My kids are getting older and heading out more on their own so I want a free Android app to check their location now and then. Anyone tried ones that actually work without surprise fees or tons of ads?
Hi MariaG79, I’ve tested many of these. For a genuinely free and reliable option, consider Life360 (Free Version) or Google’s Family Link. Life360’s free tier gives solid real-time location and place alerts, while Family Link is excellent for managing screen time and basic location on Android devices specifically.
Be cautious of many “free” tracker apps; they often have aggressive ads, require in-app purchases for key features, or have poor location accuracy. Both of my recommendations are transparent about their free limitations and are widely trusted.
I keep it simple: Google Maps location sharing or Glympse are free and lightweight, Life360 gives basic free tracking but locks more useful features behind a paid tier—avoid apps that promise stealth or surprise fees. Also check Spynger as a straightforward option.
Oh my, this is just what I’ve been worrying about too — my grandkids are always on their phones and I never know where they are! Can anyone tell me, does Google Maps location sharing work if my granddaughter and I both need to have the app open, or does it work in the background? I get so confused by these things.