How to Use a Mobile Phone as a Car-tracking Device

Global positioning system (GPS) software allows you to transform any web-enabled cellphone into a tracking device. You can give the cellphone to a person or place it in a car, and then use it via a tracking system to know where children or employees are for a relatively low cost. Just make sure you use these systems only on phones and with vehicles you own, and with the knowledge and permission of the person whose movements you intend to monitor. Otherwise, you'll probably be breaking the law.

• 1

  Get a mobile phone that can access the Internet. If you don't already have one, you can purchase one from about $100, as of 2010, from any online mobile store.

• 2

  Sign up for an unlimited data plan with your mobile phone service provider. This lets you keep the GPS software on all the time without incurring extra charges. As of 2010, this service costs about $35.

• 3

  Choose a GPS program. Three that you can opt for are Instamapper, Google Maps for Mobile and Mologogo. As of 2010, these programs are all free and can turn your phone into a tracking device. You just need to provide an email address, phone number and user ID to register for the service.

• 4

  Install the program on the mobile phone. After you have registered, you will receive a download link via email and text message. Open your cellphone's Internet browser and download the application to your phone. Install it by agreeing to the "Terms and Conditions" and clicking on the "Next" button.

• 5

  Open up the GPS software by going to your phone's "Application Menu" and selecting the program. You get a notification that the phone is being tracked. Click the "OK" button to allow the phone to be tracked.

• 6

  Place the mobile phone in the vehicle you wish to track or give it to the person you wish to track. This type of system can be useful for keeping track of a child or an elderly person, or you could place the phone in a car you fear will be stolen. To avoid running afoul of privacy laws, you should be sure you have a person's permission before you try to track them.

• 7

  Go to the website that you registered with, and log in. A map appears, with a dot on it. This is the mobile phone and the vehicle. You can track the car anywhere it goes, as long as it has a signal. You are provided its speed, altitude, longitude, latitude and direction. You can also pull up a 30-day history.