How to Track an iPhone Location from Another iPhone

Have you misplaced or lost your iPhone, or do you need to track your family members or friends for their safety? Do not panic or get confused, as locating an iPhone is quite simple. In this article, I have listed some of the fastest, easiest, and most reliable methods to track an iPhone’s location from another iPhone. I spent over 10 days experimenting with these methods and testing not just Apple features but also 25+ third parties firsthand.

It is crucial to use proper techniques and reputable tools to avoid inaccuracies, dead-end searches, false positives, and other issues that may lead to failure in locating the device. I have given my unbiased opinion on these methods and tools. By following the instructions correctly, you should be able to track an iPhone’s location within a few minutes.

Disclaimer: Make sure you have clear consent while tracking someone else’s device. Any malicious intent behind your tracking activity or any form of stalking and harassment is a violation of law, as it indicates a privacy and security breach.

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Method 1: Using Find My App

Find My app is a native iOS tool that is one of the most effective ways to track an iPhone’s location using another iPhone. I used this app across several Apple devices and found it quite intuitive and reliable. The way it combines real-time tracking, location sharing, and alerts ensures that the user finds the device in no time. It is also great for keeping track of your loved ones, all you have to do is enable location services and link your Apple devices using Family Sharing or use Find My Network.

Initially, when I used this app, there were occasional delays in the location updates, and I had difficulty accessing shared locations. However, checking the background permissions and connecting to a reliable network helped me. You can also check if you have entered the right Apple ID, which is linked with other devices since some of us have multiple IDs.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to use Find My app:

Step 1) Launch the Find My app and go to the People tab and click on Start Sharing Location.

Step 2) Next, input the Apple ID or the phone number of the iPhone you want to locate. Then, choose the duration of the location sharing that fits your requirements.

Step 3) Once the location is shared, you will see that an iPhone has shared its location. If you are a part of a family group, you will be able to locate the device immediately in the People tab. Additionally, going to the Devices option will also help you locate linked devices.

Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/find-my/id1514844621

Method 2: Third-Party Apps

I tested over 25 third-party apps and shortlisted the following top three tools. You can now go through my unbiased, first-hand opinion on how to track an iPhone location from another iPhone using third-party tools.

1) mSpy

mSpy is a parental control app that can track iPhone locations from another iPhone. It offers real-time GPS tracking with precise location data, including coordinates. I could also use its geo-fencing feature to keep track of my kid’s whereabouts by setting safe and dangerous zones for school premises and outside. Moreover, it showed me route history, which offered a transparent view of my kid’s routine.

Although it is a robust tracking app, it can be quite invasive; therefore, consent is necessary. I also would not suggest using it on your friend’s device, as it invades privacy by going through social media, messages, emails, etc. One issue that I encountered while using it was its installation, as its non-jailbreak setup was confusing. Luckily, its 24/7 support is readily available to assist with any issues.

Step-by-step process on how I used mSpy to track an iPhone:

Step 1) Go to https://www.mspy.com/, navigate to Try Now, and purchase a plan of your choice.

Step 2) Get the iCloud credentials and add them to your mSpy account to get access to the device’s location.

Step 3) Allow mSpy to sync the iPhone’s data with your mSpy account. Once this is complete, you can start tracking the location in real time, get route history, and set geo-fencing alerts.

List of places visited:

Map View:

Visit mSpy >>

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2) AirDroid iPhone Location Tracker

AirDroid’s location tracker provided me with real-time tracking, allowing me to ensure my kid’s safety during his summer camps. This tool can instantly locate and show device status and send geo-fencing alerts. If you need an iPhone location tracker to find a lost phone, then this tool is an excellent choice. It also helped me lock my misplaced device remotely and erase its data. In fact, I could also uninstall apps to protect sensitive information.

However, its GPS did show some inaccuracies with delayed updates. That’s because it relies on satellite signals. To avoid this issue, make sure you are using the device in an open area and ask the person on the other end to go to a better network location. If the phone is lost, then you can have control only on one device’s network; thus, try using it outdoors. You must also make sure both devices are logged in with the same AirDroid account.

Here’s a step-by-step on how you can use this method:

Step 1) Open the AirDroid app, go to the + option, and add the device you want to link for tracking. Then, accept/tick the Terms and Conditions and accept the Bind Code for the target device.

Step 2) Now, go to the Location option or the map icon to view the current location of the target device.

Step 3) Refresh if needed and view the most up-to-date location of the device. You can also look for Geo-fencing option within its Location feature.

Visit AirDroid >>

3) Life 360

Life 360 is a family location-sharing app that offers not only location tracking but also place alerts, SOS, flight landing updates, crash alerts, and more. It showed me when my family members arrived at work, left the office, along with their daily routes and activities. Hence, I was able to track their iPhones instantly and remain updated along the way. If you are looking a family safety and emergency tracking app Life 360 can be an excellent addition.

The only drawback that I noticed while using it was the failure to update location at times. This could happen due to unstable internet or outdated app models. Therefore, use a strong connection and ensure the app is updated on every family member’s device. At times, it could also be a weak GPS signal, hence, ask the person to move to a clear sky area, if available, for accurate tracking. In case you do not receive notifications, check the settings and app permissions.

Follow the steps given below to use Life 360 correctly:

Step 1) Install the app and set it up, then create a circle by inviting all the target devices, for example, family and friends.

Step 2) Next, set up the notifications for location alerts and other updates.

Step 3) Once the invites are accepted, you will be able to see the real-time location of the members of your circle.

Link: https://intl.life360.com/

Method 3: iCloud Location Tracking

The iCloud location tracking is a built-in service that allows you to track iPhones easily. It is also a feature related to the Find My app that helps locate all Apple devices and AirTags. However, if you are looking for your iPhone using your own spare iPhone, it’s better if you stay logged in to the same iCloud account. To prevent my devices from going missing, I ensure that I am signed in to all my Apple products or that I connect them to the same iCloud account. For different device owners, turning on Family Sharing and location services is enough.

Here is a step-by-step that I used while testing this method:

Step 1) First, sign in to your iCloud account by going to the settings and clicking on your name> iCloud.

Step 2) Now, enable the Find My app on your iPhone and the device you are planning to track.

Step 3) You can now select Devices option to see all the linked devices. Here you will find the iPhone you want to track. Once you select it, a map will appear for you to locate it easily. You can also use Play The Sound feature to find it.

Method 4: Location Sharing in iMessage

Location sharing in iMessage is a quick trick for real-time tracking. I often use this method with my friends whenever we explore nearby cities for places to eat, hence, it’s great for frequent travelers as well. Since we drive there by ourselves, the first person to reach often shares the location to keep us on the right track. It lets you share live locations for real-time updates and also a pinned location for simply viewing the place on a map. At times, I received Location Not Available messages, which happens when one of you has not turned on your Wi-Fi or data. It could also mean the location services have not been enabled. The other person must also allow the sharing manually so you can track them.

Here’s how to track an iPhone location from another iPhone using iMessage:

Step 1) Start by opening the iMessage app. You can either begin a new conversation or open an existing chat and tap on the + sign, then select the Location option.

Step 2) Once you tap on the Location, select Request to ask for their location.

Step 3) After they accept your request, you will be able to track them on the map. The sender can also share it with their choice of the time limit, for example, 1 hour, Always, etc.

Method 5: Using Google Map Location Sharing

You can also share Google Maps location on iMessage or other messaging apps. You can either send it directly on iMessage or share it from Google Maps. If you want to track someone else’s iPhone, ask them to share their location in the same process. However, as per my observation, the batter saver mode affects the location accuracy, therefore, turn off the low power mode and allow location access in the background. Check if the app permissions have also been granted to ensure that Google Maps can function correctly on your iPhone. I suggest refreshing the Maps or checking for new updates if the location doesn’t update correctly.

Here’s how you can share Google Maps location from your iPhone to another for tracking:

Step 1) Go to iMessage, tap on the + icon, select Google Maps, and choose either Share your real-time location or Send your current location.

Step 2) Tap on any one of them as per your requirement and share the location.

Step 3) If you want to send the location from Google Maps, open the app. Now, select your location and tap on the standard share icon that looks like a box with an arrow.

Step 4) Finally, forward the location by selecting your desired platform for sharing it. I have chosen iMessages.

Method 6: Location Sharing on WhatsApp

I use WhatsApp location sharing as an alternative to iMessage whenever convenient or when I am already chatting with someone on WhatsApp. This app allows you to share both live and current locations. If the person shares a live location, you can only view where the iPhone is as it’s a static pin, but the current option lets you track it via Google Maps. I prefer the current location as it’s easier to track by following the route. In fact, I could even open it on Uber directly from the app, so non-tech savvy users can try this method. However, make sure you ask the user to set the live location sharing time as necessary, as it expires quickly. The current location may also not always be accurate as it could show 10- 20 meters away most of the time. Hence, look around carefully to locate the iPhone or ask the person for landmarks.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to share location on WhatsApp:

Step 1) Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and tap on the + sign to choose the Location option.

Step 2) Once you tap on Location, select Send live location or Send your current location. You can also select a landmark from the Nearby Places option.

Bonus: Use Your Wearables to Track an iPhone

Tracking your iPhone is much more convenient now if you integrate it with your wearables. I integrated my iPhone with my Apple Watch mainly to read messages, however, it turns out it is also a smart way to locate the device itself. It works just like using an iPhone–only much tinier. Since Apple watches also have the Find My app, hence, tracking a connected device and seeing location history becomes highly convenient.

However, if the location doesn’t appear on your wearable, it could be because the Find My isn’t enabled on your phone. It may also mean the watch isn’t connected to the same iCloud. Hence, to prevent these issues, I always keep the Find My app on and pair the watch by logging in to the same iCloud account.

Here’s how I used my Apple Watch to track my iPhone:

Step 1) Open Find My app on your watch, then go to Devices.

Step 2) Here, you will see all the devices connected to your watch on Find My app, now locate your iPhone and track it down.

Third-Party Tracking Apps vs Apple’s Native Ecosystem

Here’s a comparison table of third-party location tracking apps and Apple’s native ecosystem:

iPhone GPS Tracking Accuracy on Different Terrains

Usually, a smartphone’s GPS location tracking accuracy is affected by the type of place or area a device is located in. Many times, I have come across accuracy differences between indoor and outdoor locations, so here’s a brief estimation table to help you understand this better:

FAQs

Conclusion

Going through the methods above, you will realize that it is quite easy to track an iPhone. All you need to do is understand that it’s best to keep your devices logged in on iCloud and turn on Find My and location services at all times to ensure your devices can always be tracked. If you want to locate someone else’s iPhone, make sure you get their consent. In my opinion, Find My, iCloud tracking, and iMessages are the best native Apple options, while mSpy is great for parents, and Life 360 and WhatsApp are good alternatives.