With the advancement of technology and the increasingly frequent use of smartphones, cell phone tracking has become a common practice for many people. Whether it is to monitor the whereabouts of family members, find a lost device or even to check the partner's loyalty, there are numerous applications available for free on the internet for this purpose.

However, security experts warn of the risks of using such applications without taking the necessary precautions. Many of them can pose a threat to user privacy, allowing third parties to access personal data such as messages, contacts and even real-time location.

An example of this is the “Cell Phone Tracker” application, available for free download from the Google Play store. Although it promises the precise location of the cell phone in real time, the app requires permission to access the camera, media files and even phone calls, opening loopholes for the leakage of sensitive information.

To ensure the security of personal data, it is recommended to opt for tracking apps that have security certificates and are reliable. “Find My Device”, for example, is an official Google application that allows you to locate, block and even erase data from a lost or stolen cell phone, without compromising the user's privacy.

Another option is “Prey Anti Theft”, which offers advanced tracking features, such as capturing remote photos and recording audio around the device. The app has end-to-end encryption and was awarded for its security by PC Mag.

It's important to remember that even with reliable tracking apps, overuse can be an invasion of privacy. After all, real-time location can reveal information about the user's routine and habits, which can be exploited by potential criminals.

What are the 4 best apps and how do they work?

Before opting for a tracking application, it is essential to assess the risks and benefits of using it, ensuring the security of personal data and user privacy. Our team created a list and enumerated (to make your life easier) which are the best apps of their kind and how they stand out in terms of performance. Check below:

1. GLYMPSE

Glympse is a real-time location tracking application that allows the user to share their location with friends and family in a safe and controlled way. It stands out from other tracking apps because of its privacy and security approach. Unlike other tracking apps, Glympse does not require users to create an account or sign up to a service in order to use the app.

Instead, the user simply shares their location with a friend or group of friends via an app-generated link. It allows users to add personalized messages when sharing their location. This can be useful for letting friends and family know what the location is for, such as whether you're on your way to a meeting or a party.

The app also includes safety features such as Driving Mode, which automatically silences notifications and messages while the user is driving. Furthermore, Glympse does not share sensitive information such as contacts or personal information, and the user's location is always updated in real time.

2. MOBILE PHONE LOCATOR BY NUMBER

It is a very useful tool for anyone who wants to track the location of a lost cell phone or even to track someone else's location. It works in a simple way: just enter the desired cell phone number and the app tracks the location in real time. One of the advantages of this application is that it is completely free and easy to use, without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

In addition, it offers additional features, such as the ability to lock the cell phone remotely and receive notifications in case of changes in location. However, it is important to point out that the use of Cell Phone Finder by Number must be done with caution and respect for the privacy of others. After all, monitoring someone else's location without their consent can be considered a violation of privacy and even criminal conduct.

3. FAMILY LOCATOR

This application developed by Life360 tracks the location of family and friends in real time. It stands out for offering a series of advanced features and useful tools to ensure the safety and well-being of users. It uses high-precision GPS technology to show the exact location of each family member on a map. Furthermore, the app is capable of sending real-time alerts whenever someone arrives or leaves a certain location, which can be especially useful for parents who want to monitor their children's location.

Another interesting feature of Family Locator is the creation of sharing circles. With this option, you can add friends and family to a group and share the location of all group members on a map. This way, you can stay in touch with friends and family, plan get-togethers, and ensure the safety of all group members.

4. mspy

mSpy is a monitoring app that allows parents and employers to track activity on a mobile device. It is specially designed for mobile devices and allows you to monitor calls, messages, browsing history, GPS location, instant messages, social media activity, among other features.

There are several reasons why mSpy stands out among other monitoring apps. First, it's easy to install and use. The installation process is simple and can be completed in a few minutes. Once installed, the app runs in the background without affecting device performance.

Another advantage of mSpy is that it is highly customizable. The user can choose which features they want to monitor and can customize the application to meet their specific needs. This makes mSpy an attractive option for parents who want to monitor their children's activity or for employers who want to monitor employee mobile device usage.

Now just download

Basic step-by-step to download an application after selecting the one you prefer:

1. Make sure your mobile device is connected to the internet.
2. Access the app store corresponding to your device's operating system: App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android).
3. Use the search bar to find the app you want to download. Type the name of the application in the search bar and press the “Search” key.
4. Select the desired app from the search results list.
5. Click the “Download” or “Install” button to start the download process.
6. Wait until the application download completes. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the app and the speed of your internet connection.
7. After the download is complete, click on the app icon on your device's home screen to open it and start using it.