Built-in tracking methods on iPhone (Find My iPhone) and Android (Find My Device) rely on the device being on for accurate location tracking. Moreover, the cellphone in question needs to be connected to a cellular network or the internet.
In this state, you may lose the device permanently or suffer data theft or loss. Additionally, failing to track a device’s location in an emergency may delay rescue efforts.
Therefore, knowing how to track a switched-off mobile’s current location is vital. Read on to learn how to do this with KidsGuard Pro, a reliable solution that tracks location even when a device is switched off.
(Source: ClevGuard)
Understanding the Limitations of Finding a Turned-Off Phone
Modern cellphones are equipped with location-tracking features, such as Find My Device for Android devices and Find My iPhone for Apple devices. However, these native methods of tracking rely on the phone being ON to help locate its whereabouts.
Whenever the phone is turned off, either for battery-saving purposes or because someone intentionally wants to switch it off, locating it becomes challenging because it renders location services useless.
Top Methods to Find a Phone That Is Turned Off
Despite the challenge it presents, a phone being turned off is no reason to give up the search. Below are some methods worth exploring to help you find it.
Method 1: Using Location History (Before the Phone is Turned Off)
Google’s Find My Device and Apple’s Find My iPhone can provide the location history of a phone before it was turned off. The Google Maps Timeline on Android devices, when enabled, logs a user’s location at regular intervals, and this data can help locate the device if it’s turned off.
Likewise, if the user has enabled Find My iPhone on their Apple device, their location will be recorded whenever they are connected to the internet. Through this service, the iPhone’s last location is saved to the user’s iCloud before the phone shuts down.
These two location tracking services have glaring weaknesses that make them unreliable. Firstly, they only log the user’s last location when the device is ON. That means no real-time reporting is available for a switched-off cell phone. Users also need to have the services enabled prior to losing or misplacing their devices. An internet connection is also necessary to record location history.
Method 2: Using Carrier Services
Some mobile carriers also offer location tracking services that can help you find a device’s last known location if it is currently turned off. When active, the mobile phone transmits signals to the nearest cell tower in the area. This continuous ping allows the carrier to capture the phone’s last known location.
While this approach might work in some instances, it is generally unreliable because it relies on the device being within the carrier’s network coverage area. Most cellphone service providers also require the device to be ON to help you track it, defeating the purpose if you intend to locate a switched-off mobile.
Method 3: Tracking Apps with Offline Features (Before the Phone is Turned Off)
Various apps that depend on location services to operate, such as ride-hailing, food ordering, and event-finding apps, can also help you locate your device.
These apps usually record your active location using GPS to tailor services and experiences. Logging into them from another device can help you check your location history before the phone is turned off.
Users can also download location tracking apps with offline features to help them locate their lost, stolen, or misplaced devices. The apps log the phone’s location history up to the time it was turned off.
The downside to using any of these apps is that they rely on the device being ON and having an active GPS to record its location. Immediately, the device is turned off, the apps stop logging the location history and only show the last known location.
Method 4: Using KidsGuard Pro (Best Solution)
(Source: ClevGuard)
KidsGuard Pro is an advanced parental control solution with a unique feature for monitoring and locating a mobile phone despite it being powered off. The app uses pre-set tracking data and monitoring tools to enhance its accuracy and enable you to find a device even when it is switched off.
Key Features of KidsGuard Pro
The following are some of the key features of KidsGuard Pro:
- Geofencing Alerts: These alerts allow you to determine zones beyond which a device should not leave. When this happens, you are notified immediately. You’ll also receive alerts when the phone is turned back on.
- Previous Location Tracking: KidsGuard Pro stores the device’s last known location in its history when the device is turned off. Immediately, the phone reconnects to a network, updates its location, and alerts the user.
- Stealth Mode: This app operates discreetly and will not alert the person turning off the device that it is still operating. This feature helps when the device is stolen since the thief cannot switch off KidsGuard Pro and prevent location tracking.
- Multi-Device Support: Depending on your subscription plan, you can track the location of up to five devices simultaneously, which makes KidsGuard Pro an ideal family or employee monitoring solution.
- No Need for Rooting or Jailbreaking: The solution is designed to work seamlessly on Android and iOS devices without rooting or jailbreaking.
- Offline Data Tracking: KidsGuard Pro continuously tracks various data elements offline and updates the information in your dashboard when the phone is turned back on.
(Source: ClevGuard)
Why KidsGuard Pro is the Best Option
KidsGuard Pro outshines all other solutions for finding a phone that is turned off because it has the following:
- Preemptive Tracking: KidsGuard Pro does not stop monitoring the device and logging its location because it is turned off.
- Security: The phone owner or thief will never know you are monitoring their activity or tracking their location, ensuring anonymity and 100% security.
- Ease of Use: The solution comes with a simple interface and requires no complex setups or technical skills to use.
- Reliability: You can reduce manual effort thanks to the solution’s constant monitoring capability and real-time notifications when the phone reconnects to a network.
Why It’s Important to Find a Turned-Off Phone
The following are the most compelling reasons why it is necessary to find a turned-off mobile phone.
- Personal Safety: Tracking a switched-off device is essential for ensuring the safety of a loved one, especially children. It is also critical to locating a stolen device.
- Business Reasons: If a company-issued device is switched off, locating it is paramount to protecting confidential information on it. Additionally, it helps businesses ensure the safety of their employees and company assets.
- Emergency Situations: In an emergency such as adverse weather, a road accident, or a natural disaster, finding turned-off phones is critical to swift rescue services.
- Data Recovery: Finding a switched off device can help you recover valuable data on it if the phone is lost or stolen.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
It must be emphasized that tools like KidsGuard Pro should be used strictly in accordance with the law and for legitimate reasons, such as monitoring kids or employees or locating lost or stolen devices. No matter the case, always respect the individual’s privacy and only monitor them with full disclosure and their consent.
Understanding the prevailing privacy and data protection laws in your country or region is also key to avoiding legal disputes. In most areas, digital monitoring of any kind is prohibited and may result in jail time.
Conclusion
While there are many ways to track the location of a switched-off device, including reviewing its last location and using carrier providers, these methods do not work reliably and only show the previously logged location. Such a task requires a robust tool that monitors the device’s location in real time and works discreetly so as not to alarm the user in case the device is stolen.
KidsGuard Pro is the tool you need to reliably track a phone, even when it is turned off. Try it today for a seamless, secure, and efficient monitoring experience.