While we used to be extremely careful with every expensive electronic device, today we carry one around in our pockets everywhere we go. There is a constant risk of losing them or being pickpocketed. In order to prevent theft from occurring, app developers have used GPS tracking software or tracking apps to allow us to locate our smartphones. This can help whether we have simply misplaced our phone or it has been stolen. There is, of course, no surefire way of preventing a thief from disabling the device and making it untrackable. As such, it is still important to have phone insurance coverage. This forms part of your regular renter’s insurance or homeowners insurance policy, although you should check with your provider to make sure.
Not all tracking apps are created equal. Here are the 10 best phone tracking apps for Android.
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1. Google Find My Device
Google Find My Device is at the top of the list not because it is necessarily the best app but because every Android device owner should take advantage of it. This is the free software designed specifically for Androids that tracks your phone as long as it is connected to WiFi or mobile data.
It is the most trustworthy of the apps, seeing as it comes from Google itself, and there are no downsides to keeping it on. However, it does lack a number of features found on other tracking apps.
2. AirDroid
AirDroid is a parental control app that monitors the whole family’s devices. It does not simply tell you where your phone is in case it is lost or stolen. It also allows parents to keep an eye on their kids’ locations and phone activity. With tools like screen time limitations, app blocking, and the ability to watch and listen to the phone’s surroundings, it gives parents peace of mind that their children are not engaging in careless or dangerous online behavior.
Since you can track your kids’ calls and text messages, it is important that you inform them that you are installing the app. While you don’t have to ask for their consent, privacy is very important to children and they will feel very betrayed if they find out you’re monitoring them in secret.
3. FamiSafe Tracking App
Another family tracking app, FamiSafe has most of the same features as AirDroid. Not only does it provide real-time tracking, but also allows parents to go through a detailed record of everything their kids have done on their phones. You can block any apps or games that your children download which are inappropriate. If any of your family’s phones go missing, it provides excellent tracking abilities.
4. Where’s My Droid
Where’s My Droid is another excellent Android tracking app that you should have installed. In addition to telling you where your phone is, it lets you send a code to your device that causes it to ring, even in silent mode. This is especially useful when you misplace your phone somewhere in your house.
5. Prey Anti-Theft Tracking App
Prey Anti-Theft tracks your phone and is impossible to delete without a password. As such, even if a thief manages to open your phone, they cannot simply disable the app. It also allows you to use the front and back cameras on your phone to catch the thief off-guard.
6. 360 Security Antivirus
There is debate as to whether third-party antivirus software is necessary on smartphones today. If you still use antivirus software, 360 Security is a great option that has a phone tracker as well.
7. Lookout Security
Lookout Security is another antivirus app with tracking. It has some of the same excellent features as the previous apps on this list. It is not ideal for those who do not feel the need for antivirus software.
8. Android Lost
This is a simple app that tracks your phone through GPS and allows you to erase your device remotely. It too allows you to capture the thief’s image remotely through the cameras.
9. Glympse
Glympse is a family tracking app that is not as comprehensive as the ones higher up on this list. However, it does provide different features, making it easy to share locations and to create a map of your whole family or friend group.
10. mSpy Tracking App
mSpy is a good app that has a lot of features. The main downside to the app is the word ‘spy’ in its name. While using an app called mSpy does not mean you have to spy on your family, it does imply that the app was created for unsavory reasons. This makes it a little harder to trust the app developers with your privacy, giving them full permissions to your phone’s location and data.
The above 10 Android apps will all help you find your phone if it is stolen. If you want to track your family, use apps like AirDroid and FamiSafe to monitor their locations and activity.
