How to Locate Someone by Using Their Phone Number | Step Guide
In our interconnected world, knowing where your loved ones are located can be essential for safety, better coordination, or keeping in touch. This is why you might need to track their location. The technology to track a phone number is not new; it has evolved with mobile telephony. These days, phones with GPS capability are so common and handy that you can’t live without them.
You don’t always need expensive tools to track someone’s location—free options like built-in features like “Find My,” Google Maps or even an IMEI number can get the job done. Phone tracker apps like Msafely can also help.
So do you want to find out where someone is located using their phone number, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through free methods to do this so you can learn how to locate someone by using their phone number with ease.
Part 1. Is It Possible to Locate Someone by Using Their Phone Number
Can you really find the exact location of a person through their number? The short answer is no—at least not without additional tools or information. Many apps/services will claim to find someone’s location based on their phone number. However, such claims are mostly overblown or inaccurate.
Think of it this way: a phone number alone is like knowing someone’s name—it’s helpful, but not enough to find their exact location. However, experts believe that combining a phone number with something like Apple’s Find My or IMEI will yield better results.
In the next section, we’ll discuss free methods and paid options that can help you locate someone more effectively and securely.
Part 2. How to Locate Someone for Free-3 Proven Methods
If you want to learn how to find somebody by phone number, you can try out these reliable methods to locate their location. We will discuss three reliable methods you can use to find someone’s location free of charge.
Method 1. Built-in find phone features
Most modern smartphones come equipped with built-in features that let you track your phone location quickly for free.
#1. Find My iPhone (Apple devices)
The “Find My iPhone” feature of Apple is one of the most efficient tools you can use to track your device. Using this feature, you can find the device’s live location, lock it, or erase data from it in real time.
Follow these steps to use Find My iPhone to locate someone for free:
Step 1. On the target phone, go to Settings > enable “Find My iPhone.”
Step 2. Log into the associated iCloud account via another Apple device or at iCloud.
Step 3. Once logged in, select the device from the list to view its location on a map. You can also lock the phone, play a sound, or erase its data if needed.
#2. Find My Device (Android devices)
If the person you’re tracking uses an Android phone, Google’s “Find My Device” offers a powerful. This is completely free and integrated into Android devices and works in a manner similar to Apple’s feature which allows one to check the location of someone's phone at different times. It can also assist in locking the device or notifying the user by showing a message on the screen.
Here is how to use Find My Device to locate someone’s device for free:
Step 1. Ensure the target device has location services enabled (Settings > Location).
Step 2. Head to Settings > Security > Find My Device on the target phone and activate it.
Step 3. Visit Find My Device website or download the Find My Device app.
Step 4. Sign in with the Google account attached to the target device.
Step 5. Once signed in, select the device, and its location will display on a map. From here, you can lock the device, erase its data, or make it ring loudly.
Method 2. Google Maps
Google Maps is not limited to just giving directions and helping with navigation, it’s also a great way to share locations and find out the current location of someone’s device. This method works well if a person has shared their live location with you.
Hence, Google Maps come especially handy when one is trying to keep track of a person’s location such as when you are informing your friends about a venue and the person is searching for a loved one.
Steps to use Google Maps to track someone’s location:
Step 1. Open Google Maps on the target phone and sign in to their Google account.
Step 2. Tap on the profile picture in the top right corner and select Location Sharing.
Step 3. Choose the duration for location sharing (e.g., one hour or indefinitely until turned off).
Step 4. Share the location link with your account or send it to you via text or email.
Step 5. Open the shared link on your device or view the live location in your Google Maps app under the Location Sharing tab.
Method 3. IMEI number
As a more technical method, you can use IMEI number tracing. IMEI is a unique 15 digit number that is distinctive for each mobile handset. The number is employed by network providers and police when trying to find lost or stolen devices.
Although this approach may not be as easy to use as the previous ones, it may help in some circumstances.
Follow these steps to use IMEI to track someone’s phone:
Step 1. Note down the IMEI number of the device you want to locate.
Step 2. Reach out to the carrier or local authorities with the IMEI number. They have the tools to track the phone’s location or even block its usage if stolen.
Step 3. Be cautious with third-party IMEI tracking services found online, as many of these are unreliable or charge hidden fees.
Part 3. How to Locate Someone without Them Knowing
A phone tracker can easily help you locate someone without them knowing. These apps are known to run secretly on a target’s phone so you can monitor their location, internet usage, calls, and more. One phone tracker that is popular and effective is Msafely.
Overview of Msafely
Msafely is a comprehensive monitoring software that allows you to spy on a person's phone location, messages, phone conversations, social media activities, images, and much more.
With its simple control panel, you can track someone's whereabouts, check their digital footprint, and even remotely operate their phone in certain ways.
Msafely is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and uses cloud technology to enable remote monitoring without requiring physical access to the target phone for installation.
Why Msafely is the best tracker to secretly locate someone
Msaefly’s GPS live tracking feature allows you to locate the target device with real-time updates. You can also review a detailed history of past locations to see where the target has been. With highly accurate maps, this feature ensures you stay informed about the device’s movements at all times.
The geofencing feature allows you to set virtual boundaries on a map for the target device. You’ll receive notifications whenever the device enters or exits these predefined zones. This is particularly useful for safety monitoring or ensuring a device stays within specific locations.
The app offers a straightforward and intuitive dashboard, making it easy for users to access all its features. With responsive customer support available to address any concerns, Msafely ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Msafely takes user privacy seriously by encrypting all data transferred between the target device and the control panel. This guarantees that your monitoring activities remain secure and confidential at all times.
One of Msafely’s most discreet features is its stealth mode. The app operates silently in the background, leaving no visible signs or notifications on the target device. This ensures that the monitoring process remains undetected, thereby making it easy to trace people’s location.
Steps to use Msafely to locate someone without them knowing
Setting up Msafely is very simple and straightforward. Follow these instructions to set up Msafely track someone's phone without their knowledge.
Step 1. Visit Msafely's website and register a free account using your email.
Step 2. Choose the type of phone you wish to track (Android or iOS).
Step 3. Choose a subscription plan that suits your needs.
Step 4. Once the app is installed and set up, log into the Msafely control panel and start racking the target phone’s location, reviewing activities, and using advanced monitoring features.
More amazing tracking features with Msafely
In addition to helping you locate someone without them knowing, Msafely can also monitor various activities on their device.
Msafely provides complete access to the target device’s messaging and call logs. You can review all sent, received, and deleted text messages. For calls, you can view details such as contact names, phone numbers, call durations, and timestamps.
Msafely allows you to access all photos and videos stored on the target device. This includes media captured with the device’s camera, shared via messaging apps, or downloaded from the internet. Even deleted files can be retrieved if they were previously stored on the device.
With Msafely, you can keep track of activities on major social platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Telegram. It enables you to view messages, shared media, and even deleted conversations in real-time.
Msafely provides a clear picture of the target’s online activities. You can access browsing history, bookmarked pages, and search queries.
You can monitor all emails sent and received on the target device, including details about the sender, recipient, timestamps, and the email content. This feature is particularly useful for tracking work-related communications or safeguarding personal information.
Msafely lets you see all the apps installed on the target device. This includes visible applications as well as hidden or newly downloaded ones. This feature provides a comprehensive view of the target’s app usage.
Msafely gives you the power to manage the target device remotely. You can lock the device, erase data, activate the microphone or camera, and even take screenshots. This feature adds an extra layer of control and security, especially in sensitive situations.
Part 4. Common Myths and Misconceptions About Locating Someone by Phone Number
The idea of locating someone by their phone number has been shrouded in myths and misconceptions. Many people believe in quick, easy fixes that promise instant results without understanding the technology and privacy laws behind phone tracking. These myths are often perpetuated by misinformation or unrealistic claims made by unreliable services online.
Understanding the truth behind these misconceptions is crucial to avoid false expectations and potential legal issues. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about locating someone by phone number.
Myth 1. You can track any phone number instantly online for free
A common belief is that you can easily track any phone number online for free within seconds. Many websites and apps advertise this feature, but the reality is far from it. Free services often rely on outdated databases or provide generic, inaccurate results. Reliable tracking requires advanced technology and often comes at a cost.
Moreover, legitimate services respect privacy laws, which means they need explicit permission or valid reasons to track a phone number.
Myth 2. Reverse phone lookup always provides accurate details
Reverse phone lookup tools are popular for finding information about unknown numbers, but they are not always accurate. These tools rely on publicly available databases, which may not include updated or complete information. If the number is unlisted, belongs to a prepaid phone, or is registered under strict privacy settings, the lookup may fail to provide relevant details. Many assume these tools are infallible, but they often deliver partial or outdated results.
Myth 3. Social media always links phone numbers to profiles
While it’s true because a vast majority of social media websites let users connect their accounts with their mobile devices, however, this is not without exceptions. Privacy settings and user settings often limit the visibility or searchability of phone numbers.
Additionally, not everyone links their phone number to social media, and fake accounts can complicate the process further. Assuming you can always find someone’s profile through their phone number is a significant misconception.
Myth 4. Phone numbers can be used to spy without access to the phone
There’s a widespread myth that simply having someone’s phone number gives you the power to spy on their device, monitor their activities, or track their location.
In actual fact, phone location tracking depends on particular programs installed on the target’s cellphone or proper authorization by the owner.
Laws surrounding digital privacy make unauthorized tracking or spying illegal, and legitimate tracking apps like Msafely operate within strict guidelines to ensure compliance.
Part 5. FAQs
Q1. How to find someone's name or address using their phone number?
You can use free tools like Google Maps or "Find My Device" with permission, or try paid options like Msafely to locate someone. However, phone numbers alone aren’t enough for full address details.
Q2. Can someone track you by your phone number?
Yes, but only with apps or services that need extra information, like GPS or Google Maps, and your consent for location sharing.
Q3. How to find someone's phone number for free?
You can try social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, or directories, though results may vary depending on the person’s privacy settings.
Q4. Is it possible to track someone's phone without them knowing?
Yes, you can use stealth apps like Msafely. It requires installing the app on their device first, which should only be done legally and ethically.
Q5. Can I track a phone number without installing any app?
Tracking without an app is limited but possible through location-sharing features on platforms like Google or Apple, provided the person has shared their location with you. Or, you can try Msafely, the professional phone tracking app, which allows you to track a phone number without installing any app.
Part 6. Conclusion
Locating someone using their phone number is easier than you think, especially with free tools like “Find My” features, Google Maps, and IMEI tracking. These methods are reliable for finding lost devices, ensuring your loved ones are safe, or coordinating better.
If you need a more advanced option, Msafely offers comprehensive tracking with discrete features.
Now that you have learned how to find someone using their phone number, there is no doubt that with the right approach, you can leverage these tools effectively while maintaining trust and security in your relationships.