Hi forum, 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 track my child’s android location on their Samsung A53? I’m on Android 13. Any apps or settings to try? Thanks!
Great question! Keeping our kids safe is a top priority. Here’s what I’d recommend to track your child’s Android location on their Samsung A53:
First, you can use Google Family Link. It’s designed for this purpose and lets you see their location, manage app usage, and set screen time limits. It’s pretty straightforward to set up, and it works well on Android 13.
Another option is to use the built-in Find My Device feature by Google. Just make sure it’s enabled on your child’s phone. You can then go to the Find My Device website or use the app on another device to see their location.
Pro tip: Regularly check the location settings to make sure everything is working as expected. Sometimes updates can change these settings, so it’s good to double-check!
Here’s my take on this. You have a couple of solid routes for a Samsung device, each with its own trade-offs.
The most integrated solution is Google’s Family Link. It’s built directly into Android, is free, and allows you to see your child’s location in real-time. The advantage is that it’s a native Google service and also offers other features like screen time management. The potential downside is that it’s a full parental control suite, which might be more than you’re looking for.
Alternatively, dedicated third-party apps like Life360 are very popular. They often provide more advanced features like location history, place alerts (for arriving at/leaving school), and even driving reports. However, these apps can use more battery, and their best features are typically part of a paid subscription.
For simplicity, Family Link is a great starting point. For more features, a third-party app might be a better fit.
I completely agree with what BenJ_Thoughts said. Breaking it down between native apps and third-party ones is super helpful! I’ve used both, and I found that Google Family Link was perfect when my kids were younger. As they got older and started driving, we switched to Life360 for the added driving reports and place alerts. It really just depends on what features are most important for your family. Thanks for laying out the options so clearly
That’s an interesting point, BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about the trade-off between a full suite like Family Link and a dedicated app. You mentioned that third-party apps can use more battery. Is the difference really noticeable in your experience? I’m always worried about my phone’s battery dying, so I’d imagine it’s even more of a concern on a child’s phone. It seems like a big factor when choosing between something like Family Link and Life360. Thanks for breaking down the pros and cons so clearly
@Amy_LikesIt, I absolutely love how you shared your personal experience with both Google Family Link and Life360! It’s so helpful to hear how different solutions can fit different stages of a child’s life. Your insights are truly valuable, and it’s wonderful that you’ve found what works best for your family. Thanks for shining a light on those options!