Mobile phone as GPS tracker

[emax]

Has anyone ever thought of using a discarded cell phone as a GPS tracker or theft detector?

It has everything built in: A GPS chip, a battery, a low-power design for longer battery life, and a sim card with GSM access. And there seem to be some apps for this purpose.

Does anyone have any experience with this?
Can anyone recommend an app (Android/Apple) without a monthly fee?

 

[DaveB]

Has anyone ever thought of using a discarded cell phone as a GPS tracker or theft detector?

It has everything built in: A GPS chip, a battery, a low-power design for longer battery life, and a sim card with GSM access. And there seem to be some apps for this purpose.

Does anyone have any experience with this?
Can anyone recommend an app (Android/Apple) without a monthly fee?

I track my grandsons cell phone whenever he is having a visit with his father.
they are perfect for that

 

[emax]

Which app do you use?

 

[ECrider]

stalkerpro

 

[Tazzieman]

I inherit my family's used phones as my new phone, so that won't work for me.
Why not just buy a unit with extra functions?
I just read about one which says "Other features include a built-in microphone to listen to what is happening in your car in realtime, and an engine kill function to remotely disable the engine."
Sounds good!

 

[ECrider]

My wife bought me a couple of Apple Airtags for Christmas. I have used one in my hold luggage on a few trips and it's actually quite good. Will bury the second one somewhere in the Grenny when I get it.
Perhaps there's something similar for Android users?

 

[das mo]

My wife bought me a couple of Apple Airtags for Christmas. I have used one in my hold luggage on a few trips and it's actually quite good. Will bury the second one somewhere in the Grenny when I get it.
Perhaps there's something similar for Android users?

same

 

[muxmax]

My wife bought me a couple of Apple Airtags for Christmas. I have used one in my hold luggage on a few trips and it's actually quite good. Will bury the second one somewhere in the Grenny when I get it.
Perhaps there's something similar for Android users?

same

Plus one

 

[DaveB]

Which app do you use?

Find My

 

[DaveB]

My wife bought me a couple of Apple Airtags for Christmas. I have used one in my hold luggage on a few trips and it's actually quite good. Will bury the second one somewhere in the Grenny when I get it.
Perhaps there's something similar for Android users?

I had an airtag in my luggage last trip home from Switzerland after my luggage was lost on the way to switzerland.
They only work if there is an iphone or ipad nearby that is connected to the network.
I now have it in my wife's car so I know where she is when driving remotely.

 

[das mo]

I had an airtag in my luggage last trip home from Switzerland after my luggage was lost on the way to switzerland.
They only work if there is an iphone or ipad nearby that is connected to the network.
I now have it in my wife's car so I know where she is when driving remotely.

That is true.
Guess it depends on what you attempt to track.
If it is your car being stolen, then it is very likely it will be driven through areas with an iPhone present.
Upside of a token is a year of battery life with no hassle and being super small.

 

[Eric]

Has anyone ever thought of using a discarded cell phone as a GPS tracker or theft detector?

It has everything built in: A GPS chip, a battery, a low-power design for longer battery life, and a sim card with GSM access. And there seem to be some apps for this purpose.

Does anyone have any experience with this?
Can anyone recommend an app (Android/Apple) without a monthly fee?

Do it all the time when the wife is off riding in the forest, I can track her phone. It's a standard feature with Samsung phones using Google maps. Obviously needs a phone signal which can be an issue in some areas.

 

[emax]

I inherit my family's used phones as my new phone, so that won't work for me.

That doesn't sound logic to me: what about the phone you had before your inheritance?

 

[Tazzieman]

That doesn't sound logic to me: what about the phone you had before your inheritance?

Work provided that featureless beginner model. And before that , a pager.

 

[emax]

Obviously needs a phone signal which can be an issue in some areas.

But that's the case with any technology except satellite phones (which however takes a phone signal as well).

 

[emax]

Work provided that featureless beginner model. And before that , a pager.

Simple solution: Wait for two years.

 

[Norb-TX]

OP it would work but it still needs a signal.

 

[Barney]

I would prefer something like that: GPS Tracker für Auto 4G 10000mAh 80 Tage Standby Starker Magnet Wasserdicht Echtzeit-Tracking Kostenlose APP/Plattform Kein ABO Tracker und Anti Lost GPS Locator für Auto Motorrad Fahrrad LKW Flotte https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0BL11CBH6/?tag=globalgrena0b-20

 

[MarkH]

In my caravan here in Oz I used an Android phone with Google's Find My Device App but hiding it where it wouldn't be found and getting a reliable GPS signal didn't work out. Plus thieves can easily scan for it as GPS is constantly 'on'. You also have to power it fulltime in that spot. I now use a rechargeable wireless GPS tracker with lithium battery that lasts 6 mths between charges, the App alerts when the battery is low. The GPS doesn't turn on until it detects movement. If the vehicle moves outside a set perimeter it sends GPS co-ords every 2 minutes to the App which alerts via SMS/Email (using 3G & 4G). If the SIM loses signal it saves the plot then uploads it when back in range. You can view the plot in the App or on a desktop, and police can be given temporary access to your account so they can track it on their phone or desktop. Unit cost me AUD$175 a year ago and there's a AUD$69/yr sub. There should be something similar local to you or one with similar features online. https://www.solidgps.com/caravans/

 

[emax]

can easily scan for it as GPS is constantly 'on'.

GPS is only a receiver on a phone. The GPS signal cannot be scanned.

But GSM can be scanned, with or without a running GPS receiver. Sometimes you can even hear the GSM polling signal through a car radio or the speakers of your PC. However, ordinary GPS trackers have the same problem, because they also have a GSM connection