Follow these steps to find your lost phone using its IMEI number.
If your phone gets lost or stolen, there is still something you can do to recover it. As long as you have the IMEI number of your device, you can still track it or at the very least render it unusable for anyone else. In this article, we explain what an IMEI number is and how you can find your lost mobile using the IMEI number.
Read Also: What is the difference between Apple iCloud and iCloud Drive?
What is an IMEI number?
An IMEI number is a 15-digit that is unique to your mobile device. You can find this code in the box that your phone came in, or you can simply look for it in the ‘Phone Details’ section of your phone settings. If your phone comes with a detachable battery, it may have the IMEI number printed on the panel below the battery pack.
If your phone ever gets lost or stolen, you can use the IMEI code to block all functionality of the device. You can even use the IMEI code to track your lost device.
How to block a mobile phone using an IMEI number
If your phone gets stolen, and you’re worried it may be used for any malicious activities, you can get it blocked using the IMEI number. The Govt. of India has launched a CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) Portal, using which you can block your lost or stolen device. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: File a report of the missing device with the police and keep a copy of the report.
Step 2: Get a duplicate SIM card for the lost number from your telecom service provider. A duplicate SIM card is necessary since CEIR requires it to send an OTP while accepting the IMEI blocking request.
Step 3: Keep the police report ready, along with proof of identity. The mobile purchase invoice is also a valid document.
Step 4: Go to the CEIR Portal and fill out the request form to block the IMEI number.
Step 5: After submission of the request form, you will be given a Request ID. This ID can be used to track the status of the request form and unblock the IMEI if your device gets recovered in future.
How to track your device using the IMEI number
Seek the help of the police to track your phone
After you’ve filed the police report for your missing phone, the police will use the IMEI number to track the location of your device. The police can track the mobile phone even when you’ve blocked the IMEI number on the CEIR Portal. Once someone changes the SIM card on your device or uses the existing SIM card to make a call, the location of the device is triangulated to the nearest cell tower. If your device is recovered, you can fill out a form on the CEIR portal to unblock the IMEI number.
Use an IMEI Tracker app
There are a bunch of IMEI tracker apps on Google Play Store that can help you locate your stolen phone. Fair warning, these apps may not work all the time. If you’re looking for an efficient way to track your phone using its IMEI number, consulting the police is your safest bet. However, if you want to take matters into your own hands then there are a few apps that may help you. Find My Device (IMEI Tracker) is one such app.
Upon signing up on the app, it will ask you for a couple of phone numbers to send updates to. Once someone changes the SIM card on your stolen device and makes a call, you will receive the location information of your device on the phone numbers you have entered. The location will keep updating as the device moves. You can view the location on Google Maps.
Use an online IMEI tracker
You can also track your phone by entering its IMEI number on an online tracking tool. There are a few websites that specialise in tracking your mobile phone using its IMEI code. IMEI tracker is one of the best around. The efficiency of these websites is about the same as the tracker apps, but it’s still better than having nothing. Once you’ve entered the IMEI code, you need to specify the country in which the phone is registered. After that, you can begin to track your stolen phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my IMEI number?
You can find your phone’s IMEI number by checking its packaging or by simply dialling *#06#. You can also go to Settings>About Phone to view your IMEI number.
Can you track a phone with an IMEI number?
If your phone’s location services are turned off, you can still track it using its IMEI number. After blocking your phone’s IMEI number on the CEIR portal, head over to your nearest police station and request them to track your phone for you. You can also use an IMEI tracker app or a web portal to find your phone by yourself.
Can the IMEI number be tracked without SIM?
Yes, you can still track your phone using its IMEI number even when your SIM card as been removed or replaced. If someone uses another SIM card on the device, its location will show up as soon as the device makes contact with the nearest cell tower.
Read Also: 10 things to check when buying a second-hand Apple iPhone
Conclusion
This is how you can find your lost mobile using the IMEI number. It goes without saying that you should preserve your IMEI number as it is necessary to recover your device once it has been lost or stolen. At the very least you can block your mobile phone so it won’t be used for any inappropriate activities. You can also use the IMEI number to know more details about your phone by logging on to imei.info. If you’re buying a used mobile phone, you can use the IMEI number to check if the phone has a history of insurance claims, or if it has been stolen in the past.
<--- Copyright (C) 'Gadget Bridge' Read full article at... https://www.gadgetbridge.com/how-to/how-can-i-find-my-lost-mobile-using-imei-number/
No comments yet