OLD ANDROID AS a TRACKER
by RecarroJames in Circuits > Gadgets
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OLD ANDROID AS a TRACKER
![#1 Coolest way to REUSE Android Smartphones](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FI3/LDQ8/IW6PNZ05/FI3LDQ8IW6PNZ05.jpg&filename=#1 Coolest way to REUSE Android Smartphones)
![Smartphone as a Tracker_2.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FY4/PYOO/IVO4P8BI/FY4PYOOIVO4P8BI.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_2.jpg)
First, you will need a working Android Smartphone that you may want to give away, trade or sell.
Make certain that:
- It is running at least Android 4.4
- Can connect to your mobile data network
- 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
Add a Google Account
![Smartphone as a Tracker_3.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F5R/PFVS/IVO4P8WD/F5RPFVSIVO4P8WD.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_3.jpg)
![Smartphone as a Tracker_4.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F2A/GRHU/IVO4P97H/F2AGRHUIVO4P97H.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_4.jpg)
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.
Turn on Location
![Smartphone as a Tracker_5.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F32/DNT3/IVO4PA1B/F32DNT3IVO4PA1B.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_5.jpg)
Next, head back to settings
Make sure that location services in on and actively locating this device
Hide Device
![Smartphone as a Tracker_6.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F6Y/JECS/IVO4PA6C/F6YJECSIVO4PA6C.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_6.jpg)
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.
Launch Device Manager
![Smartphone as a Tracker_8.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FQ2/P8GO/IVO44HUI/FQ2P8GOIVO44HUI.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_8.jpg)
![Smartphone as a Tracker_7.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F92/4AGP/IVO4PAFP/F924AGPIVO4PAFP.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_7.jpg)
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.
Start Tracking
![Smartphone as a Tracker_9.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FPJ/0MAD/IVO44HYK/FPJ0MADIVO44HYK.jpg&filename=Smartphone as a Tracker_9.jpg)
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.
See Video Included
![Very 1st Android Car Tracker!](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FCV/UUA9/IVO4PAPR/FCVUUA9IVO4PAPR.jpg&filename=Very 1st Android Car Tracker!)
You may view the included instructional video for full details and see the EPIC outcome.