Were you aware that your lost Android phone can be tracked using the IMEI number? Each mobile phone has a unique IMEI number that serves as its identification. It can be extremely helpful in locating your lost device, even if it lacks a SIM card, GPS, or internet access.
The IMEI number serves as a form of identification for your mobile phone and allows network providers to recognize and provide services to your device. You can usually locate the IMEI number on the back of your phone, either under the battery or on the back panel.
How To Track Your Lost Mobile Phone With IMEI Number?
The aim of the phone tracking project is to reduce theft and counterfeit mobile phone activities. The Indian government has dedicated substantial funding to this initiative, anticipating positive outcomes. Here's how you can utilize IMEI number tracking to locate your lost or stolen phone:
File a report with the police and retain a copy for IMEI number tracking purposes.
Contact your service provider to obtain a duplicate SIM card. When you request the blocking of the IMEI number, you will receive an OTP on the provided number. This renders the lost mobile device useless to individuals with malicious intentions.
Visit the IMEI blocking portal and attach the required documents, such as the police report, proof of identity, and purchase invoice.
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Please note: Directly tracking your lost mobile phone from another device is not technically feasible. However, you can add the phone to an alert list that the network operator controls. This allows for identification when the device connects to a network.
When you report the loss, the network operator blacklists the device’s IMEI number in the central database, rendering it inoperable on any network, even if the SIM card is replaced. This Department of Telecom initiative holds significant potential and aims to assist numerous users. Law enforcement agencies and network operators will actively monitor their networks for your mobile phone. If it is identified, they will contact you.
- To check the status of your complaint on the CEIR portal, follow these steps:
- Visit the CEIR website homepage and click on the “Check Request Status” button.
- Enter the unique request ID provided during the locking request.
Click the submit button to view the status of your complaint, which will be displayed as Pending, Processed, or Rejected. If your request is processed, you will receive additional information, including the date and time of the block and the operator responsible for blocking your smartphone.
FAQs
Can we track lost mobiles?
Yes, it is possible to track lost mobile phones through various methods, but there are conditions and limitations. Here are some common ways to track a lost mobile device:Find My Device (Android): For Android devices, Google provides a service called “Find My Device.” To use this feature, the lost device must be connected to the internet, have location services enabled, and be linked to your Google account. You can then use the Find My Device website or app to locate your device on a map, make it ring, lock it, or erase its data remotely.Find My iPhone (iOS): For Apple devices, the “Find My” feature is available. If the lost iPhone, iPad, or MacBook is connected to the internet and has location services enabled, you can use the Find My app on another Apple device or the iCloud website to track its location, play a sound, remotely lock it, or erase its data.Samsung Find My Mobile (Samsung devices): Samsung offers a similar service for its devices. Users can use the Find My Mobile service to locate their lost Samsung device, lock it, ring it, or erase its data remotely.Third-Party Tracking Apps: There are also third-party tracking apps available on both Android and iOS platforms. These apps often provide additional features beyond the built-in tracking services, such as capturing photos of the person using the device, recording audio, or tracking the device even if the SIM card is changed. Popular third-party apps include Cerberus (Android), Prey, and mSpy.
<strong>What is an IMEI number?</strong>
An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your specific mobile phone. It’s like a fingerprint for your device, and no two phones have the same IMEI.
<strong>How can I find my IMEI number?</strong>
here are several ways to find your IMEI number:Check your phone: Look for the IMEI sticker on the back of your phone, under the battery, or on the packaging.Dial a code: On most phones, you can dial *#06# to display your IMEI number on the screen.Check your settings: You can usually find your IMEI number in your phone’s settings, under “About Phone” or “General.”
<strong>Will I be able to recover my phone even if it's turned off?</strong>
Even if your phone is turned off, the IMEI blacklist will still prevent it from being used on any cellular network. This makes it less attractive to thieves and increases the chances of it being returned.
<strong>What precautions can I take to prevent my phone from being lost or stolen?</strong>
To prevent your phone from being lost or stolen, you can take precautions such as using lock screen passwords or biometric authentication, enabling remote tracking and wiping features, avoiding leaving your phone unattended in public places, and keeping a backup of important data.
<strong>Can I prevent my mobile phone from being tracked using its IMEI number?</strong>
No, you cannot prevent your mobile phone from being tracked using its IMEI number, as it is a unique identifier assigned to the device. However, you can take steps to protect your privacy and security by enabling security features such as screen locks, remote tracking, and data encryption.
<strong>Is there a guaranteed way to recover a lost mobile phone using its IMEI number?</strong>
While tracking a lost mobile phone using its IMEI number can increase the chances of recovery, there is no guarantee of success. The outcome depends on various factors such as the availability of tracking services, cooperation from authorities, and the efforts of the individual in locating the device.
<strong><strong>Can I track my lost mobile phone with its IMEI number if it has been factory reset?</strong></strong>
Tracking a lost mobile phone with its IMEI number may be more challenging if the device has been factory reset, as this can remove any tracking software or services installed on the device. However, some tracking services may still be able to track the device based on its IMEI number.
<strong>How can I prevent my mobile phone from getting lost or stolen in the future?</strong>
To prevent your mobile phone from getting lost or stolen in the future, you can take precautions such as keeping your device secure, using password protection or biometric authentication, enabling remote tracking and wiping features, and being cautious in public places.
<strong>What should I do if I suspect my lost mobile phone is being used by someone else?</strong>
If you suspect your lost mobile phone is being used by someone else, contact your mobile service provider and report the situation. They may be able to help track the device’s location or block its usage on their network.
<strong>What should I do first if I lose my mobile phone?</strong>
Firstly, try calling your number or use a location-tracking app like “Find My iPhone” for iOS or “Find My Device” for Android. If these don’t work, report your phone as lost to your mobile network operator and the police, providing them with your IMEI number.
<strong>How do I report my lost mobile phone to my mobile network operator?</strong>
You can report your lost mobile phone to your mobile network operator by contacting their customer service and providing them with your IMEI number and other relevant details.
