The internet is filled with queries on how to track a cell phone number and that could be for any reason. It could be because you just want to know, or it could be a privacy concern for some. Tracking someone’s location using the phone number can be useful during emergencies. For example, we may want to keep an eye on our kids or our loved ones if worried about their safety or look for the phone when stolen. Moreover, tracking the phone location also becomes important in case of anonymous calls.
When trying to track a phone number, we must ensure that it’s not with malicious intent or a breach of privacy. On that note, in this post, we will help you track a cell phone number using different methods.
Tracking a cell phone number is pretty easy these days; provided we have the right tools. Thanks to the software developers and the rising competition, there’s a plethora of options out there, both free and paid.
The free ones are usually the online phone lookup services that help us to locate the approximate location of the phone. These are reverse lookup services on the web and as phone apps and would only provide the general location to locate phone number
The paid versions are third-party software like spy apps that help us track the exact location of the cell phone. For this, it uses the phone number and the built-in GPS. These apps track the phone’s movement history which helps them to provide the exact location. This makes these apps more reliable, useful, and easy to use.
How to track a Cell Phone Number legally & privately?
Let us take a look at some of the apps and services that can help you track a Cell Phone Number legally & privately:
- Google Maps
- Using an IMEI Tracker
- Whitepages
- Reverse phone lookup
- Use Caller Name (CNAM) or Caller ID
- Track cell phone numbers using phone spy apps
- Search in Social Media
- Contact your service provider.
How to track a phone number online
1] Google Maps
With Google Maps, we can track a cell phone number in three different ways using GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking technology:
- Find my device – tracks the current location and the previous location history.
- Location History – For this, the phone number owner has to be signed into their Google account and it will show us everywhere the person has been.
- Third-party apps – Alternatively, we can use 3rd party software that can track a cell phone’s location using GPS, although it may not be precise.
The Find My Device app is specially designed to find a lost mobile phone, it can also track a phone’s location accurately. Here’s how:
- Download and install the app from the PlayStore on the target device.
- Open the app, and enable Find My Device.
- Select Find my device web to open the app in the phone’s browser.
- Now, type in the Gmail address of the target in the search box to find their location.
- However, we must ensure that the target device is on and is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data to see the location in real time.
Read: Google Maps Alternatives to secure your privacy
2] Using an IMEI Tracker
Each mobile phone has its unique 15-digit number called the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This number usually helps to track lost phones when apps like FindMyDevice fail. To use this, we need to download an IMEI tracker app like the Google Find My Device IMEI Tracker, Wheres My Droid, etc. We would then need to Allow the app to access the location, type in the IMEI number, and tap on Track to search for the cell phone location.
We can also use web-based IMEI trackers like IMEI-Tracker.com, TrackIMEI.net, and more. These will help you find the location by phone number.
3] Whitepages
Visit the official Whitepages website based on your country (USA, Australia, India, etc.), input the phone number in the search field, and hit Enter, and the website will start looking for the details. We can search by phone number, owner’s name, and address as well. Once the search is complete, it will display the location and the owner’s name of the phone number.
Read: Your location has recently been accessed or is currently in use
4] Reverse phone lookup
While Whitepages is a good example of a reverse phone lookup service, other services work on a similar concept and help us find a cell phone number online.
For example, NumLooker, Cocofinder, WhoCallMe, Spokeo, BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, Social Catfish, PeopleFinders, TrueCaller and WhatIsThisNumber, are among the top web portals that help track cell phone numbers efficiently. However, these cater to users only from the US.
To search for phone number locations based on your country, we can use web services like Phone Location, GPS Mobile Number Tracker, Mobile Number Tracker, Intelius, GPS Cell Phone Locator or Truthfinder. For Android, we can use this Reverse Phone Lookup app to track the cell phone number.
5] Use Caller Name (CNAM) or Caller ID
We can also use CNAM apps to look up details about a person or their phone number. This service is specific to users from the USA; however, Truecaller, a Caller ID, is a universal app working on a similar concept. These apps display the name, number, and some part of the address (city and state) of the person calling.
Related: How to find Who Is This Number Registered To?
6] Track cell phone numbers using phone spy apps & phone number tracker tools
Spy tracking apps are the best way to track a phone number location in a full-proof manner. While there are not many such apps due to legal issues, the ones like mSpy, EyeZy, EaseUS Find360, IMAP software or Intelius do a great job of finding the phone’s location. The only risk associated with these apps is that they must be downloaded on the target device.
Once done, these phone number tracker tools can find the exact location of the device using Wi-Fi or GPS along with other details like texts, call logs, or keyword alerts. However, we must pay a fee and obtain an app license to avail of the services.
You can track someone by their cell phone number using reliable phone number tracker apps for Android and iOS. Some of the best options include XYZ Tracker, Life360, Spokeo, ABC Locator, and PQR Mobile Tracker. These apps provide accurate location information and additional features like call history and messaging tracking. Download a trusted phone number tracker app to keep tabs on someone’s whereabouts easily.
7] Search in Social Media
Social Media sites like Facebook or Twitter can be a great way to track a cell phone number. For example, we must launch the site, enter the phone number in the search field, and hit Enter. The site will now pull up the owner’s name and other details unless the owner is registered with the site or has strict privacy settings.
8] Contact your service provider
If you are trying to track a cell phone number that belongs to someone on your service provider’s network, you can contact your service provider and ask them to help you locate the phone or check the location of the number.
All the best!
Can I track a cell phone with just a number?
Gone are the days when we would either need a phone book and directory to search for the owner’s details or contact the mobile network provider to track a cell phone number. All thanks to the Internet, in the current times, to find a Cell Phone Number Online, all we need to do is to head to the search engine and search for the caller details either through the web using online phone trackers or we can download a free/paid app to find the phone number location.
How do I track a phone number on Google Maps?
Google Maps requires the owner’s permission to share the real-time location of his phone using the Location Sharing option. Simply open the Map on the target device, tap on the profile icon on the top right, and select Location Sharing. Next, tap Share location, select the time (from 15 minutes to 24 hours or Until you turn this off), and then select the contact, for example, your name (whom you want to share the location with).
The app will then share a location tracking link to your phone via a message. You can then click on the link to track the live location of the target device.
How to track a phone number using Android Phone
To track a phone number using Android Phone, you can use mSpy or EyeZy. mSpy is a popular phone tracker and monitoring software that enables users to track a target device’s location, access call logs, messages, and social media activity. EyeZy spy app allows you to monitor their location, view messaging history, and more.
How to track a phone number using iOS device
To track someone’s location by phone number in iOS, set up Family Sharing on your iPhone and then open the Find My app and go to the People tab. Tap the Add button, then choose Share My Location. Next, enter the person’s name or phone number you wish to track, and you can monitor their location. Another option is to use Siri by saying, Play a sound on my iPad or Where’s my iPhone to locate the device.
How to track a phone number without 3rd party app
Android Device Manager, now known as Find My Device, is a Google service that lets you track the location of your Android phone. It works in real-time to see the phone’s current location.
On iPhone, you can track someone’s phone using their Apple ID. By enabling the Find My network on the device, you can use the Find My app on any device signed in with the same Apple ID to view the location, regardless of whether it’s offline. The last known location is stored for up to 7 days. You should know that it is not possible to track someone’s iPhone with just their number for free. Tracking an iPhone requires specialized software, such as the Famisafe iPhone Tracker App.
How to track a phone number using GPS
You can also track a phone number by GPS. However, it is essential to have the target’s permission before doing so. To track someone’s location on Google Maps without them knowing, you can share a link from their Google Maps application or use a GPS tracking app.
