Key takeaways:
- Use a Google Voice virtual number to sign up for Life360 instead of your real number
- Customize your privacy settings in Life360 to control what information is shared
- Life360 cannot track you without your permission and the app being installed
Life360 is a popular family safety app that allows you to stay connected with loved ones by sharing your real-time location. It provides valuable features like place alerts, crash detection, and more to give you peace of mind about your family’s whereabouts and wellbeing.
However, some people have privacy concerns about using Life360, especially when it comes to providing their personal phone number. You may not want to share your real number for various reasons – maybe you’re using a WiFi-only device, or you simply want to keep your number private.
The good news is, it’s possible to use Life360 without revealing your actual phone number by leveraging a free service called Google Voice. Having tested various methods myself, I’ve found this to be the simplest and most reliable way to maintain privacy while still benefiting from Life360’s family safety features.
Table of Contents
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a telecommunications service provided by Google that gives you a free virtual phone number. This number can be used to make and receive calls, send texts, and set up voicemail. Crucially for our purposes, it can also be used to sign up for services like Life360 in place of your real number.
Google Voice is completely free to use. The only requirement is that you have a Google account, which is also free and easy to set up if you don’t already have one. Calls to other U.S. numbers are free, and international calls are very low-cost.
How to Set Up Google Voice
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Google Voice number:
- Go to voice.google.com and sign into your Google account (or create one if needed).
- Click “Get a Voice number” and search for an available number by entering a city or area code.
- Choose a number from the list of options. You can select a number with a specific area code if desired.
- Verify the number by linking it to a forwarding phone (this can be any working U.S. number and doesn’t have to be the number you plan to use with Life360).
- Once you receive a verification code on the forwarding number, enter it to complete the setup.
That’s it! You now have a Google Voice number that can be used to sign up for Life360. Just provide this number instead of your real one during the registration process.
Setting Up Life360 with Google Voice
Now that you have a Google Voice number, you can use it to create a Life360 account without exposing your personal number. Here’s how:
- Download the Life360 app on your iOS or Android device.
- Open the app and tap “Get Started”.
- Enter your name, email address, and Google Voice number when prompted.
- Create a password and agree to the terms of service.
- You’ll receive a verification code via text on your Google Voice number. Enter this code in the app.
- Set up your Circle by adding family members. They will need to accept your invitation and share their location.
You’re all set! You can now use Life360 to stay connected with your loved ones while keeping your real phone number private. Your family members will see your Google Voice number in the app instead of your actual number.
Customizing Your Privacy Settings
In addition to using a Google Voice number, there are several ways you can customize your privacy within the Life360 app:
- Location sharing: You can choose to share your location with specific Circles (groups of people) or stop sharing altogether. You can also create a geofence around certain locations like home or work to automatically start/stop sharing when you enter or leave that area.
- Location history: Life360 keeps a record of the places you’ve visited. You can delete your history or adjust how long it’s stored in the app settings.
- Driving data: If you use Life360’s driving safety features, you can control who sees your driving data and whether it’s used for insurance purposes.
- Crash detection: You can enable or disable this feature, which uses sensors to detect accidents and notify emergency contacts.
Remember, you are always in control of what information you share on Life360. Take some time to explore the app settings and adjust them to your comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Life360 track me without my permission?
No, Life360 cannot track your location without your explicit consent. You must first download the app, create an account, and grant location permissions. If you don’t want to be tracked, you can revoke permissions or uninstall the app.
Can Life360 see what I do on my phone?
No, Life360 does not monitor your phone activity outside of the app. It cannot see your texts, call history, web browsing, or other app usage. It only accesses your location data when you allow it.
Will using a Google Voice number affect Life360’s features?
Using a Google Voice number will not impact any of Life360’s core location-sharing features. You’ll still be able to see your Circle members on the map, receive place alerts, and access roadside assistance. Just be aware that some features, like crash detection, require a working cell phone connection to function properly.
Is a Google Voice number completely private?
While a Google Voice number does mask your real number, it’s still tied to your Google account. If privacy is a major concern, you may want to create a separate Google account just for this purpose, with minimal personal info attached. However, for most people, a Google Voice number provides a sufficient level of anonymity for using services like Life360.
Conclusion
Life360 is a powerful tool for keeping your family safe and connected, but it’s understandable to have reservations about sharing your personal phone number. By using a free Google Voice number, you can maintain your privacy while still taking advantage of Life360’s features.
Remember, you are in control of your data on Life360. In addition to using a virtual number, be sure to adjust your in-app privacy settings to share only what you’re comfortable with. With these strategies, you can use Life360 with confidence, knowing your real number is kept private.
Staying safe in today’s digital world is an ongoing process, but apps like Life360 aim to make it a little bit easier. By following the tips outlined here, you can protect your privacy while still benefiting from the peace of mind that comes with staying connected to loved ones.
