12 Best Family Tracking Apps for iPhone and Android in 2024

With life moving faster than ever towards digital technologies, monitoring the security of your family members has turned out to be very important.

One way to improve your loved one’s security is by using family tracking apps, mostly for children and older people such as elderly relatives. Family tracking applications have grown tremendously since people can easily check the position of their family using a phone with GPS technology.

In this article, we’ll discuss 12 of the best family tracking apps for iPhone and Android in 2024 to help you stay connected and secure.

Part 1. A Quick Summary of the 12 Best Free Family Tracking Apps for iPhone & Android

If you are looking for the best free family tracking apps to keep your loved ones safe, we've compiled a quick summary of the top 12 apps that work seamlessly on iPhone or Android.

Part 2. 12 Best Family Tracking Apps Tested-Review

Let’s discuss the thirteen best family tracking apps that can help you stay connected with your loved ones.

1. Msafely

Msafely is a highly advanced monitoring program that enables you to smoothly track your child or someone’s smartphone usage behavior without them realizing it. It runs silently in the background and therefore no disturbances or sound notifications will bother your child or someone you want to track.

Msafely goes beyond basic monitoring by providing a comprehensive toolset for keeping tabs on your child’s online behavior. This app is ideal for parents who want to stay aware of their child’s digital and real-world interactions without being intrusive.

Key features of Msafely:

• Text message tracking: Monitor all text messages, including deleted ones, so you don’t miss any potentially concerning communications.
• Photo and video viewing: View the videos and images that are stored in your young one’s cell phone to ensure that the child does not view anything inappropriate.
• Call and contact monitoring: Track all incoming and outgoing calls, including missed ones, and monitor the contact list for any unfamiliar or suspicious numbers.
• GPS location tracking: Check where your child is and where they have been in the past. This is especially useful for ensuring your child’s safety when they are away from home.
• Social media monitoring: Msafely allows you to keep track of activity on popular social platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
• App and browser history monitoring: Know what apps your child is installing and keep track of their browsing history to identify any problematic patterns.

Platform: Android and iOS

Free version: Free demo

Best for: Parents who want a comprehensive, all-in-one tool to monitor their child’s online and offline activity.

Why it’s a top choice: Msafely stands out because of its quiet operation and full-featured monitoring capabilities. It provides peace of mind by covering all aspects of your child’s phone usage, ensuring you can keep them safe without overwhelming them with alerts or notifications.

The real user locations – from Msafely dashboard

2. SpyX

SpyX is an advanced application tracking solution that enables parents to track all cell phone activities of their kids. Activities include location, text messages, and social accounts amongst others.

SpyX offers a variety of tools that allow parents to be aware of any potential dangers their children may encounter online or in real life. It works without needing to be installed on the target device, making it an excellent option for discreet monitoring.

Key features of SpyX:

• SMS/MMS tracking: View all text messages, including those that have been deleted, ensuring that no suspicious conversation goes unnoticed.
• Call logs checking: Monitor a record of all made and received calls, calls missed, names, dates and times, and duration of searching calls.
• Social media monitoring: SpyX supports popular social apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, and many others, allowing you to monitor conversations and shared media.
• Photo and video access: Monitor all media within the targeted gadget and know the content your child or target individual is viewing or sharing.
• GPS location tracking: SpyX monitors the current location of your kid and the places they have previously been at.

Platform: Android and iOS

Free version: Free demo

Best for: Parents who need a well-rounded monitoring app that also offers location tracking and social media monitoring.

Why it’s a top choice: SpyX stands out because it easily handles monitoring many forms of content from texts to social media, has mobile applications, and is non-invasive.

The real user locations – from SpyX dashboard

3. Kidsguard Pro

KidsGuard Pro is a highly reliable and versatile program being a monitoring application for both Android and iPhone users. The apps let parents keep an eye on everything from their child’s text messages and call records to his web history and installed apps.

KidsGuard Pro is designed to provide parents with comprehensive insights into their child’s phone usage, making it a great tool for ensuring online safety.

Key features of KidsGuard Pro:

• Message monitoring: Monitor text messages, including those from messaging apps like WhatsApp, with full details on content, recipient, and timestamps.
• Call history monitoring: Check all calls made or received, with full details of phone numbers, dates, times, and call durations.
• Browser history: View the entire browsing history, including frequently visited websites, which is useful for detecting problematic or inappropriate content.
• App activity tracking: You can monitor app usage to see which apps your child is spending time on, ensuring they’re not using anything inappropriate.
• Location tracking: Real-time GPS tracking allows you to know exactly where your child is at all times.

Platform: Android and iOS

Free version: No

Best for: Parents who need detailed information about their child’s phone usage and browsing habits.

Why it’s a top choice: KidsGuard Pro’s extensive features for monitoring messages, browser history, and app activity make it a top pick for parents who want to ensure their children’s online safety in every aspect.

The real user locations – from Kidsguard Pro dashboard

4. Questodio

Qustodio is among the most popular family tracking apps that allow parents to manage and monitor any device available in their children’s possession with some extra options alongside real-time location monitoring.

With Qustodio, parents can configure geofences and can be notified the moment their child enters or exits particular pre-defined spaces.

Key features of Qustodio:

• Real-time location monitoring: You can use this feature to know where your child is at the moment and they will be updated every minute to ten minutes.
• Geo-fencing: Areas that are safe for your child can be demarcated in the system and alerts to dangerous areas are sent to and from the system.
• Location history: View up to 30 days of location history to see all the places your child has visited.
• Activity reporting: Aside from taking care of web filtering, Qustodio provides relevant statistics regarding the duration and quantity of applications used by children.

Platform: Android and iOS

Free version: Yes

Best for: Parents who prioritize location tracking and want a straightforward app for monitoring their child’s whereabouts.

5. Famisafe

FamiSafe is also one of the top family tracking apps in the market which offers real-time tracking and also has a feature that helps you keep tabs on the driving habits of your child.

Working with FamiSafe, parents can monitor the movement of their child and create and manage geofencing zones, along with receiving notifications and reports on driving behavior such as speed, distance, and time.

Key features of Famsafe:

• Real-time location tracking: Reliable and accurate GPS tracking is based every two to three minutes intervals so that you do not lose track of your child’s whereabouts.
• Geofencing: Create virtual fences around your child, so you know when they go in and out of specified safe zones.
• Driving behavior monitoring: Reports on your child’s driving behavior such as speed, distance driven, number of hard brakes applied, and time spent driving.
• Reverse location sharing: Allows your child to know your whereabouts by sharing your location with them.

Platform: Android and iOS

Free version: 3-day free trial

Best for: Parents of driving teenagers because the monitoring of driving behavior of FamiSafe is very exclusive and helpful.

6. Bark

Bark is one of the most popular family tracking apps that allows parents to control kids ‘online activities as it does best in tracking social networking accounts and emails.

Key features of Bark:

• Social media monitoring: Bark covers most of the social sites and keeps track of the child’s communication.
• Unlimited devices: The settings on Bark enable unlimited use of the monitoring on all devices.
• Location alerts and check-ins: Track real time alerts for location updates for security purposes.
• Web and app management: Block inappropriate websites and manage app usage to ensure safer online experiences.
• Screen time scheduling: Create a timetable for your child’s screen time on a daily basis.
• Remote internet pause: Instantly pause the internet on your child’s device when needed, like during family time or homework hours.

Platform: iOS and Android

Free Version: Yes, limited

Best for: Parents who want to monitor their children’s social media and email accounts in conjunction with keeping track of their physical location.

7. mSpy

mSpy is a feature-packed family tracking app that excels in stealth monitoring. It offers GPS tracking and geofencing, perfect for secretly keeping tabs on your child's location and online activity.

Key features of mSpy:

• GPS location tracking and history: Easily track your child’s location and view a detailed history of their movements.
• Social media monitoring: mSpy covers platforms like Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Instagram, ensuring you stay aware of their online interactions.
• Advanced keylogger: This feature logs every keystroke, allowing you to see exactly what’s being typed.
• Geofencing: Set up virtual boundaries and get notified when your child enters or exits specific areas.
• Screen recording and keylogging: Capture what’s happening on your child’s screen and monitor all their typed messages.

Platform: iOS and Android

Free version: Free demo

Best for: Parents needing discreet tracking with robust social media monitoring and location features.

The real user locations – from mSpy dashboard

8. Spylix

Spylix offers a simple and powerful way to monitor multiple aspects of your child’s online and offline activities, without the need for complicated setups like jailbreaking or rooting.

Key features of Spylix:

• Monitor 10+ data types: Spylix allows you to monitor calls, texts, GPS locations, and popular social platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Hidden mode for secret tracking: Track your child's activity in stealth mode without them knowing.
• Remote installation and monitoring: Easily install the app remotely and monitor data from anywhere.
• No jailbreak or rooting required: Set up Spylix without the hassle of jailbreaking or rooting the target device.

Platform: iOS and Android

Free version: Free demo

Best for: Parents seeking an easy-to-use, stealthy tracker that works across a variety of platforms.

The real user locations – from Spylix dashboard

9. Snoopza

Snoopza is a low-cost family tracking app that provides full call and message tracking functionality while also letting you watch your kids social networking activities in the background without being noticeable.

Key features of Snoopza :

• Call download and call log: Get reports of incoming, outgoing as well as missed calls and also audio of phone calls made and received.
• SMS and MMS monitring: Monitors all text messages and also photos, videos & other forms of multimedia exchanges done through the targeted device.
• Monitor social conversation on messengers: Read and post messages on instant messengers such as WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook without letting them notice you.
• Hidden mode for stealth tracking: Keep your tracking activity invisible to the user.
• Location tracking: Follow the phone’s location in real time and view the history of where it's been.

Platform: Android

Free version: 4-day free trial

Best for: Families needing a free, simple tracking tool with basic features for call and message monitoring.

The real user locations – from Snoopza dashboard

10. Hoverwatch

Hoverwatch is a family tracking app that focuses more on Google’s and Mac platform. It also comes in handy especially for parents that want to monitor their children in a concealed manner which may also be quite fun.

Key features of HoverWatch:

• Invisibility mode: Stays completely hidden on the target device, ensuring your child won’t notice it.
• Text and call monitoring: Records all incoming/outgoing texts and calls, even capturing multimedia messages.
• Social media monitoring: Tracks activity on apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Geolocation tracking: Uses GPS and Wi-Fi signals to show real-time locations.

Platform: Android and Mac

Free version: 4-day free trial

Best for: Families with Android devices wanting discreet monitoring.

The real user locations – from Hoverwatch dashboard

11. Google Family Link

Google Family Link provides a straightforward solution for managing and monitoring your child’s device activity. It’s ideal for parents who want a basic yet effective tool for keeping track of their kids.

Key features of Google Family Link:

• Real-time location tracking: Easily track your child’s location at any time for free.
• Parental controls: Set limits on apps, websites, and screen time for your child’s device.
• Location-based reminders: Receive notifications when your family members enter or leave a designated area.

Platform: Android and iOS

Free Version: Yes

Best for: Parents looking for a free, reliable tracking app with basic features.

12. Find My Friends

Find My Friends is indeed a great app for the users of both iOS and Android as it helps in a great way to share and track the locations of family members

Key features of Find My Friends:

• Location sharing: See the real-time location of family members on a map.
• Arrival/Departure notifications: Get notified when someone reaches or leaves a specific location.

Platform: Android and iOS

Free version: Yes

Best for: Apple and Android users wanting a simple way to track loved ones.

Part 3. Essential Criteria for Choosing the Best Family Tracking Apps

Choosing the right family tracking app can make a big difference in ensuring your loved ones are safe and connected. The following are important considerations:

Device compatibility

In view of the fact that, within a family, there are always various devices used (Android and iOS), it is important to select a family tracker app that works to all devices and not only one particular platform. Without cross-platform compatibility, some family members might be left out, which defeats the purpose of the app.

Accurate location tracking

Best tracking apps for families should provide real-time updates on where each family member's phone is located, so you can be sure that your loved ones are safe or quickly find them in emergencies.

Ease of use

Not all people are so proficient with technology, so it is necessary that the app is easy to use. Select a family tracker app which is simple for you.

Cost

Price is a decisive factor in making the right choice of a family tracker app. Many family tracking apps come with subscription fees, so you’ll want to be sure that the cost fits within your family’s financial situation.

Additional parental controls

In addition to simply offering this function some family space apps provide other useful functions.

Features such as web filters, app monitors or time spent on apps can be very important especially if you are trying to monitor younger children or teenagers.

Value for Money

It's always a plus when a family tracking app offers good value. Look for apps that allow you to monitor multiple devices at once, especially if you have a larger family. Free trials or money-back guarantees can also help you test the app before fully committing.

Part 4. How to Set Up and Use the Best Free Family Tracking App for iPhone & Android

Of all the 12 family tracking apps we have discussed. Msafely stands out as one of the best. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive monitoring features make it the best. Here is a brief how-to guide to help you get started:

Step 1. Create a free account

The first thing you will have to do is create a free account on the Msafely website or application. Provide a correct email address to register for an account.

Step 2. Connect the devices

After you choose the free plan or upgrade to paid plan, next, connect the target phones. It is very easy to do this by simply following the instructions on the screen.

Step 3. Start monitoring

As soon as this has been completed, tracking can commence using Msafely’s Control Panel. Here, you will monitor an actual movement of the target in addition to checking call history, text messages and social activities . This facilitates full supervision to help ensure that all family members are kept safe.

Part 5. The Benefits of Using Family Tracking Apps on Android & iPhone

There is a wide range of benefits that family tracking applications provide to families wanting to stay connected and ensure the safety of their loved ones. Here are some key benefits:

• Real-time location tracking

Family tracking apps provide real-time updates on where your family members are, helping you ensure their safety and well-being. For instance, you can quickly check if your child made it to school or if your elderly parent is where they should be.

• Improved communication and coordination

By knowing where your family members are, you can better coordinate meetups and stay informed without unnecessary texts or calls like, "Where are you?" This lessens miscommunication and promotes trust.

• Improved safety with geofencing

Some family tracking applications have the option to create geofencing-virtual fences that allow the user to monitor when their family member goes into or comes out of a defined space. This is very convenient for parents tracking their children or for caregivers monitoring their elderly relatives.

• Emergency assistance

Some family tracking apps come with panic buttons or SOS alerts that enable your loved ones to wave a helping hand in times of emergency.

• Monitoring habits and behavior

With features like location history, you can keep an eye on where family members have been. This is useful for ensuring teens aren’t visiting unsafe areas or for confirming that your kids stick to their usual routes.

• Peace of mind

Family tracking app brings to the end, most of the anxiety parents have. Even if it is a young child, a teenager, or an elderly parent you are concerned over, knowing that there is a way to get to them and vice versa in any circumstance which relieves worry.

Part 6. Additional Tips to Protect Your Kids' Safety

While a family tracking app is a great tool for keeping your kids safe, there are other important steps you can take to protect them from potential dangers:

• Teach stranger safety: Make sure that your child has internalized the concept that they should not talk to strangers, both online and in person.
• Be open: Encourage your child to talk openly with you about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, whether it’s a situation at school, online, or with friends. Being seen as approachable as a parent could minimize minor problems from becoming major issues.
• Traffic awareness: Provide your kids with training about safety on the roads including, how to cross the street i.e. proper timing, looking both sides and waiting for the right signals, and obey car drivers. This proves beneficial to children who walk to school or play outside.
• Monitor online/offline activities without crossing the line: Watch what your child does online/offline but find the middle ground between offering protection and safeguarding their privacy.
• Talk about online safety: Make them aware of the internet threats including bullying, indecency, and chatting with strangers. Teach children how the dangers can be identified and what methods or precautions can effectively prevent them.

Part 7. FAQs about Family Tracking Apps

Q1. What is a family tracking app?

A family tracking lets you keep track of every family member with the assistance of their mobile phones. This ensures their security and keeps them in constant touch with you.

Q2. Is it illegal to use family tracking apps?

It is legal to use family tracking apps if tracking is done with the permission of the family member being tracked. The law in that area must be respected.

Q3. Is it possible to trace someone without their prior knowledge?

Most family tracking applications do not allow you to trace someone’s movement without their permission, and there are ethical concerns and legal issues to consider in tracking someone without their knowledge.

Q4. Do family tracking apps work on iPhone and Android systems?

Yes, family tracking apps are mostly universal and thus do support hardware like the iPhone and the android in terms of use within a family.

Q5. Are family tracking apps free?

Most of them have basic free applications, but other applications which are more complicated may need payment of installment or one-time services.

Part 8. Conclusion

Family tracking apps help people stay in touch with their relatives as well as protect them. From monitoring your child’s whereabouts to checking in on an elderly relative, these apps provide invaluable peace of mind.

Make sure you select a family tracking application that will properly cater to the needs of your family —such as real-time location tracking, or additional parental controls.

There is no denying that with so many family tracking applications available, it is now the easiest ever to protect your family.