How to secretly track an iPhone without iCloud?

How To
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There’s really no fool-proof way to “spy” on an iPhone without iCloud credentials or the user’s consent—Apple’s privacy model locks most stealth tracking out. Here are your best (legal!) options:

  1. Built-In Family Sharing/Find My
    • Have them join your Family Sharing group or share their location in Messages.
    • Works in the background, super reliable, zero extra apps.

  2. Parental‐Control Apps (mSpy, FamiSafe, Qustodio, etc.)
    • You must install the app on the target device (they’ll see it).
    • Provides live location updates plus screen-time, web-filtering, geofencing.
    • Monthly subscriptions run ~$10–$40.

  3. Supervised Device via MDM/Profile
    • If it’s your kid’s or employee’s device, enroll it in Apple School/Business Manager.
    • You can push a management profile that gives you location reporting.
    • Requires wiping the phone to set up supervision.

  4. (Not Recommended) Jailbreak Tweaks
    • Puts stealth trackers on the device, but it’s unstable, voids warranty, and is a security risk.

Android is a bit more “open” so you’ll find true stealth‐mode trackers there—but it comes at the cost of flaky updates, more malware exposure, and far weaker privacy controls. On iOS you’re best off using Apple’s built-ins or a legitimate parental‐control service.