How to Track a Person Phone by Link in the US

Today tracking a person’s phone by link is used for different reasons such as, finding a lost phone, a safety check for children or even these processes are used in legal investigations. If you know how to use the right tools, you can simply send them a link and track their location. In the US, however, tracking without consent can be illegal.

Here is a guide to four ways to track a phone by link, the legal considerations, and tips to protect yourself in case of illegal tracking. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Legal Framework in the US

It is important to know the legal framework before using anybody’s phone tracking method.

Federal Laws

• Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA): This is a law for the protection of electronic communications. The law restricts tracking an adult’s phone without his consent.
• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA): In this case, accessing a phone’s data without permission is an offense under federal law.

State Variations

Different states have stricter privacy laws:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): Limits how businesses collect and share location data.
• Illinois’ Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA): This protects personal and biometric data, including location tracking.

Tracking someone’s phone in the US without their knowledge is against the law — unless you have obtained explicit permission. On the other hand, parents can track their minor children. Before using any tracking subsystem, make sure to comply with state and federal laws.

4 Methods to Track a Person’s Phone by Link in the US

There are several methods to track a person’s phone by link, but it’s got to be done legally and with one’s consent. Below are four trusted ways to track a person’s phone by link in the US using trusted apps, online tools, and tracking links.

Location Sharing

Some apps allow users to share their location in real-time. If the person agrees, you can track their phone effortlessly.

Google Maps Share Location

The location-sharing feature of Google Maps lets users share their current location with an opted list of contacts. This is very accurate and shows movement in real-time. It’s useful to track family members, organize meetings, and to be safe. The location link works on any device, and you can set a sharing duration.

1. Open Google Maps on the target phone.

2. Tap the profile icon, then select Location Sharing.

3. Choose a contact and set the duration.

4. You’ll receive a link to track their location.

WhatsApp Live Location Sharing

WhatsApp’s live location feature lets users share their real-time location within a chat. It is encrypted, ensuring privacy and security. This method is beneficial for tracking loved ones, meeting up with friends, or staying safe during travel. The sender controls how long their location remains visible to others.

1. Open a chat with the person.

2. Tap the attachment icon, then Select Location.
3. Choose Share Live Location and set the time limit.

4. You’ll receive a link to track them.

Snapchat Snap Map

Snapchat’s Snap Map allows users to share their live location with selected friends. It updates in real time and works even when the app is closed. This feature is great for social meetups and safety tracking. Users can choose who sees their location and stop sharing at any time.

1. Open Snapchat and tap the Bitmoji icon.

2. Go to Snap Map, then select Share Live Location.
3. Choose a contact and set the duration.

4. You’ll get a direct link to track them.

Online Phone Number Trackers by Links

If you need to track a phone’s location using just a phone number, MLocator is a reliable option. With this tool you can generate a link for tracking after which you can send to the target phone. When they click the link, their location is displayed on a map accurately.

MLocator is a service to track a person phone by link. It can track all phones (all models, operators, SIMs), globally. It uses GPS, WiFi, and cell tower triangulation to pinpoint locations within 3 meters of accuracy. It doesn’t require any app installation and is a convenient and efficient manner of tracking a phone’s location. 

1. Visit MLocator and sign in.

2. Click “Location by link” and then click “New Link”. 

3. Name the link based on your preference. Hit “Generate” to move on..

4. Copy the link and send it to the target person. Once the target person click the link, you will receive his geolocation immediately.

Parental Control Apps

Parental control apps help parents track the location of their kids and mSpy is a robust parental control app that lets parents monitor kids phone activity. It operates in the background and tracks you with real time location. Call logs, messages, social media activity, browsing history and other important data can be retrieved by the parents. It is an app which makes sure to keep the children safe, alerting parents if anything goes wrong.

1. Install mSpy on the child’s phone.
2. The app runs discreetly in the background.

3. Parents access a dashboard to monitor real-time location.
4. Geofencing and alerts notify parents of unusual activity.

💡Note: Although this is not the solution of tracking a person by link, you can still give it a try. 

IP Grabbers

IP grabbers track a person’s approximate location when they click a link. Grabify is one of the good examples of IP grabbers. Grabify is an online IP tracking tool that allows you to collect IP addresses and basic location data when someone clicks on your link. It provides detailed analytics, including the user’s country, city, device type, and operating system.

1. Visit Grabify and enter a URL.

2. Generate a tracking link.

3. Send the link to the person.

4. When they click, their IP address and approximate location are logged.

IP grabbers provide city-level location accuracy but don’t give exact addresses.

How to Protect Yourself from Illegal Tracking

Protecting yourself from illegal tracking is essential in today’s digital world. Hackers, scammers, and even unauthorized individuals can attempt to track your phone without consent. Follow these steps to safeguard your location and personal data.

1. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links – Never click random links from unknown sources.
2. Disable Location Sharing – Turn off location sharing in apps like Google Maps and WhatsApp.
3. Use a VPN – A VPN hides your real IP address, making tracking difficult.
4. Check App Permissions – Review which apps have location access on your phone.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
6. Change Passwords Regularly – Update passwords to prevent hacking.
7. Check for Spyware – Use anti-spyware apps to detect tracking software.
8. Turn Off GPS When Not Needed – Reduces the risk of unauthorized location tracking.

By following these tips, you can protect your privacy and prevent unwanted tracking.

FAQs

Is phone tracking legal without consent in California?

No, California has strict privacy laws, including the CCPA. Tracking someone’s phone without their consent is illegal unless you have explicit permission or a court order. Parents can track their minor children, but adults cannot track other adults without consent.

Can I track my spouse’s phone via the link in Texas?

No, Texas law requires consent for phone tracking. Even if you are married, tracking your spouse’s phone without their knowledge violates privacy laws. Exceptions apply for legal investigations or parental tracking of minors.

Can I find a person’s address by link?

Not exactly. A tracking link can reveal a person’s approximate location (city or neighborhood) but not their exact home address. For precise location tracking, GPS-based apps require explicit consent. You can use a reverse phone number lookup tool like MLocator to find a person’s address. 

Can I track a lost or stolen phone by link?

Yes. If location sharing is enabled (e.g., Google Maps or Find My iPhone), you can track the lost phone. Otherwise, using a tracking link may work if the thief clicks it. Always report stolen phones to the authorities.

Wrap Up

Tracking a person’s phone by link is possible using various methods, including location sharing, tracking websites, parental control apps, and IP grabbers. However, tracking someone without their consent is illegal in the US. Always follow privacy laws and obtain permission before tracking. If you suspect unauthorized tracking, take steps to protect your data. 

Need to track a phone legally? Use consent-based tools like Google Maps Share Location or MLocator for ethical tracking solutions. Stay informed and stay safe!