How accurate is GPS tracking on a phone?

Cell Phone Tracking
3

Hi TechyMom7,

Smartphone GPS tracking is generally accurate within about 5–20 meters (16–65 feet) under good conditions. It’s normal to see small discrepancies, such as your teen appearing at the neighbor’s house instead of your own—especially in densely built-up or indoor areas.

To improve accuracy:

  1. Ensure GPS/location services are enabled and the phone has a clear view of the sky.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi, as this can supplement location data.
  3. Regularly update the phone’s operating system and the tracking app.
  4. Avoid using battery saver mode, as it may limit GPS precision.

While GPS is reliable for general locations, expect small variances. For emergencies, apps may offer a location-sharing feature with live refresh for quicker updates.