Continuous tech inventions have brought us to the era of 5G smartphones which have several tools just because of in-built features. Interestingly, smartphones using the android operating system can now function as both GPS receivers and GPS trackers. Thus, being familiar with the GPS capabilities of your Android phone is crucial as it is incredibly helpful. GPS can be an invaluable tool in case the phone is lost or theft. Even if your phone is not connected to the internet, it will continue to operate normally. With the right applications, a smartphone with a GPS feature can become a reliable and cost-effective tool for various uses. So, if you want to use an android smartphone as a GPS tracker device, follow the given instructions.
How to use Android smartphones as a GPS Tracker
Virtually every Android phone has a built-in feature of “Find My Device”. Regularly, this service will “ping” Google’s servers with the coordinates of your smartphone. Then, use the Google web interface to monitor your device’s location in real time. You need to sign in with your Google account to access this function.
Instructions for activating Android’s “Find My Device” feature:
- Go to the “Settings” of your device.
- Then select “Security & Lock Screen” or “Privacy” option from settings.
- Scroll down the menu and enable the “Find my Device” option. Then pull down the notification shutter and activate the GPS or Location
Locate your device now
If you have enabled the ‘Find my device’ option on your phone and now you wish to locate your Android phone’s precise location or want to use it as a GPS tracker, then simply follow the instructions.
- After activating, all you need to do is go to Google from any web browser, type “Find My Device,” and push enter. The first step is to launch a web browser and navigate to this address. Afterwards, sign in using your Google Account. (The same Gmail account which is active on your smartphone)
- Once you have signed in, select the device you wish to keep your eyes on. It is possible to track the phone’s whereabouts in real time.
The Google Find My Device Dashboard will also show you the connected Wi-Fi network, battery level, and more.
Although, find-my-device option works best, but it is better to have a second option, and nothing works better than third-party tracking applications. There are numerous alternative applications available on the Google play store that are easy to install and efficient in working.
Monitor an android smartphone via a third-party app
The precise location of your smartphone can also be determined by installing a third-party GPS tracking app. If you do not want to use Android’s built-in ‘Find My Device’ feature as a GPS tracker, you may easily transform your Android handset into a GPS tracker by installing a GPS tracker app or a Family Locator app. These apps can also be used to monitor your whereabouts. Here are some examples of GPS tracking software:
- Prey
For GPS tracking, Prey is a great alternative to ‘Find My Mobile,’ and the two apps are interchangeable in use.
It has several advantages over competing software, the most notable being is its compatibility with multiple operating systems and devices (including Windows and iOS). Your smartphone’s location can be tracked from anywhere in the world.
- Life 360: Find Family & Friends
If you want to keep a check on your loved ones through their mobile devices, Life360 is the app for you. But aside from that, the software may also be used to locate your phone using GPS if you misplace it.
When parents know exactly where their children are, they remain relaxed and comfortable. The sole drawback is that the software lacks the Find My Smartphone functionality of locking or deleting a misplaced device.
Create a Mount for Android Monitoring
When you have made your smartphone trackable with Find My Device or another third-party software, all that is left to do is fasten it to the device you want to pay attention to, either car or smartwatch. This is, of course, simpler to say than to accomplish. But the usage of a magnetic automobile mount is the simplest and most reliable solution. Most kits consist of a magnetic insert (to be placed inside your device casing) and a magnetic base (that you attach to whatever you want to mount). If you have a high-quality model, your phone will “click” into the base and remain there without a hitch, all thanks to the powerful magnetic force.
Traditional GPS Trackers V/S Smartphone GPS Tracker
While your Android device can function as a tracker in an emergency, do not expect it to be as efficient as a traditional tracking device is. There are three major drawbacks to be aware of, and if any of these drawbacks cause you problems, you should consider using a dedicated tracker instead:
Battery Life: Your smartphone always has a lot of software running in the background, such as system-level services and third-party apps, consuming more battery life. A dedicated GPS tracker only requires GPS tracking, resulting in significantly longer battery life per charge.
Signals Reach Capacity: GPS trackers are not perfect, but their signals are far better than those of smartphones. As a result, not only are dedicated GPS trackers more accurate, but they can also track even when smartphones cut out.
Costs and risks: Do you want to risk losing your Android device? What if you attached it to a car’s undercarriage and it fell off in the middle of a highway? Dedicated GPS trackers are easier to install and more durable, and they are less expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged.
Wrapping it up…
Your Android device is more powerful than you realise. It can be used as a camera to take photos and videos, a communication device to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues, and a GPS tracker, among other things.
Your phone can be so many things; all you need to know is how to use its numerous features. By following the instructions above, you will be able to use your device as a GPS tracker.
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