How to Locate a Lost Person Through Their Cell Phone

By Chad Davis

Devices supporting enhanced 911 send your location information during emergency calls.
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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.

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