How to Use Find My Friends on Samsung: Top Apps for 2026

Selena Lee
Selena Lee Originally published Jun 26, 2026, updated Jun 26, 2026
clock :
robot TL;DR:

While Samsung doesn't have a native "Find My Friends" app like Apple, users can leverage Google's built-in "Find My Device" for similar functionality. For cross-platform tracking with iPhones, several excellent third-party apps are available.

  • Best Alternatives: Apps like Glympse, Sygic Family Locator, and GeoZilla offer robust real-time location sharing between Samsung and iPhone devices.
  • Privacy Control: For users concerned about privacy or wanting to spoof their location for games, tools like Dr.Fone - Virtual Location can change your GPS coordinates on Samsung devices.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: The key is to choose a third-party app that both Samsung and iPhone users can install to share locations seamlessly.

Ask AI for a summary

Many Samsung users wonder if there's a direct equivalent to Apple's popular "Find My Friends" feature. The short answer is yes, Samsung smartphones are fully compatible with a wide range of location-tracking applications designed for both Android and iOS devices. While Apple's app is exclusive to its ecosystem, Samsung users have numerous powerful options to stay connected with friends and family.

These apps allow you to request and share real-time geographical locations, providing peace of mind and easy coordination. To get started, the person you want to connect with simply needs to accept your request within the chosen app. This grants you access to their location, often with advanced privacy controls to manage who sees your whereabouts and when. Let's explore the best find friends app for Samsung and how they compare.

A smartphone showing the Find My Friends app interface on a map

These location-sharing services come equipped with robust privacy settings. If you need a moment of privacy, you can pause location sharing with just a few taps. This flexibility makes the Samsung find my friends app a favorite among families who want to ensure the safety of their loved ones without being intrusive.

You can find these applications on their respective app stores:

In this article
  1. Part 1. Top 3 'Find My Friends' Alternative Apps for Samsung
    1. 1-1. Glympse
    2. 1-2. Sygic Family Locator
    3. 1-3. GeoZilla
  2. Part 2. Key Features of a Typical 'Find My Friends' App
  3. Part 3. Bonus: How to Fake Your Location on Find My Friends

Part 1. Top 3 'Find My Friends' Alternative Apps for Samsung

Finding the right app to connect with friends and family is crucial. Here are the best alternatives that work seamlessly on your find my friends Samsung phone and can also connect with iPhones.

1-1. Glympse

Glympse app interface showing location sharing

Glympse is a highly-rated location-sharing app known for its simplicity and temporary sharing features. Its primary function is to let you quickly share your GPS location with anyone, regardless of whether they have the app. This makes it incredibly versatile for coordinating meetups or letting someone know you're on your way.

The recipient receives a link that opens a web-based map showing your real-time location. A key safety feature is that all "Glympses" automatically expire after a set period, so you never have to worry about accidentally broadcasting your location for longer than intended. You can download the Glympse App from Play Store for Free.

Pros
  • Recipient doesn't need the app
  • Location shares expire automatically for privacy
  • Simple and fast to use
  • Works cross-platform (Samsung and iPhone)
Cons
  • Lacks advanced family safety features
  • Primarily for temporary sharing

1-2. Sygic Family Locator

Sygic Family Locator app demonstrating its features

Sygic Family Locator is a comprehensive solution designed with families in mind. This app is a popular choice for parents who want to keep track of their children's locations. It allows you to see the real-time location of your family members on a map and includes an integrated chat function, similar to WhatsApp, for easy communication.

A standout feature is the SOS button; when a child presses it, the app instantly sends their exact location to the designated guardian. Parents can also set up geofenced zones and receive notifications when their child arrives at or leaves specific locations like school or home. You can also define unsafe zones, and the app will alert you if your child enters one. Unlike Glympse, all users must have the app installed. You can download this application with optional in-app purchases from the Google Play Store.

Pros
  • SOS button for emergencies
  • Geofencing for safe and unsafe zones
  • In-app messaging feature
  • Ideal for family safety monitoring
Cons
  • All users must install the app
  • Some advanced features require a subscription

1-3. GeoZilla

GeoZilla app dashboard showing multiple family members' locations

GeoZilla combines standard location-sharing features like real-time tracking and safety alerts with unique functionalities that set it apart. It offers location-based errands, which allow you to set reminders for others that trigger when they enter a specific area—for example, a notification to pick up groceries when they pass by the store.

The app also maintains a detailed location history, letting you review a user's daily activities. A social integration feature allows you to check updates from Facebook, giving you a more complete picture of your friends' or family's day. This is a powerful tool for those who want deep insights and coordination. You can download GeoZilla from the Google Play Store.

Pros
  • Location-based reminders and errands
  • Detailed location history tracking
  • Social media integration
  • Comprehensive feature set
Cons
  • Can feel invasive for some users
  • Free version has limitations

Part 2. Key Features of a Typical 'Find My Friends' App

Most location-sharing apps, whether for Samsung or iPhone, offer a core set of features designed to make connecting with others simple and safe. Understanding these allows you to pick the best find friends samsung and iphone app for your needs.

A collage of features available in Find My Friends apps

Here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Real-Time Location Sharing: Find, chat with, and share your live location with friends on an interactive map.
  • Social Recommendations: Easily share updates about interesting places, like a new restaurant or a store sale, for your friends to visit.
  • Navigation Assistance: Get information on estimated time of arrival (ETA), exact locations, and directions to your friends.
  • Flexible Invitations: Use a phone number or email address to invite friends to share their locations with you.
  • Customizable Sharing Duration: Choose to share your location temporarily for a specific event or permanently with close family.
  • Privacy Controls: Easily hide your location whenever you need to safeguard your privacy.

General Setup Requirements

Most modern apps require an up-to-date operating system (Android or iOS) and an account, which can usually be created for free. For iPhone users interacting with Apple's native Find My network, iOS 11 or later and an iCloud account are necessary. When you're signed into your Google or Apple account, you are typically ready to start using these apps.

To begin sharing your location, the other person must have the same app installed on their device (with exceptions like Glympse). The process is straightforward:

  1. Step 1 Open the App

    Launch your chosen Find My Friends application on your Samsung device.

  2. Step 2 Add a Friend

    Look for an 'Add' or 'Invite' option within the app's main interface.

  3. Step 3 Send the Request

    Select a friend from your contacts or enter their email address, then tap 'Send' to send the invitation.

Once your friend accepts your request, you can view their current location on a map or in a list directly within the app.

Part 3. Bonus: How to Fake Your Location on Find My Friends

There are times when you might want to change your GPS location for privacy, to access geo-restricted content, or for location-based games. For these situations, a tool like Dr.Fone - Virtual Location (iOS/Android) offers a reliable solution.

This software allows you to spoof your location with a single click, making any app on your phone believe you are somewhere else. You can teleport your phone's GPS to any location worldwide or simulate movement along a custom-drawn route. This is perfect for maintaining privacy on apps like Find My Friends while still appearing to be active. It also works seamlessly with other apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Pokémon GO.


Wondershare Dr.Fone - Virtual Location

The Safest 1-Click Location Changer for iOS & Android
  • gouSet your map route to simulate GPS movement.
  • gouSet your wanted movement speed.
  • gouHD and large map view to check location.
  • gouFake GPS location to anywhere.
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free
Dr.Fone Virtual Location

Steps to Spoof Location on Find My Friends Using Dr.Fone

With Dr.Fone - Virtual Location, you can simulate movement at various speeds, including walking, cycling, or driving. Here’s a simple guide to get started:

  1. Step 1 Launch Dr.Fone and Connect Your Device

    Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer. Open the program and select the "Virtual Location" tool. Connect your Samsung smartphone to your computer and click the “Get Started” button.

    Dr.Fone Virtual Location Get Started screen
  2. Step 2 Activate Teleport Mode and Choose a Location

    Once the map loads your current location, activate "Teleport Mode" by clicking the third icon in the top-right corner. Enter your desired location in the search bar or click anywhere on the map. Finally, click the “Move Here” button to instantly change your phone's GPS location to the new spot.

    Map interface in Dr.Fone showing Teleport Mode and the Move Here button

Your Find My Friends app and all other location-based services on your Samsung device will now show this new, spoofed location.

google play button app store button

Conclusion

To sum up, Samsung users have access to a variety of powerful "Find My Friends" applications that facilitate seamless connection with friends and family, regardless of whether they use Android or iOS. These apps offer crucial privacy controls, giving you full authority over who can see your location. For instances where you need enhanced privacy or wish to explore location-based services without revealing your actual whereabouts, Dr.Fone - Virtual Location provides an excellent solution. By using these tools, you can stay connected confidently while maintaining complete control over your digital footprint.

FAQ

  • 1. Does Samsung have its own "Find My Friends" app?
    While Samsung doesn't have a dedicated app named "Find My Friends," it integrates with Google's "Find My Device" service. For social location sharing, users can choose from excellent third-party apps like Glympse or GeoZilla, which work on both Samsung and iPhones.
  • 2. Can I use a find friends app to track an iPhone from my Samsung phone?
    Yes, you can. By using a cross-platform application like Sygic Family Locator or GeoZilla, both you (on your Samsung) and your friend (on their iPhone) can install the same app. Once you connect within the app, you can share and view each other's locations in real-time.
  • 3. Are these location-sharing apps safe to use?
    Reputable location-sharing apps prioritize user privacy and safety. They typically include features like temporary sharing, end-to-end encryption, and the ability to stop sharing your location at any time. Always review an app's privacy policy and only share your location with people you trust.
  • 4. Why would I want to fake my location on a Samsung phone?
    There are several reasons. Primarily, it's for privacy, preventing apps from tracking your real-world movements. It's also popular for location-based AR games (like Pokémon GO) to access different areas, or for social media apps to 'check in' from interesting places without actually being there.
OUR EXPERT
Selena Lee

Selena Lee

chief editor

Chief Editor of the Dr.Fone team since 2012, Selena is a veteran technology editor known for turning complex iOS and Android topics into clear, user-focused guidance.

Try It Free Try It Free