Need to locate someone? Sharing location in the form of a simple link is a common thing today. Be it to see whether your child made it home safe and sound, to locate a friend who has gone missing, or to confirm an address, location tracking links come in handy. This guide teaches you how to follow trackers through links, what tools to use, and the privacy you need to be aware of.
Is it legal to track a person phone by link?
Tracking someone’s location through a link sits in a grey area legally. In the EU, the GDPR protects user privacy strictly. In the U.S., various federal and state privacy laws apply. Tracking with a person’s clear consent is generally legal, like asking a friend to share their Google Maps location.
Tracking without consent can breach privacy laws and result in penalties. Always get explicit permission before sending tracking links. Misusing tracking tools can lead to criminal charges, so use these methods responsibly and ethically.
How does a tracking link work?
A tracking URL functions by registering details when clicked on by an individual. Such tools as IP loggers or location sharing services record the IP address, GPS data, or Wi-Fi signals of the device. This information can detect the approximate location of the city, address, or even live positions.
Mainstream applications such as Google Maps or Messenger location are permission-based sharing. Other third-party trackers contain embedded location scripts in the link. Once the target clicks a button on his device, the system will capture his or her IP address or GPS and display an approximate position in real time.
How to get someone’s address and location by link
It is possible to access another person’s location or an address using a smart tracking URL that shows the IP address and approximate location.
Use an IP logger link
One of the easiest ways is to use an IP logger service. It tracks the IP address of anyone who clicks your custom link and provides geolocation data. While it’s a handy technique for tracking anonymous users, it’s important to use it ethically and respect privacy laws.
IPlogger
IPLogger is a brilliant IP and URL shortener that tracks and logs IP addresses when a certain individual accesses your shared link. It offers in-depth analytics such as IP, device data, GPS, and user consent links to comply with the law.
- Create a short link with IPLogger.
- Share it with the target.
- When clicked, check the dashboard for IP, location, and device details instantly.
Cellphone Location’s IP Tracker
Another option is Cellphone Location’s IP Tracker. It lets you generate a custom tracking link, shorten it, and monitor clicks. This is great for getting a general idea of where someone is if they interact with your link.
- Name and generate your unique location tracker link.
- Enter the email address to receive the details.
- Once clicked, log in to view the person’s real-time location on a map.
Via Google Maps location sharing link
Google Maps has a built-in feature that lets someone share their real-time location with you. To do this, the person must willingly enable sharing and send you a secure link. You’ll see their live GPS position for as long as they allow. This method is ideal for tracking family, kids, or friends with full consent.
With Messenger location feature
Many messaging apps have built-in location-sharing tools:
WhatsApp’s location feature lets users share their live or current location directly in chats. It’s secure, time-limited, and easy to use for meeting up or checking on someone’s whereabouts in real time.
- Open WhatsApp chat with the person.
- Tap the attach icon and select “Location.”
- Choose “Share Live Location” or “Send Your Current Location” and share instantly.
Snapchat Snap Maps
Snapchat’s Snap Maps shows friends’ real-time locations on a map if they’ve enabled location sharing. It’s great for finding where someone is hanging out, planning meetups, or checking local activity.
- Open Snapchat and pinch the camera screen to access Snap Maps.
- Tap a friend’s Bitmoji if visible.
- View their location or ask them to share live location updates directly.
These tools work only if the person agrees to share or has location visibility turned on.
Text link to find location
Some online tools send a tracking link directly to the person’s phone.
LocalizarTelefone
LocatePhone is an online phone number tracker that uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower triangulation to pinpoint a phone’s location globally. It’s designed for parental control and family safety, showing the phone’s exact position only after the owner consents to share it.
Passos:
- Digite o número de telefone.
- Press ‘Locate’.
- Provide the email address to which you want the location.
- Get the exact location result via SMS
TrackMobi
TrackMobi is a versatile phone number locator that tracks real-time phone locations worldwide, provides location history, reverse lookups, and even data leak checks. It’s useful for lost phones, parental safety, or verifying unknown callers, delivering results once the target accepts the tracking request.
Passos:
- Enter phone number.
- Now enter the email address to receive the details.
- Conclua o pagamento seguro.
- Receive live location instantly.
Through a shortened link with analytics
Bitly is a trusted URL shortener and connections platform that lets you create, customize, and track short links easily. Its analytics show click data, visitors’ country or city, and engagement stats. Bitly is SOC 2 compliant, GDPR-ready, and used for marketing, branding, and simple location insights.
Passos:
- Sign up at Bitly.
- Paste your long link.
- Create a short link.
- Share it and view analytics.
Perguntas frequentes
- Can I track someone by sending them a WhatsApp or SMS link?
Yes—if the person clicks the link. Tools like LocatePhone send a text link that, when opened, collects location data.
- Will the person know if I track them?
Most people won’t know you’ve logged their IP if you use an IP logger. But consent-based apps like Google Maps or WhatsApp clearly show when location is shared.
- How do I create a tracking link?
Use tools like IPLogger, Cellphone Location’s IP Tracker, or Bitly. Generate a custom link, share it, and track clicks and location data from your dashboard.
Conclusão
Getting someone’s address or location through a link is possible if they click and share the necessary data. Always respect privacy laws and get permission before tracking anyone. Use these tools for ethical purposes—like helping loved ones stay safe or finding someone in an emergency. Responsible tracking keeps you on the right side of the law.
Portuguese 
English