There are two methods to find and track someone’s location on Google Maps without them knowing. The first method involves using a cell phone tracking app. The second method is to use the “location sharing” setting within the Google Maps app on the targeted smartphone.
A tracking app monitors the GPS location of a phone without the permission or knowledge of the targeted phone’s owner. Tracking apps like uMobix, mSpy and SpyBubble offer additional features such as monitoring social media activity, chat app messages, text messages, and phone call logs. Tracking apps like Geofinder.mobi and Location Tracker find a phone’s location on Google Maps by the phone number.
Location Sharing displays the target phone’s location within the Google Maps app. Location Sharing within Google Maps is distinct from tracker apps as it prevents the tracking of someone’s location without their knowledge. The Location Sharing feature within Google Maps is helpful for tracking the phone of a friend, child, spouse, or loved one.
Contents of this Guide
Google Maps is a web mapping platform that provides street maps, satellite imagery, 360 degree street views, and real-time traffic information. The Google Maps app uses a smartphone’s built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, nearby Wi-Fi networks, and cellular networks to track the location of the mobile device. The Google Maps app is compatible with Android and iOS mobile devices. It is free and is installed on all Android devices.
***UPDATE: Both of the methods below require physical access to the target phone and the passcode. To track a phone on Google maps without access to the device, use a service like Geofinder.mobi. You can try it for one day by clicking here.***
How to Find Someone’s Location On Google Maps Without Them Knowing
There are two ways to find and track someone’s phone location on Google Maps without them knowing. The first method of secretly tracking someone involves using a smartphone tracking app such as uMobix, mSpy, or SpyBubble. Cell phone tracking apps are a type of mobile phone monitoring software that tracks the GPS location of a target smartphone and displays its’ location on a map. Tracking apps help parents track a child’s phone location or allow a spouse to monitor the location of a loved one’s phone.
The two methods of secretly finding and tracking someone’s phone on Google Maps are listed below.
- Use a Phone Tracker App
- Use Phone Number Tracking Software
The main benefits of phone tracking apps are stealth mode operation, text message tracking, social media message tracking, web browser history tracking, and location tracking with Google Maps. Phone tracking apps are compatible with smartphones that use the Apple iOS operating system and the Android operating system.
The second method of tracking someone’s location on Google Maps without their knowledge is to use phone number tracking software such as Geofinder. mobi or Location Tracker. The main benefit of phone number tracking software is that it does not require physical access to the targeted phone.
1. Use a Phone Tracking App to Secretly Track Someone on Google Maps
Phone tracking apps use GPS technology to pinpoint the exact location of a phone. These apps also offer the benefits listed below.
- monitoring phone call logs and contacts
- viewing installed apps
- viewing chat app conversations
- viewing social media activity
The top 3 tracking apps for secretly finding and tracking someone’s location on Google Maps include uMobix, mSpy, and SpyBubble.
- uMobix
- mSpy
- SpyBubble
uMobix is one of the top cell phone tracking apps that helps track the real-time GPS location of a targeted mobile device. uMobix displays the current location as well as the location history of the device. Additional features of uMobix include tracking social media activity, chat app messages, text messages, phone calls, and contacts. uMobix operates in stealth mode and is invisible on the targeted phone. uMobix is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Below are the steps to use uMobix to track someone’s iPhone or Android phone on Google maps without their knowledge.
Steps to Find Someone’s Location on Google Maps Using uMobix
Follow the steps below to find someone on Google Maps using the uMobix tracking app.
- Sign up for a tracking app (find out why uMobix is our favorite).
- Follow the installation instructions for the type of phone you need to track.
- Open your control panel to see the phone’s current GPS location.
Once the uMobix installation process is complete, the targeted phone’s location information can be viewed at any time from an online dashboard.
How Much Do Google Maps Tracker Apps Cost?
The pricing for Google Maps tracking apps vary depending on the service provider and the length of the subscription. Single month plans are the most expensive, while annual plans offer much better value. Below is a table comparing the pricing for our top tracking apps.
| uMobix | mSpy | SpyBubble | |
| 1 month plan | $49.99/mo | $48.99/mo | $49.99/mo |
| 3 month plan | $29.99/mo | $28.00/mo | $29.99/mo |
| 12 month plan | $12.49/mo | $11.67/mo | $12.49/mo |
uMobix is 7% more expensive than mSpy, but offers more features including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp tracking on iOS and Android devices.
Can I Track My Spouse’s Location on Google Maps Without Them Knowing?
It is possible to track the phone of a husband, wife, or partner on Google Maps without them knowing. Tracking apps like uMobix and SpyBubble display the current GPS location of any family member’s smartphone. The location data of the target phone is updated every 15 minutes.
Can Someone Secretly Track My Phone on Google Maps?
It is possible for someone to track any smartphone using a tracking app. Tracking apps operate in stealth mode, making them invisible to the phone’s owner. It is possible to check for tracking apps on a smartphone using antivirus software.
However, some tracking software requires only a phone number to find a phone’s location. These apps cannot be detected with antivirus software.
2. Use a Phone Number Tracker to Find Someone’s Location on Google Maps
Tracking someone’s location with a phone number on Google Maps requires a phone number tracker. Phone number tracking software like Geofinder.mobi and Location Tracker use cell phone tower triangulation to find the GPS coordinates of a smartphone or mobile device.
The following are the benefits of using phone number tracking software to find and track someone on Google Maps.
- no software installation is required
- no access to the target device is required
- location information is updated regularly.
The top two phone number tracking software services are listed below.
- Geofinder.mobi
- Location Tracker
Geofinder.mobi and Location Tracker offer similar features and pricing.
Steps to Use Geofinder.mobi to Track Someone on Google Maps With a Phone Number
Follow the steps below to secretly track someone’s cell phone location on Google Maps using their number.
- Go to Geofinder. mobi.
- Enter the phone number of the target device.
- If the device can be located you will be asked to create an account.
- Create your account and make your payment.
- Once payment is complete a text message is sent to the target phone.
- When the user clicks the text message, their location data will be displayed on a map.
Phone location data can be checked every three hours using Geofinder.mobi. From the control panel the tracking app user can view the past coordinates of the target device.
Can You Track Someone By Phone Number on the Google Maps App?
It is not possible to track someone’s location by phone number using the Google Maps app. Using Google Maps to find and track someone’s location requires enabling Location Sharing services within the Google Maps app on the target phone.
How to Track Someone’s Phone Location On Google Maps for FREE
There are two methods of tracking someone’s phone location on Google Maps for free. The first method is to use “Location Sharing” services within the Google Maps app. The benefits of using Location Sharing to track someone’s location include real-time GPS coordinate information, the ability to view the person’s phone location from your phone or computer, and it is free.
The disadvantage of using Location Sharing is that you cannot track someone without their knowledge. Google Location Sharing services sends email and push notifications to anyone who has their location shared in Google Maps.
The second method of tracking someone’s location on Google Maps for free is to use Google “Find My Device”. The benefits of using the Find My Device app include all of the following.
- real-time GPS location information
- can be viewed from a smartphone or computer
- Find My Device is free to use
Both Location Sharing and Find My Device app are helpful for parents and spouses who need to find or track the phone of a loved one.
1. Use Location Sharing Services to Track a Phone on Google Maps
Tracking the location of a cell phone for free using Google Maps involves turning on Location Sharing within Settings menu of the Google Maps app on the target cell phone or mobile device.
Location Sharing is a feature in the Google Maps app that allows users to share their GPS location with a specified list of contacts. It is used by friends or family to share real-time map locations with each other. The main benefits of using the Location Sharing capabilities of Google Maps to track someone’s cell phone include real-time location tracking, accurate phone location data, and no cost.
The biggest disadvantage to using Location Sharing to track someone’s location on Google Maps is that it cannot be done secretly. Google Maps sends push notifications and email notifications to users who have shared their location.
Below is a list of requirements to turn on Location Sharing on a cell phone or mobile device.
- Physical access to the target phone and the unlock passcode.
- The Google Maps app must be installed on the target phone.
- The user must be logged into their Google account on the targeted phone.
Once the phone is unlocked and the user is logged into Google Maps, use the steps below to start tracking the user’s location.
Steps to Use Location Sharing to Find & Track Someone on Google Maps
Below are the steps to track someone for free using the Google Maps app.
Step 1: From the target phone or mobile device, open the Google Maps app 
Step 2: Tap the user’s profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap Location Sharing
Step 4: Tap “Share Location”
Step 5: Tap “Until you turn this off”
Step 6: Select your device from the list, and tap “Share”. The device’s location is now shared.
Step 7: From Your phone, open Google Maps
Step 8: Tap your profile picture.
Step 9: Tap “Location Sharing”
Step 10: The location of the target phone is now displayed on the map.
After completing the steps above the phone’s location is displayed within the Google Maps app. To update location information click the three dots next to the user’s name, and tap “Refresh”.
By default, Location Sharing notifies the user that their location is being shared. These notifications include email and phone notifications. This is done to ensure the user is aware that the location of their cell phone is being shared with others.
Secretly tracking someone for FREE with the Google Maps app requires an additional step.
How to Track Someone On Google Maps Without Them Knowing for Free
Tracking someone’s location for free using Google Maps without them knowing requires two steps. The first step is to enable Location Sharing from the Google Maps menu. The second step is to disable Location Sharing Notifications from the Google Maps menu.
Once location sharing notifications are disabled, all email and push notifications informing the user about their location being shared will be turned off. The benefit of disabling location sharing notifications is that it allows a parent, spouse, or loved one to track the GPS location of a phone without the other user’s knowledge.
The requirements for secretly tracking someone on Google Maps are listed below.
- Physical access to the target phone and the unlock passcode.
- The Google Maps app must be installed on the target phone.
- The user must be logged into their Google account on the targeted phone.
- Location sharing must be enabled on the target phone.
Steps to Secretly Track Someone on Google Maps for Free
Below are the steps to secretly track someone with Google Maps without their knowledge.
Step 1: From the target phone or mobile device, open the Google Maps App.
Step 2: Enable location sharing using the steps in the section above.
Step 3: Finally, use following instructions to disable the Google Maps location sharing notifications on the targeted device.
After completing the steps above the target phone will no longer receive location sharing notifications in the form of emails or push notifications. This ensures the user does not know their phone location is being tracked.
How Does Google Maps Location Sharing Work?
Google Maps Location Sharing works by displaying a phone’s location within the Google Maps app. Users who wish to share their location first create a sharing list. Any contacts with whom they wish to share their location are added to the sharing list. These contacts are then able to view the user’s location within the Google Maps app on their device.
Does Location Sharing Work When the Phone Is Turned Off?
Google Maps Location does not work when the mobile device is turned off. Location data depends on GPS, nearby WiFi networks, and cell tower triangulation to determine a device’s location. This is not possible when the phone is off. The last known location is shown, but this is not updated when the phone moves.
Does Location Sharing Work When the Phone Is In Airplane Mode?
Google Maps Location sharing does not work when a phone is in airplane mode. If cellular data is turned off, but WiFi is on, Google Maps will use the WiFi signal to attempt to give accurate location data.
Does Location Sharing Drain a Phone’s Battery?
Yes. Location sharing requires regularly checking and reporting the phone’s location. While this does use more battery, it is insignificant in terms of battery life when compared to the power consumption of the screen and other functions of the phone.
Does Location Sharing Use Cellular Data?
Yes. Location sharing uses cellular data to update the location of the device on which it is being used. The amount used is insignificant because the phone’s location is only updated when another user requests updated location information.
How Accurate is Google Maps Location Sharing Data?
Google Maps GPS location data is accurate with 20 meters (65.61ft). The accuracy of location data is reduced if the phone is inside a building, tunnel, or underground. If GPS is unavailable Google Maps will use nearby WiFi networks to determine your location. This is accurate to within 100m (328.08 ft). If neither GPS or WiFi is available, Google Maps will use cell tower triangulation to determine your location. Cell tower triangulation is the least accurate method of determining a phone’s location. It is accurate to within 3/4 of a square mile (1207.01 square feet).
2. Use Google Find My Device to Track Someone’s Location for Free
Find My Device is another method of finding someone’s location within Google Maps. The Find My Device app is an Android app that can locate and track a device anywhere in the world. It is helpful for phone owners who have misplaced their device.
How Does Google Maps Track Your Location
The Google Maps app uses 3 methods to track the location of smartphone or mobile device. The methods below are all used by Google Maps to provide accurate location data.
- Global Positioning System
- Wi-Fi network access points
- Cell Tower Triangulation
Below you will find specific information on each of the cell phone tracking methodologies used by Google Maps.
Global Positioning System
The first phone tracking method involves using the Global Position System sensor built into every Android and iOS mobile device. The Google Maps coordinates generated from the GPS sensor are accurate to within 65.61 feet (20 meters).
Nearby Wi-Fi Networks
Wi-Fi network location tracking involves detecting the signal strength of Wi-Fi network access points within close proximity to the mobile device. When used outdoors, Wi-Fi location data is less accurate than GPS. Indoor Wi-Fi location tracking helps Google Maps achieve accuracy within 5-8 meters (16.40 – 26.25 ft)
Cell Tower Triangulation
Cell tower triangulation is the process of identifying a phone’s location by pairing the unique CellID and signal strength of at least 3 cell towers in close proximity to the mobile device. This information can be used to provide location data that is accurate to with 3/4 miles (1207 meters).
Can I track my car with Google Maps?
It is possible to track a car using Google Maps if a cell phone is left in the car. Location sharing services must be enabled to track the car’s location.
Does Google Maps Notify Someone Who is Sharing Their Location?
Yes, Google sends regular notifications to users who are sharing their location. This includes phone notifications and emails. This ensures the user is aware that they are sharing their location data.
How to Stop Viewing Someone’s Location on Google Maps
If you no longer need to see someone’s real-time location on your map, you can hide it by following the steps below:
- On your computer or phone open the Google Maps app .
- Click Menu and tap “Location sharing“.
- Tap person’s icon.
- Then tap Hide on map.
and tap “Location sharing“.This does not disable location sharing on their phone. It only hides their location on yours. To disable sharing follow the steps in the section below.
How to Disable Location Sharing in the Google Maps App
It’s quite simple to stop sharing your location with an iPhone or Android without any notification. Follow the steps below to turn off location tracking within Google Maps.
- Open Google Maps on the target device.
- Click on the user’s picture in the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap location sharing.
- Find your device from the list and remove it.
Location sharing will now be disabled on the device.
