Hello friend! Have you heard of an app called Localize.mobi that promises it can track any phone number? If you‘re considering using it, please read this review first to learn the facts. I‘ve done extensive research on Localize that I‘m excited to share with you today.
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What is Localize.mobi?
Localize.mobi is a phone location tracking service that launched in 2019. It‘s advertised as an easy way to pinpoint someone‘s real-time GPS coordinates just by entering their phone number.
Here‘s a quick rundown of how it works:
- You sign up for an account on Localize.mobi‘s website
- Enter any US or Canadian phone number you want to track
- Localize sends an SMS to that number with a link to share location
- If the user clicks the link, it reveals their location on a map
This consent-based model sets Localize apart from typical spy apps that must be installed on a device. Its simplicity is appealing, but there are some definite downsides.
Localize.mobi‘s Checkered Reputation
I‘ll be upfront with you – Localize.mobi has developed quite a bad reputation online since it launched. Here are some of the consistent issues users report:
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Scam billing practices – Many reviewers report being charged monthly fees without consent or being unable to cancel recurring billing. This suggests shady business tactics.
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Failure to actually work – In many cases, users say the tracking link text is never received even after entering a valid number.
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Inaccurate or fake location data – Some testers claimed Localize showed incorrect coordinates or an impossible location like the middle of the ocean.
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No customer support – The company seems to ignore user complaints and requests for refunds.
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Unethical concept – Tricking people into sharing their location raises huge privacy and consent concerns.
On Trustpilot, Localize.mobi scores an abysmal 1.5 out of 5 stars based on 63 reviews. Over 80% of users rate it as "bad" or "very bad".
Such an overwhelmingly negative reputation is very concerning for an app dealing with personal data.
Localize.mobi‘s Pricing and Plans
Originally Localize.mobi offered a free 10-minute trial. But now it seems only paid plans are available:
| Plan | Price | Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $49.80 | $4.15 |
| 3 Months | $89.80 | $2.98 |
| 6 Months | $159.80 | $2.66 |
| 12 Months | $199.80 | $1.92 |
Considering the limited features and shady reputation, these costs seem excessive. For comparison, a leading tracking app like mSpy costs just $16.66 per month.
I don‘t think any price is worth it for Localize given the risks. But what exactly are those risks?
Serious Privacy and Security Concerns
I do not recommend using Localize.mobi under any circumstances for several reasons:
No real anonymity – Despite the claims, it‘s impossible to hide that the user is being tracked once they receive the SMS. The jig is up.
Data security doubts – Very little is known about Localize‘s security practices and data handling policies.
Potential legal issues – Tracking people without consent is unethical and could violate wiretapping and stalking laws.
Scam risks – Sharing your personal info and payment details on an untrustworthy site is risky.
Account hijacking – If hackers gained access to your Localize account, they could track anyone without limits.
No remote device access – You have very limited visibility into data beyond basic location.
Tracking abuse – The system could easily facilitate stalking and harassment if misused.
Unlike legitimate services like Find My Device and Kaspersky Safe Kids, Localize does not have the safeguards in place to prevent mistreatment. The risks simply outweigh any potential benefits.
Limited Use Cases and Features
Truthfully, Localize.mobi offers nothing you can‘t get through better apps. Its only real use case is trying to track a consenting user‘s live location.
But even then, apps like Life360 provide a much better option for that purpose.
Here‘s an overview of Localize‘s lacking feature set:
- Number tracking only
- Basic location on a map
- Automated SMS triggering
- Web dashboard access
- Custom SMS messages
No historical location data, geofencing, remote device control, etc. Just rudimentary live tracking if the user even consents.
Expert Tips on Ethical Location Tracking
Having researched Localize extensively, I just can‘t recommend it to any responsible user. However, I understand legitimate reasons exist for needing to track locations in certain contexts.
Here are some expert tips on how to track phones ethically and legally:
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Only track minors and employees with their informed consent.
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Be upfront about your monitoring instead of secretly spying.
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Use company-issued devices over personal ones when possible.
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Limit location access to work hours for employees.
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Consider apps like Find My and Life360 that share data willingly.
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Regularly review location policies to ensure they are strict and justified.
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Never track an adult‘s personal devices without permission, even if family.
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Be mindful of wiretapping laws, which often require two-party consent.
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Monitor only when necessary and avoid tracking 24/7. Privacy should be respected.
The keys are complete transparency and limiting access to what is necessary and justified. Spying on unsuspecting adults, even if family, crosses ethical lines—not to mention legal ones.
Top Alternative Location Tracking Apps
I suggest avoiding Localize entirely. But here are better ethical options to consider for various tracking needs:
Find My Device – Track lost Android phones. Free and official from Google.
Find My – Locate lost iPhones, iPads, Macs and AirTags. Free from Apple.
Life360 – Shared location in family circles. Free basic version.
Norton Family Premier – Tracks kids‘ phones with extensive limits and controls. $49.99/year.
Kaspersky Safe Kids – Kids get to set location rules and approve requests. $14.99/year.
mSpy – Powerful employee monitoring and enterprise tracking tools. $16.66+/month.
I hope these legitimate app suggestions help you find one suited to your specific needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
The Verdict: Avoid Localize.mobi
To quickly recap my Localize.mobi review:
I absolutely do not recommend using this controversial tracking app under any circumstances based on privacy concerns, lack of features, and an overwhelmingly negative reputation.
Much better solutions exist for ethically and consensually sharing locations within families or companies. Avoid Localize and invest in a trusted product aligned with your values.
Your privacy is too important to risk on shady apps. Please be careful researching any services before downloading or sharing personal information and make informed choices.
I hope this detailed review helped explain the risks and steer you towards safer options. Stay secure out there!
