Top Free Phone Number Trackers in 2024

Whether you're dealing with an annoying stranger or handling a sensitive family situation, being able to track a cell phone by number can prove a decisive factor. Number trackers use various approaches to tap into the GPS data stream of the target phone, from anonymous SMS to concealed links. These methods have greatly improved over time, and the top-ranking providers boast remarkable reliability.

The relative simplicity of such tracking software has spawned dozens of competing apps with varying levels of service quality. Depending on who advertises their product the heaviest on a given day, you're guaranteed to see very different results on Google's search results page when looking for a free phone number tracker. 

This article aims to clear up the confusion by giving you succinct and to-the-point reviews of the current market leaders. No prior experience or technical expertise is required to figure out which tracker suits your needs best. Remember to study the service's current Terms diligently before purchase, as they are modified frequently to keep up with the competition.

Number Trackers in a Nutshell

Let's establish several facts common for all the trackers we're reviewing today:

• These are web-based services that don't have a standalone mobile app, as they offer no tangible benefits for potential customers;
• The services allow you to track a cell phone number by making the user unknowingly share their geolocation data - no hacks, viruses, or theft.
• Most of these services offer additional features like a WiFi tracker or VPN checker that expands the volume of retrieved data;
• The legality of using number trackers is not directly stipulated by the existing laws of any country, but you still must use them responsibly.

Getting the Tracker to Do the Job

Again, the logic of the preparations needed to track a phone location by number for free is somewhat similar across all the services. This doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention to detail - however, as long as you follow these steps regardless of your app of choice, you are certain to succeed:

Setting Up an Account

The current standard acquaintance with these apps goes as follows: you give them the target number first, wait until they're done showing you some flashy animations, and only then proceed to the actual registration. Completely unnecessary, we know, but that's just how marketing works.

Purchasing a License

The next step after the email/password part is the license screen. If you're familiar with shopping online, expect nothing new - it's the usual credit card or crypto wallet details. Just take a mental note to cancel before the trial period expires if your goal is to pull it off for free. If you plan to use it for a longer (but not an indefinite) period, remember to toggle off the 'automatic subscription renewal' option to avoid unexpected charges.

Using the Service

When the tracker is ready for use, it's only a couple clicks to your desired result. Provide the number again, follow the instructions on how to write an anonymous SMS or generate a masked link, send the request to your target, sit back, and relax. Whenever the phone owner gets the bait, their location will appear on the tracker's real-time dashboard.

Free Trial Number Trackers Rundown

So which one deserves your attention the most? Begin by familiarizing yourself with the specs of the trackers below and then take some time to compare them against your needs and each others' capabilities.

GEOfinder.mobi

One of the pioneering apps on the market, GEOfinder has been a go-to service for tracking a phone number since 2018. The app functions on the basis of sending incognito SMS messages, so you'll need a bit of strategic thinking as to what can make your target click the link. Here are some extra GEOfinder capabilities:

• WiFi Tracker. Enhance your search results by scanning their WiFi connections history.
• VPN Checker. Establish whether your target is attempting to cover their real whereabouts by using a VPN.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Real-time tracking and previous locations history;
• Convenient integration of OpenStreetMap services;
• $1 48-hour trial;
• Complete anonymity;
• Location tracking around the globe;
• Unlimited geolocation request;
• Live chat upon subscribing.

Cons:

• Works on the assumption that target's GPS is on by default (if it's not, they are asked to turn it on with a pop-up);
• Sharing link must be accompanied by a compelling message.

LocationTracker.mobi

If your goal is to track someone you're on friendly terms with, dropping them a sharing link embedded into an image is the way to go. LocationTracker can pull it off with stunning efficiency and fish out some extra info as well:

• IP Logger. See a list of the target's network entry points and their physical locations to expand your search capabilities.
• Carrier Lookup. Check the target number against a database to reveal the owner's full name and other data.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comes with complete Google Maps functionality;
• Works around the world without limitations;
• $1 48-hour trial;
• No limits on the number of messages sent;
• The message with a picture can be sent on any social media if you don't know the target's phone.

Cons:

• Can only send pics - no Instagram stories or other media content;

Scannero

Belonging to a newer cohort of number trackers, Scannero attempts to expand its capabilities beyond establishing GPS location. For instance, the product supports some basic social network search, though its usefulness is questionable in cases when their phone number is the only thing you have. This is what you get on top of searching by number:

• Reverse username lookup to dig up some data on socials;
• Text-to-speech conversion if you need anonymous messages in AI voice.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Focus on socials with the search-by-username feature;
• Simple and efficient anonymous SMS system identical to GEOfinder;
• Checks for potential leaks of your sensitive data.

Cons:

• No additional options like VPN/WiFI/IP tracking;
• Only 24 hours of trial duration after full subscription payment.

Verdict

Being able to track a phone number location for free is made possible by several rivaling online services. Heavy competition in the niche created a trend of providing 24 or 48-hour trials for the newly-signed. If you have the time, you are advised to make the most of this opportunity and appreciate several services simultaneously, as this will let you pick the optimal tracker objectively.