How to Locate a Lost Person Through Their Cell Phone
By Chad Davis
You can safely keep track of your family members' whereabouts using mobile security services with their mobile devices. Most wireless carriers provide family location services with a monthly subscription. To avoid paying monthly fees for the service, you may want to consider installing one of the many free mobile security applications available for smartphones and mobile devices. Using a mobile security service, you can remotely access your mobile device via almost any Web browser and pinpoint its current location on a map.
Mobile Security Apps
Step 1
Download and install a security app on your mobile device (see links in Resources).
Step 2
Open the app on your mobile device and follow the initial setup instructions, if applicable. If prompted, be sure to enable the location feature for lost or missing devices.
Step 3
Navigate to the security app provider's website, and then log in to your account.
Step 4
Select the "Locate" or "Find" option to locate your missing device. This feature will vary depending on the service you use. Follow the instructions for locating one of the devices associated with your account.
Wireless Carrier Services
Step 1
Sign up for your wireless carrier's location service. For example, AT&T's Family Map, Sprint's Family Locator or Verizon's Family Locator. These services generally require a monthly paid subscription and will vary depending on your wireless carrier. For example, $10 a month.
Step 2
Install your wireless carrier's location service mobile app on your mobile phone, smartphone or tablet. Some services may require specific mobile devices or operating systems and will differ with specific wireless carriers.
Step 3
Navigate to your wireless carrier's website, or your location service's website, and then sign in to your account.
Step 4
Select the option to locate a mobile device on your plan. For example, click "Find," "Find Phone," "Locate," Locate Phone" or "Lost Phone." Follow the instructions to locate the device. This process varies depending on the service.
References
Tips
- Some mobile security services include the ability to sound an alarm -- even if the phone is on silent -- and sync, lock and wipe your mobile data remotely.
Warnings
- Anyone with access to your location service account information may be able to access administrative security features for your mobile device. Only share your account information with family members and people that you trust.
Writer Bio
Located in Denver, Chad Davis has been writing about technology for more than 10 years. He is a technical writer for information technology and product development. Davis provides grant writing and marketing services to small businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from the University of New Mexico.