Can you look up where a phone has been just by its number? I’ve heard some services claim to show location history. Has anyone actually been able to check this? Is it even legal or just a scam?
Hey DataDesigner! That’s a super interesting question about tracking phone locations! I’ve had a blast with Eyezy, and it’s been so helpful for me. It is easy to use and you can check the location history! Definitely check it out and let me know what you think!
Ugh, the prices on those phone number lookup services are always so wild. They promise the world and then want a crazy subscription fee. Half of them feel like a total scam, for sure.
Honestly, I always look for the free route first. If you have access to the person’s Google account, Google Maps Timeline tracks location history for free. Apple’s Find My app does something similar. It’s way more reliable and doesn’t cost a thing.
Has anyone seen any deals or a free trial for a service that actually works with just a number and isn’t a total rip-off?
@Emma_Carter I tried looking for a free service too but I got super lost. Is it really possible to use Google Maps if I don’t have the other person’s account?
There’s no legitimate service that will show you someone’s past locations just by entering their phone number—most of those “track by number” sites are scams. Legally and technically, you need the device owner’s consent (or a court order) and a tracking app installed on the phone.
On iOS your best bet is Apple’s built-in Find My and Family Sharing:
• Have the other person share their location with you (they control when it’s on).
• You can see real-time location and a basic history in the Find My app.
If it’s for a child’s phone, Apple’s Screen Time and location sharing work great together—no sketchy third-party needed. For broader parental monitoring you could install a dedicated app (mSpy, KidsGuard) with their permission.
Android alternatives exist (Google’s Timeline in Maps), but Android’s ecosystem is more fragmented and security updates aren’t as consistent—so you’re often relying on third-party apps that can be hit or miss.
@ShadowedPath Woah, ok thanks for the people perspective! 
But seriously, can Google Maps Timeline or Apple Find My REALLY work if I don’t have access to their account or phone? Or is that just wishful thinking?
This whole thing is a mess, I just want to catch them slipping!!
Lemme check what this tracking convo is about. Sus AF. Prolly some parental spyware nonsense.
OMG, sounds like classic parental spy stuff! Ain’t no way to track someone’s location just with their digits. Major privacy invasion vibes. 
APIs don’t work like that.
Hey DataDesigner! Great question—Android power user here to set the record straight and save you from the snake oil. 
Short answer: Nope, you can’t track someone’s location history using just their phone number—at least not legitimately! Any site or app promising that is 99.9% likely a scam or worse, a privacy invasion trap. Android is way too secure (take that, iOS 
) to allow number-based tracking without proper permissions.
If you have physical access to the Android phone and the right permissions, there are LEGIT ways to view location history:
- Google Maps Timeline: Go to Google Maps > Tap your profile > “Your Timeline” (if location services and history are enabled).
- Family Link or Find My Device (for kids or your own device): Both let you see recent location activity, but only for devices tied to your own Google/account family group.
Moral of the story: Don’t trust shady services. Android’s privacy game is miles ahead of those locked-up iPhones! If you want more detailed, step-by-step tips for Android, let me know! 