How to track a mobile phone location?

Fortyfoot

My partner is getting forgetful and I would like to be able to track the phone when not in the house, in the house I just ring it. It's not a smart phone.
I did a search on the net for free tracking sites/apps, I tried a few then found that they all charged.

Has any one got a free one which they would recommend? 

Thanks,

Fortyfoot

ballyblack

buy a cheap android smart phone.

You can track it live on Google maps free

Fortyfoot

Thanks, I thought of that, the problem is she would not be able to use another phone, shes 80 years old and has memory problems.

Fortyfoot

Undervalued

I suspect you can't without an app on the phone that sends its location at regular intervals, hence needing a smartphone.

Whilst the mobile phone companies and emergency service know where a phone is at any time (assuming it is switched on in an area where there is a signal) that comes from triangulating the distance from their masts. I don't think that data is legally available to the general public.

flaneurs_lobster

You could stick one of the many "key-finder" fobs to the back of the phone, they have a range of ~100-150 metres or so. They need an app on a smartphone to use them.

If you have an iPhone or Samsung mobile then their respective trackers are available and have "unlimited" range. They are quite bulky, cost much the same as a new dumbphone and have all sorts of privacy concerns associated with them. 

400ixl

Is it the phone or the person you are trying to track? And what phone / device do you have?

I am assuming by dumb phone, you are really talking about a dumb phone which has no GPS capability built in, even if it isn't a smart phone.

As suggested if you are not able to change the phone (as it would be difficult to track a pure dumb phone) then something like an Apple Airtag might be the way to go. This uses other people's iPhone's to locate a tag, so whilst not infallible is maybe the best you will get for a one off price of buying a tag. You could attach it to the house keys of the family member if it is them you are trying to be able to locate in an emergency, or in some way to a phone if it is the device itself.

There are more expensive but more reliable solutions using GPS fobs which respond to text requests for locations such as https://www.personalgpstrackers.co.uk/ which have low ongoing costs (pay as you go sims).

Ergates

With a non-smart phone, there is no legal way for you to do that.

Although you say she'd not be able to learn to use a new phone, she wouldn't actually have to use it, just have it on her.

Alternatively, there are products available that are specifically designed to do this that are easier to carry - e.g. that can be worn as a pendant around the neck, or attached as a key fob etc.  There would be an up front cost (say £150) and may be an ongoing cost too.  I don't know if there is any way to get some/all of those costs covered.

grumpycrab

This little GPS tracker is quite good. Fiddly to set up (needs a PAYG giffgaff/o2 sim) but rechargeable battery lasts for a couple of months.  www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MS3ML86/

Jenni_D

grumpycrab said:

This little GPS tracker is quite good. Fiddly to set up (needs a PAYG giffgaff/o2 sim) but rechargeable battery lasts for a couple of months.  www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MS3ML86/

Just looked at that, observed that it is a car tracker, and noticed this:

• Size: 90 x 72 x 22mm
• Weight: 168g

Not sure that's too practical for an 80 year old to be carting around.

Ergates

There are trackers specifically designed to be carried by people though (e.g. the ones posted by 400ixl - there are a few different makes around) - many of which are aimed at the exact scenario the OP has mentioned.   

However, none of them are free.  From some quick searches it doesn't look like there are any widely available grants to cover those costs - just a couple of specific instances where a local authority got hold of a bunch to give to vulnerable people.

grumpycrab

Jenni_D said:

• Size: 90 x 72 x 22mm
• Weight: 168g

Not sure that's too practical for an 80 year old to be carting around.

Stick it in a side pocket of her handbag and she'll never notice it.