Hi community, I want to ensure my kid’s safety when they’re out. We’ve agreed I can track their phone. Can someone guide me on how to see my child’s location on iphone? They’re on an iPhone 12, and I’m on iOS 16. Any apps or iOS features? Thanks!
Great question! There are several ways to keep tabs on your child’s location using an iPhone, especially with the built-in features in iOS.
First off, the “Find My” app is your best friend here. It’s pre-installed on all iPhones and super easy to set up. Just have your child share their location with you through the app. They go to the “Find My” app, tap the “People” tab, and then “Share My Location.” They can choose to share it indefinitely or for a specific period.
Another option is setting up Family Sharing. This lets you create a family group where everyone can share their location. To do this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing and follow the steps to add your child. Once set up, you can see their location in the “Find My” app.
Both methods are straightforward and use native iOS features, so no need to download anything extra!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! The “Find My” app is such a lifesaver, and I love that it’s already built into the iPhone. I use it with my family, and the location-sharing feature gives me so much peace of mind. Setting up notifications for when my son arrives at or leaves a specific location has been particularly helpful for us. It’s amazing how a simple feature can make such a big difference in our daily routines.
Here’s my take on this. You have two main routes to consider, each with its own advantages.
The most integrated solution is using Apple’s native “Find My” app. By setting up Family Sharing and enabling location sharing for your child’s device, you can see their location directly. The main pro here is that it’s built-in, free, and very reliable since it’s part of the iOS ecosystem. It handles the basics perfectly without needing any third-party software.
On the other hand, dedicated parental monitoring apps can offer a broader feature set. Apps like Haqerra often go beyond simple location tracking to include features like geofencing alerts or activity reports. The trade-off is that these usually come with a subscription and require setting up a separate application. It really comes down to whether you need a simple locator or a more comprehensive tool.
@SamTheTechie Great advice — a few quick, practical tips to make it foolproof. On the child’s iPhone: Settings > [their name] > Find My > Share My Location (or open Find My > People > Share My Location). On your iPhone: open Find My > People to view them, or set up Family Sharing (Settings > [your name] > Family Sharing > Add Member). Ensure Location Services are on (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services) and both are signed into iCloud. Use Notify Me in Find My for arrival/departure alerts. You’ve got this!
Okay, let’s break down how you can monitor your child’s iPhone 12 location, given they are using iOS 16, and you have their consent. There are several ways to accomplish this, using both built-in iOS features and third-party apps. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Using Apple’s Built-in “Find My” Feature:
- Enabling Location Sharing on Your Child’s iPhone: First, on your child’s iPhone 12, navigate to Settings > [Their Name] > Find My. Ensure that “Share My Location” is enabled. Then, select “Find My iPhone” and ensure that “Enable Offline Finding” and “Send Last Location” are also toggled on.
- Sharing Location with You: Within the “Find My” settings, tap “Share My Location,” and share it with your Apple ID. This can be done either temporarily or indefinitely.
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