Tips for Users

04/04/24

7 min

Icons and Graphics: What Do the Keys Mean on Life 360?

Dive into the meanings behind Life360's keys and icons, exploring user questions like 'What are the keys on Life 360?' Discover the app's functionalities, privacy issues leading to deletions, and how Number Tracker offers a superior alternative for enhanced privacy, reliability, and user-friendly features in phone location tracking

Many people already know about such a rather safe application as Life 360, which helps users share locations with each other. It is very popular, but from time to time users have difficulties with its interface and start asking questions like ‘What are the keys on Life 360?’ These icons interfere with the app's functionality and, by extension, ensure the safety and connectivity of our loved ones. 

screenshot of Life360 keys

What Do Keys on Life 360 Mean?

Life360's interface is intuitive (thanks to its creators), yet its symbols hold deeper meanings. However, often not all users can guess the meaning of certain icons in the application.

The Green Key: Activity and Connection

The green key shows activity. When it appears next to a family member's name, it signals their active engagement with the app. 

The Grey Key: Privacy and Downtime

Contrastingly, the grey key serves as a reminder of our loved ones' need for privacy. It indicates that a user has momentarily stepped back and turned off their location sharing. This feature is connected with Life360's respect for individual privacy.

The Red Key: Connectivity Concerns

The red key, however, flags potential issues. It might appear during connectivity problems or when a device goes offline. It alerts users to possible challenges in location tracking.

Disclaimer: Note that Life 360 is regularly updated, and icons can be changed.

How Do Life 360’s Tiles Work?

For those who are interested in what are the benefits of Life 360, it might be reasonable to pay closer attention to the app's dashboard which represents a mosaic of icons, each contributing to a safety net. So, how does Life 360 work in this regard?


  • The Home Icon: This icon confirms a member's presence at their designated safe space.

  • Location Sharing Icon: Real-time location sharing becomes transparent with this icon. It allows for seamless tracking of members.

  • Battery Icon: It's not just about where but also how. The battery icon helps ensure devices are charged and connected.

  • Driving Icon: For families on the move, the driving icon offers info about loved ones' journeys for their road safety.

  • Panic Button Icon: In urgent scenarios, this icon is a lifeline, as it helps users alert family members with a single tap.

  • Check-In Icon: This icon allows for manual status updates.

  • Place Icons: Custom locations like schools or workplaces are marked with these icons.

But if you want to know what features Life 360 has and how they work, we recommend you to read our other articles.

Why Other Apps?

People choose to delete Life 360 for various reasons. If you understand these motivations, you can find a better alternative. Here are some of the primary reasons people might decide to delete Life 360 or to look for how to turn off location sharing in the app:

  • Privacy Concerns: One of the most cited reasons is discomfort with the continuous sharing of one's location. Users, especially teenagers and young adults, may feel that the app infringes on their privacy and autonomy by allowing their parents or partners to monitor their movements constantly.

  • Battery Drain: Like any app that uses GPS and runs in the background, Life 360 can drain a smartphone's battery life. Users may delete the app to conserve battery, especially if they find the trade-off between location tracking and battery life unacceptable.

  • Location Issues: Some users claim that Life 360 is not accurate enough. The app can show the wrong whereabouts which can lead to misunderstandings, worries and even break-ups. 

  • Data Usage: Life 360's constant location tracking and background data transmission can lead to increased mobile data usage, which might be a concern for users with limited data plans.

  • Overdependence: Some users may delete Life360 to reduce their dependence on digital means for safety and communication, preferring to establish trust and independence through other methods.

  • Airplane Mode: This is simple. Life 360 doesn’t work when an airplane mode is turned on. So, you cannot monitor someone’s location, or let people see yours. 

  • Performance Issues: Users may experience technical difficulties with the app, such as inaccurate location tracking, app crashes or glitches. Frustration with these issues can lead to the decision to uninstall Life 360.

  • Cost: Life 360 offers a free version but full access to its features requires a subscription. Users who do not wish to pay for the premium features or find them unnecessary might choose to delete the app.

  • Inconvenience: For some users, especially elderly ones, the app is useless, as they cannot install Life 360 on their flip phones

  • Better Alternatives: Users may delete Life 360 in favor of other apps that they perceive as offering better privacy controls, more accurate location tracking, or simply a different set of features that better suit their needs. One of the best solutions here is Number Tracker. 

It's important to note that the decision to delete Life 360 is personal and varies among users. People weigh the benefits of connectivity and safety against their desires for privacy and autonomy. This may lead to different choices and decisions.

Number Tracker: Advanced Phone Location Tracking

More and more users are giving their preference to the new Number Tracker application. Here are some reasons why:

screenshot of the Number Tracker main page


Enhanced Privacy and User Control

Privacy concerns are very important today. Number Tracker takes privacy to the next level and offers enhanced control over what information is shared and with whom. Your location-sharing preferences are customizable to your comfort level.

Superior Reliability

Connectivity issues, symbolized by the red key in Life 360, can cause unnecessary stress. Number Tracker leverages advanced algorithms to maintain consistent location tracking even in areas with weak signals. This means fewer interruptions and more reliable updates on your loved ones' whereabouts.

User-Friendly Interface

Number Tracker has an intuitive interface. New users can navigate the app with ease, thanks to a design that prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Every feature is accessible for users of all ages.

Advanced Features for Modern Needs

Number Tracker goes beyond basic location tracking. For example, it offers detailed location history, speed alerts for monitoring driving habits, geofencing capabilities that notify you when loved ones arrive at or leave designated areas, etc. 

Real-Time Alerts and Notifications

Number Tracker excels in providing real-time alerts and notifications. Whether it's a family member's battery running low or crossing a geofenced boundary, you're kept in the loop.

Transitioning from Life 360 to Number Tracker

For users who want to make a switch because they don’t like how Life 360 works for caregivers or other types of users, Number Tracker promises a smooth transition. The app is designed to be intuitive for users transitioning from other platforms. So you can start tracking and managing your family's safety without problems.


As we look to the future, it's clear that Number Tracker is more than just an alternative to Life 360; it's something new in mobile tracking technology. You can try this application yourself and leave feedback on it, thereby the next users will not have doubts.

Related articles:

  1. https://numbertracker360.com/blog/reviews-location-trackers/what-is-life-360-and-how-does-it-work

  2. https://numbertracker360.com/blog/reviews-location-trackers/what-does-life-360-do-pros-cons-and-alternatives 

  3. https://numbertracker360.com/blog/user-advices/important-can-life-360-see-your-search-history 

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