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PhoneTrack SMS

Location sharing over SMS — no internet, no account, no data required.
New in version 1.1
* Subscribe command now uses --time flag instead of --hours
* VS Code / VSCodium build and debug support added
Location sharing that respects your privacy and your data plan. This phone track app (PhoneTrack SMS) responds to text message requests with your GPS coordinates — no internet required, no account needed, no data used.

It focuses on one thing and keeps it simple. A trusted contact texts your keyword and the phone texts back a location and an OpenStreetMap link. Need regular check-ins? Subscribe for periodic updates that include how far and which direction you've moved. The sender doesn't even need the app installed.

New requests are held in a PENDING state until you decide: APPROVED numbers always get a reply, BLOCKED numbers are quietly ignored. You don't have to think about it until you want to.

Features:
* One-shot location request: reply with GPS fix + OpenStreetMap link
* Subscriptions: periodic updates with heading and distance delta (e.g. ⇐314m)
* Approval gate: PENDING → APPROVED / BLOCKED
* Zero internet permission — SMS only, always
* No account, no cloud, no tracking
* Android 8.0 (API 26) and later
  • app screenshot
  • app screenshot

Versions

Although APK downloads are available below to give you the choice, you should be aware that by installing that way you will not receive update notifications and it's a less secure way to download. We recommend that you install the F-Droid client and use that.

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  • Version 1.1 (2) suggested Added on May 14, 2026

    arm64-v8a armeabi-v7a x86 x86_64

    This version requires Android 8.0 or newer.

    It is built and signed by F-Droid, and guaranteed to correspond to this source tarball.

    Permissions
    • access location in the background
      This app can access location at any time, even while the app is not in use.
    • access approximate location only in the foreground
      This app can get your approximate location from location services while the app is in use. Location services for your device must be turned on for the app to get location.
    • access precise location only in the foreground
      This app can get your precise location from location services while the app is in use. Location services for your device must be turned on for the app to get location. This may increase battery usage.
    • run foreground service
      Allows the app to make use of foreground services.
    • run foreground service with the type "location"
      Allows the app to make use of foreground services with the type "location"
    • show notifications
      Allows the app to show notifications
    • run at startup
      Allows the app to have itself started as soon as the system has finished booting. This can make it take longer to start the phone and allow the app to slow down the overall phone by always running.
    • receive text messages (SMS)
      Allows the app to receive and process SMS messages. This means the app could monitor or delete messages sent to your device without showing them to you.
    • send and view SMS messages
      Allows the app to send SMS messages. This may result in unexpected charges. Malicious apps may cost you money by sending messages without your confirmation.
    • com.gideontek.phonetrack.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION

    Download APK 10 MiB PGP Signature | Build Log

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