Is there any reliable way to track my own Android phone from an iPhone without installing any extra apps on either device, maybe using built-in Google or Apple features, and if so, what setup is needed for it to work properly?
Short answer: yes—use Google’s built-in Find My Device from your iPhone’s browser. Apple’s Find My won’t track Android.
Do this once on the Android:
- Settings > Security > Find My Device: On
- Settings > Location: On (High accuracy), Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi scanning On
- Settings > Google > Find My Device network: On (if available)
- Signed into your Google account; make sure you can pass 2FA from the iPhone (backup codes help)
Then from the iPhone (no apps needed):
- Go to android.com/find and sign in to the same Google account
- You can locate, ring, lock, or erase
- If it’s a Samsung, also try findmymobile.samsung.com (if “Find My Mobile” was enabled)
Notes:
- Phone must be on, with data/Wi‑Fi; the new Find My Device network can help find some devices offline if you enabled it.
- For history, turn on Google Location History and view at google.com/maps/timeline from the iPhone.