7 top family tracking apps for iPhone & Android

Keeping your kids safe is way more manageable when you’re always connected through the family tracking app. These apps help parents keep tabs on their kids throughout the day. Even if you’re not a parent, knowing the whereabouts of your siblings or your significant other provides peace of mind. 

Many family tracking apps have recently hit the App Store and the Play Store with decent features and affordable pricing plans. However, picking the right option for your family can still take time and effort. So, let’s browse through 7 top family tracking apps for iPhone & Android.

How do family tracking apps work?

Before going through your options, it is necessary to understand how family tracking apps work and why you need them. The family tracking apps rely on mobile GPS services to pinpoint your location on the map. When installed, these apps will ask for location privileges. After you allow them all the necessary services, the app will constantly use the phone location services to track your device. 

The shared map inside family tracking apps links all the family members. Anyone can use the app to check the location of other members with just a few taps. However, family tracking apps are not limited to location but offer other parental control options. So, consider downloading one on your mobile to keep your kids safe online. 

Another thing you must ensure with family tracking apps is that they malfunction when you have a bad network connection. You must be connected to the network at all times. Otherwise, the location on the family tracking apps will freeze. Your mobile won’t be able to connect to the GPS, which kills the whole point behind family tracking apps.

Why do you need family tracking apps?

While many believe that family tracking apps only help you track location, they can offer much more! Depending upon what type of family tracking app you’re using, here is a list of benefits you can expect. 

• Apps & document monitoring.
• Geofencing.
• Emergency assistance (panic button).
• Location history analytics.
• Privacy protection.

Family tracking apps go above and beyond to keep you safe online and in real life. In emergencies, you can alert your family with just one tap. Moreover, these apps are proactive in keeping your kids safe from online predators. So, it has become necessary for all parents to consider tracking their kids with family tracking apps.

With that out of the way, let’s start with the list of 7 top family tracking apps for iPhone and Android.

7 top family tracking apps for iPhone and Android

1. FlashGet Kids – Family tracking app

FlashGet Kids is the golden standard for parental control apps, offering compressive monitoring controls to parents. After binding the parent device with the kid’s device, you’ll enjoy many utility features. 

• Live location tracking
• Geofencing
• Route location history
• App blocker
• Screen time limit
• Live Monitoring with remote camera
• Notifications Tracker

To set up FlashGet Kids, start with these steps:

Step 1: Download & install the FlashGet Kids app on both parent’s and kids’ devices. Then bind them.

Step 2: Use the parent device to access various monitoring features.

Remember that you’ll have to allow all the necessary permissions through the kids’ devices for optimal performance. Let’s also dive into the pros and cons of the FlashGet Kids – Family tracking app.

• Pros
  • Real-time tracking.
  • Comprehensive reports.
  • Battery status.
  • Simple UI.
  • Decent consistency.
• Cons
  • Complex binding process.
  • Needs a separate app for the kid’s Android.

2. mSpy – Family mobile tracker

mSpy is another excellent option for parents, offering stealth features and conversion tracking to users. With this app linked to the kid’s device, you can access iMessages, calls, SMS, and more. The list below will further help you understand the viability of the mSpy app. If you’re trying to track your kid’s online behavior on an iPhone, mSpy is the best option. You can even try a free trial to test all features before committing.

• Social media monitoring
• Text tracking
• Geofencing & live tracking
• Media details

The following list of pros and cons of mSpy will further expand your perspective. 

• Pros
  • Detailed social tracking.
  • Decent customer support.
  • Consistent alerts.
  • Free trial.
• Cons
  • Expensive subscription.

3. FamiSafe – Family locator app across platforms:

Need to limit the screen time for your kids? Try using FamiSafe to keep your kids focused. While the free trial on this app is short (3 days), it is enough to test out all the features. Even after a day of using FamiSafe, you’ll know if it is worth your money.

For us, the key points for this app are:

• Pros
  • Driving alerts.
  • Location sharing with kids.
  • Different subscription options.
  • Limits excessive smartphone use.
• Cons
  • No stealth mode.
  • Limited trial.

4. Find My Kids – Children locator tool:

Find My Kids is a family tracking app focusing primarily on location tracking and SOS features. The features regarding social tracking or providing parents with text details are somewhat limited. Still, if you’re not trying to be too nosey in your kid’s business, Find My Kids is a great locator app. Go through these pros and cons for a better understanding.

You’ll get the following features.

• Battery updates.
• SOS alerts.
• Mobile usage statistics.
• Location History.

• Pros
  • Emergency alerts.
  • Decent compatibility.
  • Simple UI.
  • Complete location history.
• Cons
  • Limited digital tracking.

5. Spotline Family Locator – Share the location with the whole family

The Spotline Family Locator requires all users to allow location sharing first. You can’t use stealth features in this app; the other user controls what they want to share. Moreover, you won’t get any text or social tracking with this app.

Go through the list of features below for a better understanding of this app. 

• Real-time tracking.
• Travel history.
• Simple setup.

For most families, just the location tracking features are enough. So, before you get disappointed, give Spotline Family Locator an honest shot. Also, go through the following list of benefits and limitations to make an informed decision for your family. 

• Pros
  • Accurate tracking.
  • Easy installation.
  • Decent security.
• Cons
  • Missing stealth mode.

6. Life360 – Elderly family location sharing

Life360 is one of the most famous family tracking apps. This app is known for its simple location and information-sharing process. You can add anyone to your circle and keep tabs on their location. Moreover, this app will inform you of threats in your neighborhood.

• Pros
  • Dedicated messenger.
  • Comprehensive travel reports.
  • Emergency alerts.
  • Driving report.
• Cons
  • No stealth mode for kids.
  • Noticeable battery impact.

7. Glympse – GPS phone tracker

Lastly, Glympse offers another seamless platform for families to stay connected with their loved ones. You can also use this app to connect with your peers and share alerts about your whereabouts. However, you might have to manage these alerts manually for optimal performance.

Here are the key features of Glympse. 

• Defines ETA.
• Low data usage.
• Built-in messenger.
• Low battery impact.

It might not be the most feature-rich app on the market, but it is convenient when tracking your peers or family members momentarily. You can just send them a link with this app to present their location and the ETA on your screen.

Here are the pros and cons further associated with this application. 

• Pros
  • Simple layout.
  • Quick tracking.
  • Suitable for tracking peers and coworkers.
• Cons
  • Limited features.
  • Basic tracking.

Comprehensive table of 7 best family tracking apps

Note: Prices may vary depending on your location. Contact the customer support team for the application to get more details on the pricing plan and monthly payments.

How to choose the right tracker app for my family?

Choosing the right tracker app for your family can differ depending on your needs and where you live. Here are a few pointers that should help you make an informed decision. 

• Features meet personal needs – try listing your needs before deciding what app you want. Whether it is social monitoring or online security, you must list all the non-negotiable things for your family’s safety. 
• Compatibility – The family tracking app should be compatible with iOS and Android. 
• Price – Ideally, apps under 15 or 10 dollars seem more suitable to owners. However, you should also consider the number of devices included in each app. 
• Ads – After paying the subscription fee, you shouldn’t have to put up with any Ads. 
• Privacy and security – The app should have a history of satisfied customers and zero privacy breaches.

FAQs