How to Check iPhone Location History [2025]

Elsa Updated on Aug 18, 2025 Filed to: Parent Control

Before we begin

Sometimes, checking iPhone location history through built-in tools isn’t enough—especially when key details are missing or outdated.

Explore AirDroid Parental Control to view your child's detailed iPhone location history, set up geofences, and monitor movements in real time.

AirDroid Mobile Tracker

Before we begin

Sometimes, checking iPhone location history through built-in tools isn’t enough—especially when key details are missing or outdated.

Explore AirDroid Mobile Tracker AirDroid SMS Monitorto view your child's detailed iPhone location history, set up geofences, and monitor movements in real time.

Wondering how to check your iPhone location history? You can use built-in tools like Significant Locations and Photos, Google Maps Timeline, or third-party apps like AirDroid Family Locator to track locations for yourself or your child.

Check iPhone Location History Using Built-in Features

When it comes to tracking location history on iPhone using native iOS features, you have the following two options:

1Using Significant Locations

The iPhone's Significant Locations feature automatically logs the places you frequently visit. Think of it like a snapshot of your daily routes and routines.

This data is encrypted and stored locally on your device, ensuring privacy while providing valuable insights. To access it:

  1. 1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
  2. iPhone access location services

  3. 2. Tap on Significant Locations.
  4. how to see significant locations on iPhone

You'll find a detailed list of places you've visited, organized by date and clusters. The summary includes timestamps, transportation modes, and even durations, making it an excellent tool for reviewing your movement patterns or confirming your whereabouts.

Note: Significant Locations doesn't always offer a complete timeline of your past routes like Google Maps Timeline. If you find this background tracking feature intrusive or not very useful, you can easily turn it off by reversing the steps above.

2Using Photos App

Most of us are aware that our captured photos have a location tagged with them. But how many of you've thought about using this feature as a location tracker? That's right, the Photos app can come in handy If you're a shutterbug or love documenting your travels.

  1. 1. Open the Photos app.
  2. 2. Tap on Places under the Albums tab.
  3. 3. Explore photos pinned on a map.
  4. photo shooting place

Check iPhone Location History Using Google Maps Timeline

If you want to view more detailed historical locations, you can use Google Maps to view the timeline. The Google Maps Timeline feature not only records exact routes but also logs stops, durations, and even modes of transportation. 

Before you start:

  • Ensure Google Maps is installed on your phone and runs in the background on your iPhone.
  • Ensure The Google Maps Timeline feature is enabled.(Open Google Maps > Tap profile photo > Select"Your data in Maps" > Select"Timeline" > Toggle"On.")

Here's how to check location history on iPhone inside Google Maps:

  1. 1. Open Google Maps and tap your profile icon.
  2. 2. Tap Your timeline.
  3. Google Maps Timeline feature

This will show you all your visited places, routes, and time spent at each location. You can even choose specific dates to explore all the activities from that day.

Note: Earlier, you could access Google Maps Timeline through a desktop web browser as well, but Google has removed this feature recently. You need to use the mobile app.

Track Your Child's Location History with AirDroid Family Locator

The two previous methods are for viewing the location records you have been to. If you want to view your child's location history and unlock more functions related to viewing locations, you need to rely on third-party applications, such as Airdroid Family Locator

check kids location timeline

Airdroid Family Locator allows you to:

  • 1. View your child historical location records remotely (Check if your child is safely commuting to school).
  • 2. Track your child location in real-time (No longer worry about not being able to find someone in an emergency).
  • 3. Set virtual geographic fence boundaries for someone.

Set it up easily in a few minutes:

  1. 1. Install AirDroid Family Locator from the Play Store or App Store. 
  2. 2. Follow the on-screen prompts to link your child's iPhone. 
  3. 3. Tap on the GPS icon on the dashboard to see your child's live location. 
  4. 4. By pressing "Route history," you can know where your child has been.
  5. AirDroid iPhone Location Tracker

Check Location History on iPhone: Solved

Checking iPhone location history is easy once you know your options. For personal use, Significant Locations or Google Maps Timeline works well. If you're a parent, AirDroid Family Locator offers real-time tracking, geofencing, and alerts, giving you peace of mind about your child’s safety.

FAQs About Location History on iPhone

Can I check my iPhone location history without third-party apps?
Elsa
Elsa
Yes, using Significant Locations or Google Maps Timeline.
Can I view my child's iPhone location history?
Elsa
Elsa
Only with parental control apps like AirDroid Family Locator.
Does Google Maps Timeline work on iPhone?
Elsa
Elsa
Yes, but you must enable location history and run Google Maps in the background.
Can I Use the “Find My” to View My Location History on iPhone?
Elsa
Elsa

No, the "Find My" app on iPhone does not show a full location history. It is primarily designed to help you locate your device, see the current location of devices associated with your Apple ID, or share locations with family and friends. However, it does not provide a detailed log of past locations.

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Elsa
Elsa
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
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