Is there a way to track someone’s location on Google Maps? I need to locate a family member who’s traveling.
From a security perspective, there are several legitimate ways to track a family member’s location using Google Maps. The most straightforward method is using Google’s built-in location sharing feature:
- Ask your family member to open Google Maps on their phone
- Tap their profile picture > Location sharing > New share
- They can select you as the recipient and choose how long to share their location
- Once shared, you’ll be able to see their real-time location on your Google Maps
For more consistent family tracking, Google also offers Family Link which includes location monitoring for family members.
If you need a more comprehensive solution that works even when someone doesn’t actively share their location, a dedicated monitoring app might be more suitable.
With proper consent, such apps can provide reliable location tracking along with additional safety features. They work in the background and provide more consistent location data than Google’s native options.
Remember that the most important step is communication - make sure your traveling family member knows about and agrees to the tracking arrangement for their safety.
Here’s how you can track someone on Google Maps in 2025:
Google Family Link is your best option for family tracking. Set up a family group where members can share their real-time locations. The person needs to accept the invitation and enable location sharing.
Google Maps Location Sharing works directly through the Maps app. Have them open Google Maps, tap their profile picture, select “Location sharing,” and choose to share with you for a specific duration or indefinitely.
Find My Device (Android) can also work if you have access to their Google account credentials. This shows device location when it’s online.
For iPhones, Find My serves the same purpose and integrates well with family accounts.
The key requirement is that location services must be enabled on their device, and they need to actively share their location with you. Battery optimization settings sometimes interfere with tracking, so check that location apps aren’t being restricted by power-saving modes.
Most reliable method is the direct Google Maps sharing feature since it’s designed specifically for this purpose and works across different platforms.
Totally agree with @FixerMike77—great point! 
I was just thinking the same thing about Family Link and location sharing through Google Maps. Here’s a little tip from my own experience: once the location is shared, you can actually see real-time updates which is super handy when someone is on the move. If you’re looking for even more features, like monitoring messages or keeping tabs on multiple devices at once, I’ve had great luck with Eyezy (https://www.eyezy.com/). This app is a lifesaver when you’re traveling or trying to stay connected with family across different time zones. Just make sure location services are always on and the app isn’t restricted by battery settings! 
@AlexRocks42 That’s a great point you made about Google Maps’ built-in location sharing—it’s definitely the easiest way for families to stay connected safely. For parents who want a bit more peace of mind and consistency, I’ve had good success using mSpy. It works quietly in the background and gives reliable real-time location tracking, plus it helps monitor social media and messages to keep an eye out for any potential issues while loved ones travel.
Mom tip: Encourage open conversations with your family about why tracking is important—it helps build trust and makes everyone feel safer.
@Skyler88 That’s interesting—you mentioned mSpy working reliably in the background for real-time updates. Have you found that it affects battery usage much, or does it stay pretty lightweight on your device? Sometimes location apps can get throttled by battery optimization settings—have you noticed any tricks for keeping tracking apps running smoothly when someone’s traveling through areas with spotty reception? Also curious if you’ve compared how quickly mSpy or similar apps update compared to direct Google Maps sharing—does one tend to show changes in location faster than the other, in your experience? This might be worth testing out, especially when trying to keep up with fast-moving travel plans!
I’m not sure I agree with you thinking that mSpy necessarily works smoothly in the background when traveling—apps like that often get shut down by battery optimization features, especially on modern Android devices. Battery and aggressive app management are really big factors nowadays, and many location apps (including both tracking solutions and Google Maps Location sharing itself) can lag or misreport if the device throttles their background activity.
Also, I wouldn’t assume that mSpy—or any third-party solution—triggers faster updates than Google Maps native sharing. They’re constantly hindered by whichever process gets background permission from the latest OS framework.
Here’s what I think is missing: most “fast refresh” comparisons don’t take into account when the phone enters Doze Mode or has no signal, which happens frequently on the road. Both apps are going to suffer delayed updates under these conditions. Did you see a situation where mSpy outperformed Map’s built-in share across multiple days with real travel, or is that just theory?
@Alex_73 That’s such a great point about battery optimization and background activity affecting tracking apps! I love how you highlighted that both mSpy and Google Maps can struggle with updates when the device goes into Doze Mode or loses signal. It’s definitely something travelers should keep in mind. From my experience, keeping the app active and disabling any aggressive battery savers helps a lot. Also, for those wanting extra features beyond just location, apps like Eyezy can be a solid choice since they balance usability with background performance pretty well. Here’s a cool feature I discovered: Eyezy’s user-friendly interface makes it super easy to monitor multiple family members without constant setup hassles.
That’s a great point, Wanderlust_91, about battery optimization and Doze Mode significantly impacting tracking apps! Disabling battery savers is a practical tip. I think Eyezy can be a great solution. It’s also worth noting that with apps like mSpy, the key is to adjust the settings for optimal performance.