How to Turn Old Phone Into GPS Tracker

Now since the first appearance on the market of the smartphone, it would be safe to presume most of us have more than one unit. Phone upgrades are nonstop, and many new features lure us to acquire a new model. Personally, I have three old smartphones lying around the house.

To justify keeping them, I have since repurposed those phones. One is a flashlight I keep handy, using the torch feature. Another one I keep as a spare camera in case I mismanage the memory on my current phone.

A third phone I have designated as a backup, in case my current phone goes kaput. To this day, though, I have yet to use the spare phone, as these devices are fairly reliable and durable if you treat them right. (Find the Best Kayak Cart)

GPS in a window

What is new to me is what my techie friend just pointed out. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that you can actually turn old phone into GPS tracker. This is quite an excellent way to repurpose retired phones, turning them into a mobile tracking device.

Right of the bat, I can think of many ways that this is useful. My previous smartphone as a mobile locator is certainly a very exciting prospect.

What is GPS Tracking?

Losing things and stuff (or not keeping track of them) will happen at some point to anyone. It does not matter if you are careful, diligent, or have an elephant’s memory. Just face it: Losing or misplacing things is a fact of life.

Enter GPS that stands for Global Positioning System. This is a complex global radio-navigation network comprised of 24 satellites as well as their ground stations. GPS is primarily under the control and funding of the U.S Department of Defense.

Initially created for military use, that today has changed. Countless civilian users of GPS are all over the planet. These civilian users (like you and I) are at liberty to use the Standard Positioning Service, which is practical for daily living.

Everyday Uses of GPS Tracking

GPS tracking is a technology that tells us exactly where something is. A GPS tracking device, such as a cell phone with GPS tracking, for example, may be in your car. GPS works its magic by providing exact information on the location and can even follow a person or object’s movement.

A practical application of this technology is how courier and delivery companies can track a package. A GPS tracking system can monitor a delivery van’s progress and its goods en route to a specific destination.

Another popular use is parents can get updates on their child’s location when they are not home or are out on trips.

Many outdoor activities also benefit from GPS tracking. Campers and hikers are always able to stay on course, thanks to it. This has also prevented many hikers from getting lost.

Kayaking is also an outdoor sport that has benefitted from GPS tracking. Kayakers love to explore, and the danger of getting lost is always present. Thanks to a kayak GPS, getting lost again is circumvented.

How to Turn My Old Smartphone Into A GPS Tracking Device

Before you relegate your old phone to more mundane things, here is how to make it more useful again. For starters, I suggest you assign it to your car once you have turned it into a GPS locator. You can, however, place it anywhere, but a car is usually the single most valuable asset you would like to keep an eye on.

You Will Need To Download an App

Many applications on Google Play turn an old Android phone into a tracking device. You will control this function via your present phone. Another way to do this is to use a Google service called “Find my device.”

If you explore Google Play, many applications can enable your phone as a GPS locator. Just download and install the app, power the unit permanently, and put it in a place out of sight in your car. Vehicle owners that have a power outlet in the trunk opt to place their phone there.

In case your car is stolen, you will be able to pinpoint its exact location. For less serious situations like absent-mindedness and massive parking lots, you can take the guesswork out of figuring out where you parked.

How it Works

The beauty of these locator applications is you have at your fingertips the ability to know at all times the location of an object or person. All I have to do is log in on another smartphone, laptop, or PC. I can know the location of the tracker (and vehicle or person) in real-time.

To have the most accurate tracking, the GPS tracker or locator unit handset will require data connectivity thru a SIM card and cellular network connection. Placing it in not just your car but concealed in a suitcase or backpack with a constant power source is all up to you.

Find My Device

This service was primarily for locating a lost or stolen phone. It can, however, be a great tool to turn your old unit into a GPS locator. Google constantly reflects the phone’s location provided it is powered on and connected to the network (hence the need again for a constant power supply).

Old Phone in black table

Usually, the retired phone is still associated with your Google account. The same goes for your current phone. To find the locator phone, you have to enter the web for this service. Finding my device will show a list of devices associated with your account, so select the old mobile repurposed for tracking. (Learn How to Choose a Kayak)

Provided the phones are turned on, linked to the network, and connected to the same Google account, you can find what you are looking for.

Keep Those Old Phones

So the next time you get a phone upgrade, think twice before discarding or giving away your old phone. There just might be some new-fangled way to use them, like a cell phone as GPS tracker.

How To Turn Old Phone Into GPS Tracker

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