Is locating a phone legal?
Finding a device you own or using sharing agreed to by another person is different from covertly monitoring someone. Rules vary by place and context.
What to do
First, check
Identify whose device and account it is and whether consent or clear authority exists.
Then
Use provider-supported sharing, family or workplace administration with appropriate notice.
If it’s not that simple
Ownership, consent and purpose need clarity
Your own missing device
Use your linked finding account.
Another person’s device
Use sharing or administration they understand and have authorised as applicable.
Unclear authority
Do not treat access to a phone number as consent. Specific legal questions need jurisdiction-specific advice.
Good to know
This is general safety guidance, not legal advice for a specific jurisdiction.
Official source
Apple Support · family location sharing