OLD ANDROID AS a TRACKER

First, you will need a working Android Smartphone that you may want to give away, trade or sell.

Make certain that:

1. It is running at least Android 4.4
2. Can connect to your mobile data network
3. GPS is fully functional

I used the 2015 OnePlus 2 for this solution, you can find more on it here:

• Amazon - http://amzn.to/2dVQkaQ
• eBay - http://ebay.to/2e3d4T0

Step 1: Add a Google Account

Next, go to "Settings" and then scroll to "Accounts"

Log in with your Google or Gmail account. You can also create a new Google account just for this.

Step 2: Turn on Location

Next, head back to settings

Make sure that location services in on and actively locating this device

Step 3: Hide Device

Next, find a secure location in your vehicle to hide your old smartphone.

Make sure the area is dry, not too hot or wet.

Be sure that it's effectively receiving GPS signal and remains connected to your mobile data network.

Step 4: Launch Device Manager

From another mobile device or from a computer, log in to Android Device Manager.

Note:

Be sure you're logging into the same account that the hidden smartphone (tracker) is using.

Step 5: Start Tracking

Now, as your vehicle is in motion you can use Android Device Manager as the tracking platform

You'll be able to achieve real-time updates, it's TOTALLY free to use and managed by Google.

Step 6: See Video Included

You may view the included instructional video for full details and see the EPIC outcome.

Very 1st Android Car Tracker!

Comments

[cgosh]

I dug up an old phone. App is now called "Google Find My Device." Hooked up and conveniently renamed (in the app) that phone and my current Android phone. Maps are accurate to <20 feet indoors. I'll hook up an external battery pack that lasts for many days. Features are limited (I can't fully "control" the phones remotely) but I can trigger the Ringer sound at full volume and see the battery %, and remotely secure or erase phone. My desktop PC connected right up. All free, no ads. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[edabney]

How do you handle the fact that if you have tracking turned on for your regular Android phone you can't separate the GPS tracks from a second phone on the same Google account?

[joemama541]

Is there really no option to identify multiple devices? If that really is the case then that is absolutely pathetic and there's no excuse for such an oversight given that Google is so integrated with EVERYTHING, has the resources to support any feature it can come up with.

[edabney]

Dude, this was 3 years ago - so give it a try and let me know if it works now

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Interesting trick. There are a lot of things that you could use this for.

[oyeka]

Please, suggest other applications.

[RecarroJames]

For sure, you are absolutely correct.

[AaronP154]

Anybody know how much data it will use on the Tracker phone?

[JohnL599]

not really free, you have to have the phone in a data plan and that ain't cheap. And for long term tracking over a day,you'd better wire in some power. Cute trick, but not worth the cost.

[offseid]

That's handy. Thanks for sharing it!

[RecarroJames]

No Problem...