Empowered to Detect Spyware & Prevent Hacking Guides How to Detect GPS Tracking on Your Cell Phone

How to Detect GPS Tracking on Your Cell Phone

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Have you ever wondered if someone is tracking your cell phone? If so, it’s important to know how to detect GPS tracker on cell phone. In this article, we will discuss the various ways to determine if someone is using a tracker app or other technology to monitor your whereabouts. By understanding the signs of GPS tracking and taking precautions to protect yourself, you can ensure your safety and privacy when using your mobile device. 

GPS tracking apps 

GPS phone tracker allows users to track the location of a device or individual. These apps can be useful for personal safety, keeping track of loved ones, or monitoring your stuff. 

Here are three popular GPS tracking apps:

AppCompatibilityLocation by NumberGeofencing AccuracyCan it be hidden?
DetecticoiOS, AndroidYesHighYes
Localize.MobiiOS, AndroidYesHighYes
Scannero.ioiOS, AndroidYesHighYes

Is There a Tracker on My Phone? – Abuse of Legitimate Apps 

Unfortunately, tracking devices for phones can also be used for malicious purposes, such as stalking. Ensuring that any app you install has legitimate uses and cannot be abused is important. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from potential abuse: 

  • Always read an app’s privacy policy before installing it. Check what data the app collects and how it will use or share it.
  • Research the app developer to ensure their privacy policies are up-to-date and that they have a good reputation. 
  • Set strong passwords for your apps and devices, as well as regularly update them to keep yourself secure.
  • Consider using two-factor authentication with any tracking devices for phones you install. This adds an extra layer of security to protect your data. 
  • If a GPS phone tracker has suspicious features, such as the ability to hide its icon from the device screen, uninstall it immediately. 
  • Be aware that if you’re using a tracking app on someone else’s phone without their knowledge or permission, this is illegal in many countries and could result in criminal charges. 

How to stop sharing your location in Google Maps:

  1. Open Google Maps on your Android or iOS device. 
  2. Tap the Menu icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. 
  3. Select “Location Sharing” from the list of options. 
  4. Select “Stop sharing” next to the person with whom you want to stop sharing your location. 

How to stop sharing your location in Find My:

  1. Open Find My on your iOS device. 
  2. Tap the “People” tab at the bottom of the screen. 
  3. Select the person with whom you want to stop sharing your location from the list of contacts. 
  4. Tap “Stop Sharing Location” in the upper-right corner of their profile.

With these simple steps, you don’t even need GPS tracker detector app to deal with the location turn-off. 

Apps with access to your location

It’s important to be aware of which apps have access to your location data, as this can be used for malicious purposes. On both iOS and Android, you can check which apps have permission to use your location in the device settings: 

 On iOS: 

  1. Go into Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
  2. Scroll down through the list of installed apps and tap on each one to see what access they have. 

On Android: 

  1. Go into Settings > Location. 
  2. Tap on App Permissions to view the list of apps with access to your location data. 
  3. Select the app and then choose “Allow all the time” or “Allow only while using the app” to restrict access. 

By regularly reviewing which apps have permission to use your location, you can better protect yourself from potential abuse even without GPS tracker detector app. 

Signification Locations & Google Timeline

If you want to disable the Significant Locations feature on your iOS system, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Privacy > Location Services > System Services.
  3. Scroll down and find “Significant Locations.”
  4. You may be prompted to enter your passcode or use Touch/Face ID.
  5. Once you’re in Significant Locations, you can see all the stored locations and turn off the feature if desired.

To access your location data on Google Timeline, follow these steps in order to understand ​​how to find a tracker on your phone:

  1. Open the Google Maps app.
  2. Click on your profile picture located in the top-right corner.
  3. Select the ‘Your Timeline’ option.

To pause your location history, follow these steps: Click on “Pause Location History,” slide the toggle button to activate it, and then click on “Pause” at the bottom of the popup.

Photo Metadata

 Whenever you take a picture with your smartphone, photo metadata is stored along with the image. This includes information such as the device used to take the picture, GPS coordinates, and timestamps. It’s important to be aware of this in order to protect yourself from potential abuse. To check if your photos have associated metadata, without the need to install any additional GPS tracker detector app, follow these steps: 

  1. On iOS, open the Photos app and select a photo.
  2. Tap on “Info” (the “I” symbol) in the top-right corner to view the image’s metadata. 
  3. Open the Google Photos app on Android and select a photo
  4. Tap on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, and then tap on “Info” to view the image’s metadata.

You can also disable photo and location metadata entirely in your device settings to avoid locating phone by GPS: 

  • On iOS: Go into Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Camera and turn off “Allow Camera Access”. 
  • On Android: Go into Settings > Location > App Permissions and then select “None” for all apps.  

By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from potential abuse. 

Spyware

Spyware refers to malicious software designed to gather sensitive information from a device without the user’s knowledge or consent. It can monitor and collect various types of data, including call logs, text messages, browsing history, and more. Here are three spyware apps that allow locating phone by GPS:

AppCompatibilityCurrent GPS LocationGeofencingCan it be hidden?
mSpyiOS, AndroidYesYesYes
MobiPastiOS, AndroidYesYesYes
EyezyiOS, AndroidYesYesYes

Final Thoughts

By being aware of how to detect GPS tracker on cell phone, potential risks associated with GPS tracking apps, and their consequences, you can help protect yourself and your data from abuse. It’s important to read an app’s privacy policy before installing it, and check the location permissions for any apps that have access to your location data. Additionally, disabling photo and location metadata on your device can help reduce the risk of potential abuse. Taking these measures can help keep your data safe and secure while using tracking devices for phones. 

FAQ

Q: Can I use an app to detect a GPS phone tracker ?

A: Yes, there are apps available that can help detect GPS trackers. These apps analyze the radio frequencies around you and can detect suspicious signals emitted by hidden trackers. However, it’s important to note that their effectiveness may vary depending on the type and sophistication of the tracker. Some dedicated GPS phone tracker detection devices might also offer more advanced features and accuracy.

Q: Can I stop my phone from being tracked?

A: Yes, you can take steps to enhance your privacy and reduce the chances of your phone being tracked. Start by reviewing your app permissions and only grant location access to trusted apps. Regularly check your phone for unfamiliar apps or software that may be used for tracking. Keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated to ensure you have the latest security patches. Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic. Additionally, turning off location services or using airplane mode can limit your device’s exposure to tracking devices for phones.

Q: How do I block GPS tracking?

A: Blocking GPS tracking requires a multi-layered approach. Review your phone’s location settings and disable any unnecessary location services. Use the “Location” or “Privacy” settings on your device to customize app access to your location. You can also invest in a signal-blocking case or bag that can prevent GPS signals from reaching your phone. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be used to track your device’s approximate location. Regularly check your device for any suspicious tracking devices for phones that may be enabling monitoring. Lastly, staying vigilant about the permissions you grant to apps and being mindful of the information you share online can help protect your privacy.

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