How to Monitor Location of iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Monitoring the location of an iPhone is essential for various reasons, whether you’re trying to find a lost phone, ensure your child’s safety, or monitor a loved one’s whereabouts. Knowing how to monitor location of iPhone can provide peace of mind and help you stay informed about the device’s movements. From built-in tools like Find My iPhone to advanced third-party apps, there are multiple ways to track and monitor location effectively.

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Find My iPhone

The Find My iPhone feature is a built-in tool that comes pre-installed on every iPhone. It allows you to locate a lost or stolen iPhone in real time using the Find My app or the iCloud website. It’s one of the simplest ways to monitor an iPhone’s location for free.

How to Use Find My iPhone

Open the Find My app on your iPhone or go to iCloud.com.
Log in with the Apple ID associated with the target iPhone.
Select the iPhone you want to locate from the list of devices.
View the real-time location on the map.

Why It’s Great:

Completely free and built into every iPhone.
Allows you to play a sound, mark the phone as lost, or erase data remotely.

Limitations:

Only works if Find My iPhone is enabled on the device.
No access to location history.

Family Sharing

Family Sharing is another built-in iPhone feature that allows you to share location information among family members. It’s an excellent tool for parents who want to track their child’s location in real time.

How to Set Up Family Sharing

Go to Settings on your iPhone and tap Your Name > Family Sharing > Location Sharing.
Invite your family member to join Family Sharing.
Once they accept, you can view their location in the Find My app.

Why It’s Great:

Easy to set up and manage.
Works seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem.

Limitations:

Requires the other person to accept the invitation.
No access to advanced features like geofencing.

KidsGuard Pro

If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to monitor an iPhone’s location, KidsGuard Pro is one of the best third-party apps available. It goes beyond basic tracking by offering real-time location updates, geofencing alerts, and even location history.

Key Features of KidsGuard Pro

Real-Time Tracking: Monitor the iPhone’s location in real time.
Location History: Review where the iPhone has been over time.
Stealth Mode: Operates discreetly without notifying the user.

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How to Use KidsGuard Pro to Monitor iPhone Location

Visit the KidsGuard Pro website and sign up.
Choose an iOS subscription plan.
Link the app to the target iPhone by syncing it with the iCloud account.
Access the dashboard to track real-time location and more.

Why It’s Great:

Offers advanced features like location history and real-time monitoring.
Works remotely without needing physical access to the device.

Limitations:

Requires a paid subscription.

mSpy

Another popular app for monitoring an iPhone’s location is mSpy. This app is designed primarily for parental control and offers detailed location tracking alongside other monitoring features.

Key Features of mSpy

GPS Tracking: See the exact location of the iPhone at any time.
Location History: Review where the iPhone has been.

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How to Use mSpy to Monitor Location of iPhone

Sign up for mSpy on their official website.
Choose a subscription plan and follow the setup instructions.
Sync mSpy with the iCloud account linked to the target iPhone.
Log in to the mSpy dashboard to start tracking.

Why It’s Great:

Easy-to-use interface with detailed location data.
Includes additional monitoring features like call and text tracking.

Limitations:

Requires a paid subscription.
May not offer real-time updates as quickly as some other apps.

Spyic

Spyic is another third-party app that makes tracking an iPhone’s location simple and discreet. It’s especially useful for parents or partners who want detailed location insights.

Key Features of Spyic

Real-Time Location Updates: See the current location of the iPhone.
Location History: Access a detailed record of past locations.

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Why It’s Great:

Easy setup with no jailbreak required.
Works quietly without detection.

Limitations:

Requires iCloud credentials for setup.
Subscription-based.

Google Maps Timeline

If the iPhone user has Google Maps installed and location history enabled, you can track their movements using the Google Maps Timeline feature.

How to Use Google Maps Timeline to Monitor Location of iPhone

Open Google Maps on the device.
Tap on the profile picture and select Your Timeline.
View the device’s location history, including stops and travel routes.

Why It’s Great:

Free to use and provides detailed location history.
Works across platforms (iOS and Android).

Limitations:

Requires Google Maps to be installed and location history to be enabled.
Not ideal for real-time tracking.

Mobile Carrier Services

Many mobile carriers offer location-tracking services that allow you to monitor the location of devices linked to your account. Examples include Verizon’s Smart Family and AT&T’s Secure Family.

How to Use Mobile Carrier Services to Monitor iPhone Location

Log in to your carrier’s account portal or app.
Enroll in their location-tracking service.
Track the location of the iPhone in real time through their interface.

Why It’s Great:

Reliable tracking directly from the mobile carrier.
Doesn’t require additional apps or tools.

Limitations:

Requires a subscription to the carrier’s tracking service.
Limited to devices on the same account.

FAQs for How to Monitor Location of an iPhone

1. Can I monitor the location of an iPhone for free?

Yes, you can use Apple’s built-in tools like Find My iPhone or Family Sharing to monitor the location of an iPhone for free. These features provide real-time tracking and are simple to set up.

2. Can I monitor an iPhone’s location without them knowing?

It’s possible to monitor an iPhone discreetly using third-party apps like KidsGuard Pro, which operate in stealth mode. However, you must ensure you have permission to monitor the device, as tracking someone without consent may violate privacy laws.

3. Does Find My iPhone show location history?

No, Find My iPhone does not provide location history. It only shows the current location of the device. To access location history, you’ll need apps like KidsGuard Pro or mSpy, which store past location data.

4. Can I track an iPhone using its iCloud account?

Yes, if you have access to the iCloud credentials, you can monitor the iPhone’s location using the Find My iPhone feature through iCloud.com. This method provides real-time tracking but doesn’t offer advanced features like geofencing or location history.

5. Is it legal to monitor someone’s iPhone location?

Monitoring someone’s iPhone without their consent can be illegal, depending on your location. It’s important to get permission or use monitoring tools only for authorized purposes, such as parental control or tracking your own devices.

6. How accurate are location monitoring tools?

Location monitoring tools like Find My iPhone and third-party apps are highly accurate, typically pinpointing the device’s location within a few meters. However, accuracy may vary depending on GPS signal strength and network conditions.

Conclusion About Monitoring Location of iPhone

Monitoring the location of an iPhone is easier than ever, thanks to built-in tools like Find My iPhone and Family Sharing, as well as powerful third-party apps like KidsGuard Pro, mSpy, and Spyic. Whether you need basic tracking or advanced features like geofencing and location history, there’s a solution for every need.

For the most comprehensive features, third-party apps like KidsGuard Pro are highly recommended. Always remember to use these tools responsibly and ensure you have the necessary permissions before tracking someone’s device.

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