Top Free Mobile Tracker Apps to Track a Cell Phone in 2023

Tracking someone's cell phone activities and location secretly is a tricky business. You need an app that is reliable, undetectable and gets the job done without complex setups.

This guide will explore the top 10 free phone tracker apps that actually work in 2023. I have tested and reviewed each one based on crucial factors like:

• Device compatibility
• Features
• Requirements
• Free vs paid plans

Read on to uncover which app you should use to monitor an Android or iPhone discreetly this year.

Comparison of Best Mobile Tracker Apps

Here is the comparison table of the mobile tracker apps:

Why Would You Want to Track a Phone?

Before jumping into the tracker options, let's first understand why you may need to track someone's phone in the first place.

Keep Your Child Safe

In today's digital world, parents can't always monitor what their kids are up to on their phones. Tracking your child's phone lets you keep tabs on their location to ensure safety. You can also see who they are communicating with and block harmful content.

Find Your Lost Phone

We've all experienced that panicky feeling when you can't find your phone. Phone tracker apps for Android and iPhone let you remotely locate a lost or stolen device. Some even have features to lock or wipe your phone when missing.

Monitor Your Partner

Suspecting your spouse or partner of cheating? A secret phone tracker app lets you stealthily monitor their SMS, calls, social media chats, web activity and location.

Track Employees

For businesses, tracking company-owned devices used by employees helps maximize productivity and security. Features like geofencing ensure employees are where they should be.

Top 10 Free Phone Tracker Apps in 2023

Now let's get to the main reviews - the top 10 recommended free phone tracker apps for secretly monitoring Android and iPhone devices in 2023:

1. Google Find My Device

Google Find My Device is the go-to tracker for Android devices made by Google itself. As you would expect, it's reliable, widely trusted and very easy to set up.

Key Features

• Remotely locate your lost Android device
• Make phone ring to find it even on silent mode
• Lock device and password protect it when missing
• Erase data securely if device cannot be recovered

Requirements

• Need to install Find My Device app from Google Play Store on the Android phone or tablet

Free vs Paid

• 100% free  to use with all features

Overall, Google's own solution is my top pick to track and secure your Android phone. It's completely free and trusted. The only catch is that you need to install the app before the phone goes missing.

2. Apple Find My

For iPhone users, Apple's Find My app is the best choice. It can locate Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and more with ease.

Key Features

• Locate lost or stolen Apple device on a map
• Play sound to pinpoint device location
• Mark device as lost to get notified when found
• Erase data remotely on lost device

Requirements

• No app installation needed. Find My network uses other Apple devices to detect your phone.

Free vs Paid

• Free  to use for all Apple device users

Apple's seamless ecosystem makes Find My a breeze to use for iOS users. It offers reliable location tracking and device security 100% free.

3. Life360

Life360 is a hugely popular family safety platform. It lets you monitor family members and work as a child tracker.

Key Features

• View real-time location of family members on private family map
• Get notifications when family members arrive or leave trusted places
• Roadside assistance button in app for emergencies
• View driving reports like phone usage while driving and hard braking

Requirements

• Everyone being tracked must install Life360 app and be part of family circle

Free vs Paid

• Limited functionality free: See family members' locations, get arrival and departure alerts
• Paid plans: Unlock driving notifications, roadside assistance etc. Starts from $8/month

If you just want to track family members especially kids, Life360's free features get the job done. For wider family safety features, opt for a paid plan.

4. Real-Time Phone GPS Tracker

Real-Time Phone GPS Tracker app provides free and accurate tracking for Android phones and tablets.

Key Features

• Track real-time GPS location of target Android device
• View detailed location history and route travel log
• Set up geofencing and get alerts when device enters or exits

Requirements

• Need physical access to install tracker app on target device

Free vs Paid

• 100% free  basic real-time GPS tracking
• Paid plans  for premium features like geofencing, widget and app blocking

If you have access to the Android device for app installation, this tracker offers robust location monitoring totally free.

5. SpyX

As a concerned parent in the digital age, I find SpyX to be a powerful ally in keeping my child safe online. With social media and smartphones exposing kids to more risks, SpyX lets me discreetly monitor their activities without detection.

The location tracking stands out, providing peace of mind by letting me check on my child's whereabouts at all times. Monitoring chat apps is also invaluable these days for spotting cyberbullying, predators, or other threats.

Key Features:

• Track location history and real-time GPS coordinates
• Monitor texts, WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat and more
• View photos, videos, call logs, contacts
• Check web history and bookmarks

Requirements:

• No app installation or jailbreaking needed

Free vs Paid:

• Free demo  available to preview features

The best part about SpyX is it lets me monitor the phone completely in stealth mode without the user ever finding out. The free demo is useful to test it out first.

6. Msafely

For parents overwhelmed with monitoring multiple apps across different devices, Msafely provides a unified tracking solution. Its greatest appeal is app-less functionality, removing hassles of installing software on each device.

Using Msafely's remote dashboard, parents gain singular visibility into a child's location, messages, photos, videos and internet history. Alerts can also be configured for flagging concerning activities. Such comprehensive oversight brings comfort amidst digital dangers.

Key Features:

• GPS location tracking
• Read texts, WhatsApp, Snapchat conversations
• Access photos, videos, calls and contacts
• View web history and bookmarks

Requirements:

• No app or jailbreak required

Free vs Paid:

• Free live demo  to test features

I like that Msafely provides tracking on par with SpyX without needing app installs. The free demo lets me evaluate it risk-free.

7. mSpy

Since cyberbullying and internet predators constantly lurking, mSpy brings parents some control over their child's digital behaviors. Its SMS and chat app monitoring can uncover threats like harassment, risky relationships, suicidal ideation or substance abuse.

But mSpy must be used judiciously. Though its remote lockdown feature can locate a lost phone, the same powers could also become authoritarian. Discovering a child's innocence outweighs losing their trust. Wise parents can harness mSpy as a digital lifeline for their child, not a digital leash.

Key Features:

• Location tracking on Android and jailbroken iOS
• Read SMS, WhatsApp, Kik and Line
• Access media files like photos
• View call logs and contacts
• Remote control by wiping or locking device

Requirements:

• App install for Android
• Jailbreaking required for iPhone

Free vs Paid:

• Free demo  available

mSpy is great for monitoring chat apps and texts once set up. You can try out the dashboard via the free demo first.

8. Eyezy

Eyezy lets parents set digital boundaries while keeping children safe. Location tracking grants peace of mind when kids are on-the-go. Monitoring social media can prevent cyberbullying. Restricting apps and websites fosters healthier tech habits.

Keep in mind though, Eyezy's camera and keylogger features could cross privacy boundaries if applied excessively. I know children need protection, but they also need room to make mistakes and learn. With prudent use, Eyezy can alleviate parenting stresses without undermining trust between parent and child.

Key Features:

• GPS location tracking on Android and jailbroken iPhones
• Monitor texts, WhatsApp, Kik and Line
• Access photos, videos on the device
• View call logs and contacts
• Block websites, WiFi networks and apps

Requirements:

• App installation for Android
• Jailbreaking required for iPhones

Free vs Paid:

• Free demo  available

Overall, Eyezy provides me robust parental monitoring capabilities for both Android and iOS devices. I can test it out risk-free with their demo first.

9. Howerwatch

For employers monitoring remote workers or parents overseeing children's device usage, Howerwatch provides multifaceted tracking across platforms. Companies can verify employees are working productively at home. And parents gain insight into a child's location, communications and computer activities.

Key Features:

• Track location and routes on Android
• Monitor SMS, WhatsApp, emails
• View photos, videos
• Keylogger for Windows and Mac PCs

Requirements:

• App installation for Android
• Software installation on computers

Free vs Paid:

• 5-day free trial

The free trial is handy to test out Howerwatch's Android and computer monitoring features firsthand.

10. Snoopza

Because of Android's vast market share, Snoopza fills a niche for parents wanting simplified Android monitoring. Tracking a child's location and sadly, Snoopza lacks iOS support and its PC monitoring only works on Windows and Mac.

Still, budget-minded parents may find Snoopza's basic features suffice for keeping tabs on an Android child. And avoiding monthly subscriptions can be attractive financially. Snoopza's free trial lets parents confirm it meets their needs.

Key Features:

• Historical and real-time GPS location tracking
• Screenshot and screen recording
• Keylogger for Windows and Mac

Requirements:

• App installation on Android needed

Free vs Paid:

• 5-day free trial

Snoopza is useful for basic Android tracking. You can try out the location monitoring and other features free for 5 days.

Which Is the Overall Best Phone Tracker App?

All the apps above have their unique pros and cons. But based on ease of use, features and reliability, I would crown Google Find My Device as the best free phone tracking app overall.

For Android users, Google's first party tracker app is unbeatable when it comes to quickly finding a lost phone. It provides peace of mind without needing complex rooting or paying anything.

If you want something more comprehensive, I would suggest subscribing to SpyX. SpyX's convenience and features make it tempting for many parents. Trying its demo first provides the chance to judge if it aligns with your family's needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone Tracker

Since there are so many tracker apps out there, how do you select the right one for your needs? Here are the key factors to consider:

Compatible Platforms

Firstly, ensure the tracker app works with the target device's operating system like Android or iOS. Some apps support both platforms while others are limited to just one.

Features Offered

You'll want a tracker app that offers the monitoring features you need like location tracking, app data monitoring, geofencing etc. Carefully review what's included in free vs paid plans.

App Requirements

Trackers have different prerequisites when it comes to app installation or jailbreaking. Installation-free and jailbreak-free trackers are more convenient to set up discretely.

Free Trial or Demo

Most tracking apps offer a free trial or demo to test out features. Avail this to get hands-on experience before deciding. Just be sure to cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to purchase it.

Price and Plans

Compare pricing across trackers to find one that fits your budget. Also see if they have flexible short-term plans for one-time use rather than just lengthy yearly subscriptions.

How to Use a Phone Tracker App Safely and Ethically

While tracking apps provide powerful capabilities, it's crucial to use them legally, ethically and with discretion:

• Make sure you own the target phone or have permission to track it
• Don't stalk or harass others - use trackers for legitimate purposes only
• Avoid trespassing laws by not tracking phones physically without consent
• Be careful not to monitor work devices if prohibited by company policies
• Monitor kids and teens only until a reasonable age with consent
• Consider talking to the person first before secret phone tracking
• Research local call and data recording consent laws in your state or country

Phone monitoring can easily go wrong in the wrong hands. Use tracker apps ethically as needed for personal security, not spying.

Hope this guide gives you a clear picture of the top free hidden phone tracker apps available today! Let me know if you have any other questions.