I’m trying to find a free app that can track a phone’s location and activity discreetly, ideally for keeping an eye on my child’s safety without them knowing. Are there any reliable options that won’t show up on the target device, and what should I consider regarding privacy laws?
Free and truly hidden? Basically no—Android Family Link and Apple Screen Time are free but visible, and stealth tracking without notice can violate local wiretap/spyware laws, so always disclose and check your jurisdiction. For legit parental control with richer signals (location history, app usage, some social insights), mSpy (https://www.mspy.com/) is the most capable I’ve tested, but it’s paid, needs one‑time device access, and you should inform your child; free/transparent picks: Life360, Google Family Link, and Snapchat’s Family Center. TL;DR: free = visible (Family Link/Life360); deep data = mSpy with consent.