We need to be sure that our loved ones are safe and not in danger during the day. So my child left the house and walked towards the school, but what could be waiting for them around the corner? One option to protect them is to install a tracking app. Today we will talk about this.

How to Choose

It is rather difficult to choose a good free phone number tracker, especially when we have so many options. But our pieces of advice will teach you how to be smarter.

First of all, determine whether you need the app for personal safety, child tracking, fitness, navigation or asset tracking. Then, look for useful features, e.g., real-time tracking, geofencing, location history, notifications, sharing options, etc. It is also important to make sure that the app is compatible with your devices and operating systems (iOS, Android, etc.).

Choose an app that is already known for its accurate GPS tracking, especially if you need precise location data. Look for an app with a user-friendly interface, clear instructions and easy setup processes. It should be easy for all family members.

Apps should encrypt location data to protect against unauthorized access. Check if the app allows you to control who can see your location and offers privacy settings. Review its privacy policy to understand how your data will be used, stored and shared.

Decide whether the free version of the app is good enough or if the paid version is better. Check if the app has subscription plans and whether they are reasonably priced for the features offered.

If you use other apps for fitness, home automation or travel, check if the location tracking app integrates well with them.

If you thoroughly research and test potential apps, you can find one that effectively enhances safety, convenience and peace of mind. But you have to spend time on this process. 

Types Matter

One other thing that is important to consider when looking for an app is its type that depends only on your wish and goal. Here is the list of the common types of location trackers:

1. Navigation Apps

Examples: Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps

Features:

• Turn-by-turn navigation

• Real-time traffic updates

• Estimated time of arrival (ETA)

• Points of interest (POIs) like restaurants, gas stations, etc.

• Offline maps (in some apps)

2. Family and Personal Safety Apps

Examples: Number Tracker, Find My (Apple), Google Family Link

Features:

• Real-time location sharing with family members

• Geofencing alerts (notifications when someone enters or leaves a designated area)

• Location history

• SOS emergency alerts

• Battery level indicators for connected devices

3. Fitness and Health Apps

Examples: Strava, Nike Run Club, MapMyRun

Features:

• Route tracking for running, cycling, and other activities

• Distance, pace, and time tracking

• Integration with fitness wearables and health apps

• Social features for sharing activities and competing with friends

• Goal setting and progress tracking

4. Social Media and Communication Apps

Examples: Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp

Features:

• Location sharing with friends

• Check-ins at specific locations

• Location-based filters and stickers (Snapchat)

• Nearby friends feature

5. Ride-Hailing and Delivery Apps

Examples: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub

Features:

• Real-time tracking of rides or deliveries

• ETA and route updates

• Communication with drivers or delivery personnel

• Safety features like emergency assistance

6. Child and Pet Tracking Apps

Examples: Phone Locator, FamiSafe, Whistle (for pets)

Features:

• Real-time location tracking

• Geofencing and safe zones

• SOS alerts and emergency contacts

• Activity monitoring (for pets, steps and activity levels)

7. Asset and Vehicle Tracking Apps

Examples: Tile, Tracki, GPSWOX

Features:

• Real-time tracking of vehicles, equipment, or personal items

• Geofencing and movement alerts

• Location history and reports

• Integration with other tracking devices (e.g., GPS trackers)

8. Travel and Adventure Apps

Examples: AllTrails, Gaia GPS

Features:

• Route planning and tracking for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities

• Offline maps and trail guides

• User-generated trail reviews and photos

• Safety features like location sharing and emergency contacts

9. Business and Workforce Management Apps

Examples: Hubstaff, TSheets, Fleet Complete

Features:

• Employee location tracking during work hours

• Time and attendance tracking

• Route optimization for delivery and service personnel

• Real-time tracking of fleet vehicles

• Reporting and analytics for workforce management

10. Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) Apps

Examples: MazeMap, IndoorAtlas

Features:

• Accurate indoor navigation using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other signals

• Mapping of indoor spaces like malls, airports, and hospitals

• Real-time location sharing within indoor environments

• Integration with smart building systems

Tips for Using

Now you know how to choose an app. But how can you use it effectively? Below you will find some practical tips for you.

Initial Setup

Grant Permissions Wisely:

Ensure you grant only the necessary permissions to the app. Be mindful of permissions related to location, background activity and data access.

Set Up Profiles and Groups:

If the app supports multiple profiles or groups (e.g., family members), set these up for better organization and management.

Daily Use 

Check Battery Usage:

Monitor how much battery the app consumes, especially if it runs in the background. Adjust settings if the app is draining your battery too quickly.

Regular Updates:

Keep the app updated to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.

Customize Notifications:

Set up notifications for important events such as entering or leaving a geofenced area, low battery alerts, or when someone arrives at or leaves a location.

Use Real-Time Tracking Wisely:

Turn on real-time tracking only when necessary to conserve battery and data usage. Use features like location history to check past movements without continuous tracking.

Safety and Privacy

Enable Privacy Settings:

Use the app’s privacy settings to control who can see your location. Share your location only with trusted individuals.

Review Data Sharing Policies:

Be aware of how your location data is used and shared by the app. Opt out of data sharing features if they are not essential to your usage.

Geofencing:

Set up geofences around key locations (home, school, work) to receive alerts when someone enters or leaves these areas. This can enhance safety and provide peace of mind.

Troubleshooting

Signal Strength:

Be aware that location accuracy can be affected by weak GPS signals, especially indoors or in dense urban areas. Supplement with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth positioning if available.

Test Regularly:

Periodically test the app to ensure it is working correctly. Check if the location updates are accurate and timely.

Clear Cache:

If the app is lagging or malfunctioning, clear its cache or reinstall it to resolve issues.

Integration with Other Services:

Explore integration options with other apps and services, e.g., smart home devices, fitness trackers or emergency contacts.

Automated Actions:

Use features like automated check-ins or location-based reminders to streamline your activities.

Parental Control and Family Safety

Teach:

If using the app for child or senior tracking, educate them about how it works and why it’s used for their safety.

Emergency Features:

Familiarize yourself with emergency features like SOS buttons or emergency contact alerts, and ensure they are set up correctly.

Your Relief and Close Friend

The apps that we discussed today are really important in our time. But they will only help you if you use them correctly. Therefore, be sure to follow our instructions on choosing a reliable application and how to continue using it. There is nothing complicated about this and it will not take much time. But in the future, such an app could really save someone's life.