Is there a legitimate way to see a phone’s location in Google Maps just from the number, or does it only work if the person has explicitly shared their location with me? I’m trying to keep tabs on a family member for safety with their consent and want to know what setup is required (Google accounts, contacts, Family Link), whether it works across iPhone and Android, and any limitations like when the phone is off or has no data.
Tracking a cell phone number on Google Maps isn’t as straightforward as just punching in the number. To see someone’s location, they need to share it with you through Google Maps.
You’ll both need Google accounts, and they’ll have to explicitly share their location with you. This works across both iPhone and Android, but keep in mind it won’t work if their phone is off or out of data range. For a more robust solution, I’d recommend mSpy - it’s designed for parental control and can give you a bit more detail, like location history. Just something to consider for keeping your family member safe.