How to Track a Phone Number for Free: Best Free Services in 2025

One of our users mentioned that he often misplaces his phone, sometimes under the couch, sometimes at the office. He asked us, “Can I track my phone for free?”

The good news is, yes. Between Google and Apple’s built-in phone locators and third-party solutions, there are several ways to track or locate a phone online for free.

Before diving into the detailed steps on how to track a phone number for free, here’s a quick comparison table to help you pick the right method based on your situation.

• Table Of Contents
• VigilKids
• Google Find My Devices
• iCloud Find Devices
• Free Reverse Lookup Tools
• Social Media & Messaging Apps

PART 1. VigilKids- track down a phone number

If you’re looking for a simple and precise way to track a phone online, VigilKids is the most reliable option.

Unlike one-time location tools, VigilKids offers real-time and continuous monitoring, giving you consistent access to your phone’s location — even when it’s moved or restarted.

Whether you’re a parent wanting to check your child’s safety, a caregiver tracking an elderly relative, or simply someone who often misplaces their phone, VigilKids helps you find it in seconds.

1 VigilKids - Comprehensive Phone Location Tracker

• Real-time and Recent Locations: See both the current position and location history on a map.

• Smart Geofencing Alerts: Get automatic notifications when the device enters or leaves predefined areas.

• Live Screenshot of the Device: Get an instant visual of what’s on the phone’s screen to confirm its online activities.

• Silent Operation: Works quietly in the background without system pop-ups or repeated password prompts.

• Easy to Use: No complicated setup; you can start tracking in just a few minutes.

2 How to Track a Phone with VigilKids

• Step 1. Go to vigilkids.com, click “Try Now” to choose an appropriate plan, and create an account. Keep your VigilKids username and password safe.
LEARN MORE Try it Now
• Step 2. Visit the VigilKids dashboard and log in with your account. Click “Bind New Device,” follow the instructions to get your unique pairing code, and remember it.
• Step 3. Get the device you wish to track the location. Open the browser and visit the download address at https://www.vigilkids.vip. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install VigilKids Assistant on the target phone.
  • Tips: When it prompts ‘Install blocked for unknown sources,’ just hit ‘Yes’ to open settings and enable it automatically.
• Step 4. Once the installation is finished, open VigilKids Assistant and follow its prompts to complete the setup and bind. Enter the pairing code, then manually follow the steps in the guide to hide the app so it can operate silently in the background.
• Step 5. Go back to the dashboard and click “GPS Location” to track the target device’s current location and route history.

PART 2. Google Find My Devices

If you have an Android phone, Google Find My Device is the easiest and most reliable way to locate it for free. It’s an official Google service that lets you locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely as long as it’s connected to the internet and your Google account. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1. Go to Find My Device on any browser.
• Step 2. Sign in using the same Google account linked to your lost phone.
• Step 3. Once logged in, Google will show your device’s last known location on a map.

From here, you can:

• Ring your device to know its whereabouts.
• Lock it or erase device data to protect your phone.

Even if your device is offline, Find My Device will display its last known location before it went offline.

User Feedback

"I thought I’d lost my Pixel 7 at the park, but Find My Device showed it at home — turns out it had slipped between the couch cushions. Saved me from a panic attack!" —— One Reddit user

PART 3. iCloud Find Devices

For iPhone users, Apple’s Find My is the go-to free tool for locating lost or stolen devices. As long as the feature is enabled before your iPhone goes missing, as long as you log into your iCloud account, you can track it from any Apple device or through a browser — no extra app required.

• Step 1. Go to iCloud.com/find or open the Find My app on another Apple device.
• Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID — the same one used on your missing iPhone.
• Step 3. Select your device from the list to view its location on the map.

PART 4. Free Reverse Lookup Tools

If your goal isn't to track your own phone, but rather to find out who's behind an unknown number, free reverse lookup tools can be surprisingly useful. They won't give you real-time GPS tracking, but they can help you uncover basic information like the caller's name, city, carrier, and whether the number is associated with spam or scams.

Many websites let you enter a phone number and instantly see any available public information. Some even allow you to report suspicious numbers, which helps other users avoid fraud or harassment.

Here's how to use them:

• Step 1. Go to the reverse lookup website.
• Step 2. Type the phone number you want to trace.
• Step 3. Wait a few seconds and view results.
• Step 4. You'll usually see the name, region, or organization tied to that number.

Many users report that reverse lookup tools help them quickly identify unknown numbers — such as delivery services, customer support, or spam callers.

Related reading: Can Someone Listen to Your Phone Calls? Check signs that someone might be listening.

PART 5. Social Media & Messaging Apps

When phone number trackers don't help much, sometimes you can try to search the number directly on social media or messaging apps. Many users link their phone numbers to platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram, which can reveal useful clues such as a profile name, photo, or even mutual contacts.

Tracking a phone number online via social media and messaging apps doesn't require any third-party tools, but just a bit of detective work. Here are the detailed steps:

• Step 1. Save the number in your phone's contact list.
• Step 2. Open WhatsApp or Telegram to see if the account appears. If it does, you might see their profile picture or status.
• Step 3. On Facebook, enter the phone number in the search bar. If it's tied to a public account, their profile will show up.

Tip: If you do find a profile connected to a strange number, don't message them impulsively, since scammers sometimes use fake profiles to collect personal information. Always verify through mutual contacts or official channels first.

FAQ about Tracking a Phone Number Location for Free

Conclusion

While there are several free ways to track a phone number for free, the most reliable and comprehensive solution highlighted in this article is VigilKids. It offers real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts, and ongoing monitoring, making it ideal for parents or anyone who wants live location updates.

Remember to always respect privacy and use tracking tools responsibly. Free methods can provide clues, but for continuous and precise monitoring, a solution like VigilKids is the most practical choice.