Family Link comes with a user-friendly interface but limited features, especially when compared with premium apps in this category. But it’s available for both Android and iOS devices, so you can give it a shot.

Some of the Google Family Link features are:

• tracking multiple family members from a single device;
• adjusting app permissions to protect your child’s privacy;
• receiving notifications and alerts when your kid leaves a location
• setting screen time limits and guiding them to age-appropriate content

Pros:

• available on Android and iOS devices;
• it’s easy to set screen time limits;
• free to download and use forever;
• a simple and intuitive interface;
• it’s not only a parental control app.

Cons:

• its features aren’t as expensive as other child-tracking apps.

Users Review

The app is useful for tracking a child’s location and managing screen time, but users report several issues. Many struggle with changing settings, navigating the interface, and dealing with unexpected app behavior. Some find the latest updates more confusing, while others experience problems with lock features, location tracking, and app permissions. Parents appreciate features like arrival notifications and time limits but wish for better control over individual apps and emergency contacts. Source

Norton Family

Norton Family comes from a reputable antivirus and security software company of the same name. It goes beyond family locator apps since it’s an all-around parental control software. If we focus on monitoring the kids’ whereabouts, the app provides 24/7 real-time location tracking. Norton Family provides automatic location updates, and you can set a specific time or date when the software will send an auto-alert. That allows you to determine the frequency of location check alerts.

The check-in feature allows the child to use the advanced location abilities to send you their whereabouts at any moment. Norton Family also allows setting favorite places, which means the app will send an alert and track location wherever the child leaves the permissible area. If you have the best interest of your kids in mind, Norton Family can be a useful app with location features.

Here are some features of Norton Family:

• 24/7 real-time location tracking for the entire family;
• supports up to 15 users, which means you can easily track more children;
• set screen time limits and create schedules for using the device;
• receive reports about the social networks and sites your kid is visiting;
• easily control access to harmful or inappropriate content.

Pros:

• comprehensive parental control app with location tracking features;
• a 30-day free trial is available for Norton Family;
• an extensive history that can track location updates and log them for 30 days;
• set permissible areas and activate automatic location alerts when the kid leaves them.

Cons:

• it’s among the more expensive kid tracker apps;
• no option to chat with your child in the app.

Users Review

The app offers useful parental controls, a well-designed web interface, and a helpful instant lock feature. However, the setup process can be confusing, and location tracking may update with delays. Some users experience occasional technical issues, such as difficulties unlocking devices or settings not applying correctly. While the app has strong content filtering and supervision tools, certain features may not work consistently across all devices and operating systems. Source

How to Choose the Best App to Track Your Child

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

The general factors to consider when selecting an app to monitor your child’s whereabouts include:

• Device compatibility. Nowadays, most apps that track children’s locations are available for Android and iOS. You can even use some on PCs.
• Budget. Some apps are free, while others require purchasing. The majority, however, have some premium features that require buying the app or signing up for a monthly subscription.
• Ease of use. Is it easy to install on your and the child’s devices? Can you enter the app and check the location effortlessly?
• Real-time updates. This is perhaps the crucial feature because most parents will get peace of mind only knowing that they track their kid’s location in real time.

Here are some other things to consider and features to look for when selecting an app to track your child:

• Geo-fencing features. Many apps call these the safe zones. You select the locations that are considered secure, such as home, school, or park. The app notifies you if your kid has arrived or left the safe zone.
• Unlimited family members. This is important if you have more than one child, but also if you want to add other family members to track their location.
• Location history. It can be an important feature since you can check back and see where your kid has been the previous days.
• Tune in to listen to the environment. If you don’t get your call answered, it can help to listen to the current environment. You can rest assured that your child isn’t being harassed or in bad company.
• App statistics. This can also be very important regardless of the child’s age, but especially for older kids. Seeing how much time they spend in apps and potentially considering reducing screen use or restricting particular applications can be vital for a parent.
• Block unwanted calls. If you don’t trust your child won’t talk to strangers, this can be a neat addition. Your kid will only be able to receive calls from phone book contacts and not anyone else. It can be convenient for teenagers.

Related: How to Track the Location of a Phone Number — Tested and Legal Ways.

FAQs

Is it legal to track my child’s location?

If your kid is a minor and you are their parent or legal guardian, there’s no law preventing you from using a GPS device on your child’s devices. Being informed of their whereabouts could help them stay out of trouble and ensure you can easily track them if they get lost.

Which features should I look for in a location-tracking app?

You want a reliable app that will be compatible with your child’s phone. GPS is the usual technology used for tracking, and providing real-time updates on your kid’s location is important. Other useful features include screen time management (like in parental control apps), audio and video calls, and emergency alerts.

What is a Family Locator?

Family Locator is a feature in family tracking apps that helps families stay connected by providing real-time location updates of family members on a shared map. It allows parents or guardians to view their child’s current location, track location history, and set up alerts when family members arrive at or leave designated places, such as school or home.

In addition to location tracking, many Family Locator apps also offer screen time management tools, helping parents monitor and set limits on their child’s device usage. Family Locator aims to enhance family safety, communication, and peace of mind by keeping parents informed about both location and screen habits.

Examples of popular apps with Family Locator features include Family Link, Life360, and Findmykids.

How accurate is a location-tracking app?

It depends on the parent tracker app used, but if the software uses GPS technology to locate the child’s device, it should be quite precise. That means the app should show the kid’s location with an accuracy of 10-50 feet.

Can a location-tracking app drain my phone’s battery?

A family tracking app is using your battery, but no more or less than most other apps you frequently use. Another thing to consider is that the activated GPS option on your kid’s phone will use up more of their battery than usual. But with a smartphone with a reliable and durable battery, these apps shouldn’t make much of a difference when it comes to battery use.

How to make the iOS app run location tracking even if it is closed?

Follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
2. Ensure that “Location services” is turned on.
3. Scroll down until you find the location-tracking app you want to keep running.
4. Tap the app and select the option “always.”

The app will now have access to your location even when it’s running in the background.

Whether it’s for keeping tabs on your children’s activities and locations or tracking a loved one while they travel, mobile location tracking apps have become a necessity, especially for parents. These apps give you peace of mind by helping you keep your kids safe online and in real life.

What is the best app to track my child?

If you need a reliable parent app with accurate location tracking, you can’t go wrong with Findmykids. Its advanced location abilities pinpoint the tracked device’s location within 12 meters, and it’s also compatible with a special GPS kid smartwatch device.

Findmykids app

What is the best app for monitoring your child’s phone?

Although it primarily belongs to location tracking applications, Findmykids also provides information regarding the child’s app statistics. You can see how much time they spend using a particular app and figure out if it’s necessary to limit screen time.

What is the best free family tracking app?

Google Family Link is a simple and free choice for accurate location reports. But if you are looking for a powerful and feature-rich child tracker app, Findmykids is the way to go. Try the free trial to see functions like constant location updates and extensive location history in action. You’ll also be able to listen to the audio around your child, block unwanted calls, or receive an SOS signal if they press the panic button.

How does Google Family Link compare to Findmykids?

Google Family Link and Findmykids are both popular parental control apps, but each has unique features suited for different needs. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Google Family Link is a free app focusing on managing screen time, setting app permissions, and tracking a child’s device location. It’s ideal for parents who want basic monitoring and control over app use. However, it has limited features compared to more comprehensive apps like Findmykids, such as real-time notifications or audio monitoring.
• Findmykids, on the other hand, offers more advanced tracking capabilities. In addition to accurate location tracking, it allows audio monitoring around the child’s device and includes a Family Locator feature, which gives parents a more detailed view of their child’s surroundings. It also has an SOS button for emergencies and is compatible with GPS kid watches.

For parents looking for time limits and app controls, Google Family Link provides an easy-to-use solution without any costs. Findmykids is a better choice for those needing more in-depth monitoring options and enhanced location accuracy. Both are available on Android and iOS, so parents can select the app that best suits their family’s needs

Can you put Life360 on a phone without them knowing?

It’s necessary to install the app on the device whose exact location you plan to track. After making an account, you give the app permission to track your phone location, and you are then able to monitor it from another device.