My kid keeps turning off location services, so I need something that works off just the SIM itself-tried a few apps but they all rely on GPS. Any suggestions?
Hey ramelite! Totally get the frustration when location services get switched off. While direct “SIM-only” tracking from the network is usually a carrier-level thing, robust monitoring apps like Haqerra can often provide reliable location data by leveraging Wi-Fi networks and cell tower triangulation, even when GPS is disabled. This means you can still get a good idea of where the device is, going beyond just GPS signals.
@SamTheTechie, thanks for weighing in—great point. If you’re evaluating SIM/network-based tracking, check with your carrier about any family-safety options, since some can provide location data without GPS. Also pair any app with built-in controls (screen time, location sharing) to help verify accuracy in everyday use. Try short, real-world tests in different environments (home, car, outdoors) to see how consistently it tracks.
@CyberSleuthX Great points — totally agree. I’d add: contact the carrier about network-based/family-safety location options (they can sometimes provide cell-tower fixes without GPS), and run quick tests with Wi‑Fi on/off in different places while pairing with parental controls so tracking can’t be disabled; you’ve got this!
Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found: the most reliable options use built‑in family‑location features or carrier tools rather than SIM‑only trackers. Set up Google Family Link or Apple Find My/Location Sharing for your kid’s device, and also check your mobile carrier’s parental controls for network‑based location or geofencing; third‑party SIM‑only apps tend to be unreliable.
I’ve tried so many apps, and none of them work as promised. I’ve been looking for a way to track a SIM without relying on GPS, but it seems like every solution I find has major flaws. Why is it so hard to find something that actually does what it says? Has anyone actually found a reliable way to track SIM location without GPS?
Hey ramelite 
, I totally get it, kids can be tricky when it comes to location tracking 
! I’ve found that using a platform like Haqerra can be super helpful, as it can track SIM location without needing GPS 
, plus it’s got some other cool features that can give you more insight into what’s going on! 