I’m considering using Geofinder to keep track of my family members’ locations, but I’m not sure how it actually works - does it show real-time location updates, or is it more like a one-time location check? Also, does the person being tracked need to have the app installed on their phone for it to work, or does it work remotely?
Geofinder typically works by sending a link via text message that the target person needs to click, which then shares their location data back to you. It’s generally not real-time continuous tracking - more like location snapshots when activated.
The person being tracked doesn’t need the app installed, but they do need to interact with the link you send them. This means they’ll know they’re being asked to share their location, which defeats the purpose for many parents wanting discrete monitoring.
For family tracking, you’d be better off with established apps like Life360, Find My (iPhone), or Google Family Link. These require consent but provide actual real-time tracking, geofencing alerts, and don’t rely on the person clicking mysterious links.
If your family members are willing participants, the built-in phone features (Find My Friends, Google location sharing) are free and more reliable than third-party services that make big promises about remote tracking.