How To Track Lost Mobile Phone With IMEI Tracker?

It can be stressful to lose your mobile phone. This is especially if you have personal sensitive information. But, IMEI Trackercan help you find and get your device back. It’s doesn’t matter if it’s lost or stored. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a special 15-digit number that is unique to your phone.

It works like a fingerprint and can help track your phone, even if someone removes the SIM card. This guide will show you how to use an IMEI tracker and other helpful tools to recover your phone safely.

If your phone is stolen, you can check this article: What To Do When Phone Is Stolen- Steps To Help You Out

What Is IMEI Number?

The IMEI number is a unique identifier assigned to every mobile phone. It is used by manufacturers and telecom operators to track devices. It remains constant even if the SIM card or battery is removed.

This makes it a powerful tool for locating lost or stolen phones. In cases of theft, the IMEI can be used to block the device. It will make it unusable on any network.

Where Can You Find The IMEI Number?

To use an IMEI tracker, you need your phone’s IMEI number. Here are the most reliable ways to find it:

On the Phone:

Check the SIM tray (common for iPhones) or the back panel (older Android models). For newer devices, the IMEI may be printed on the device or accessible via software.

Via Dialer:

Open the phone app and dial *#06#. The IMEI will display instantly. For dual-SIM phones, two IMEI numbers may appear.

In Settings:

• Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > IMEI.
• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About.

On the Packaging:

The IMEI is printed on the original box or purchase invoice.

Via Cloud Services:

• Apple ID: Log into appleid.apple.com, select your device, and view its IMEI.
• Google Account: For Android, check your device list at myaccount.google.com under “Devices.”

Using a Computer:

• iPhone: Connect to a Mac or PC, open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes, and view the IMEI in the device summary.
• Android: Use Google’s Find My Device dashboard to retrieve device details.

Tip: Record your IMEI number and store it securely (e.g., in a password manager or physical notebook) to ensure you have it if your phone is lost.

Also read: How To Use Remote Mouse App With Windows/Mac Computer

How To Find IMEI Number On Android?

Here are all the different ways that you can find the IMEI number on your Android device and use it in a IMEI tracker. By following these steps you can went on to find phone by IMEI number.

Method 1: Using Dialer:

Open the Phone app, dial *#06#. IMEI pops up. Press call if it doesn’t.

Method 2: Settings:

Go to Settings > About Phone > IMEI. If your phone is dual SIM, you will see two IMEI numbers.

Method 3: Box/Invoice:

Check the device’s original packaging or receipt.

Method 4: Google Account:

Visit your Google Account, go to Devices. Select your phone.

I hope you can now find phone by IMEI Tracker number.

How To Find IMEI Number Tracker On iPhone?

You can find the IMEI number on your iPhone for IMEI tracker is by following these methods.

Method 1: Using Dialer:

Open Phone app, dial *#06#. IMEI appears.

Method 2: Going to Settings:

Go to Settings > General > About.

Method 3: SIM Tray:

Look for IMEI on the SIM tray (if applicable).

Method 4: Apple ID:

Log in to your Apple ID and select your device.

Method 5: Using Finder/iTunes:

Connect to a computer. Open Finder or iTunes and check the device info.

If you have recently done a factory reset or the device is new, tap the “i” icon on the Hello screen.

Tracking a Lost Phone with IMEI Number Tracker: Step-by-Step

In India, the CEIR is the central system for tracking and blocking lost or stolen phones using IMEI numbers. The full form is Central Equipment Identity Register, and the Department of Telecommunications manages it. CEIR connects telecom operators and law enforcement to disable stolen devices and help recover.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Go to your local police station with your phone’s IMEI number. Take the phone bill or the original box. Ask for a copy of the FIR (First Information Report).
2. Call or visit your mobile service provider. Ask for a new SIM card and request them to block your phone using the IMEI number so no one else can use it.
3. Visit ceir.gov.in and click on “Report Lost/Stolen Device.” Fill out the form and upload the FIR, your ID, and the IMEI number.
4. You will get a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter it to finish the process.
5. After submitting, you’ll receive a Request ID. Use it to check your request’s status (Pending, Processed, or Rejected) on the CEIR website.

What Happens Next?

• Telecom operators blacklist the IMEI. It will disable the phone on all networks, even with a new SIM or eSIM.
• Law enforcement may use the IMEI to trace the device’s last known location. The recovery depends on factors like phone’s power status and network connectivity.
• The process can take days to weeks. It depends on regional authorities and case prioritisation.
• If you are outside India, contact your telecom provider and local police to report the loss. They will blacklist the IMEI.

Also read: How To Get Rid Of Ghost Touch On Android? Follow These Quick Fixes!

IMEI tracker – Check Status Of Complaints On Portal!

To monitor your CEIR request:

1. Visit ceir.gov.in and select “Check Request Status.”
2. Enter your Request ID.
3. View the status (Pending, Processed, or Rejected). If processed, details like the block date, time, and operator will be displayed.
4. If your request is rejected, review the provided reason (e.g., incomplete documents) and resubmit with corrections.

Alternative Tracking Tools For IMEI Tracker

If IMEI tracking isn’t available, you can use these tools for faster, user-controlled tracking:

Google Find My Device (Android):

• Tracks your phone’s real-time location using GPS (if it’s online).
• Enable it in Settings > Google > Find My Device.
• Log in at android.com/find to locate, ring, or wipe your phone.
• Offline tracking works in crowded areas with Android 15’s network.

Find My iPhone (iOS):

• Pinpoints your iPhone’s location, even offline via nearby Apple devices (if enabled).
• Enable it in Settings > [Your Name] > Find My.
• Use icloud.com/find to lock, ring, or erase your phone remotely.

Samsung SmartThings Find (Samsung Users):

• Enable it in Settings > Samsung Account > Find My Mobile.
• Visit findmymobile.samsung.com to track or secure your device, even when offline.

Safety Tips: Using IMEI Trackers Wisely

There are many IMEI tracker apps and websites, but it’s important to stay cautious:

1. Stick to Official Channels: Use trusted platforms like CEIR or reliable apps like mSpy.
2. Avoid Unverified Sites: Never share your IMEI with untrustworthy websites. Scammers may misuse it for cloning or fraud.
3. Don’t Pay Upfront: Legitimate phone recovery doesn’t require you to pay fees in advance, except through official channels.
4. Check Reviews: If using third-party tools like Staunch IMEI Tracker, read user reviews first, and remember that success isn’t always guaranteed.

IMEI Tracker By Staunch

The IMEI Tracker by Staunch is a free website that can help you locate your lost phone. It can do that by finding your lost smartphone. It claims to offer you the exact location of your phone. This works in more than 150 countries.

These tools can be a great way to find the last position of your lost smartphone. It is worth noting that these services do not have a 100 per cent success rate. It depends on various factors. These include whether your phone has mobile data and GPS turned on or off.

Here is how you can find your phone with this IMEI tracker by Staunch:

1. Visit the website and press the Track IMEI button.
2. Enter the IMEI number of your smartphone that you can find using the steps mentioned above.
3. Choose your country from the list and press the Track IMEI button.

What Are The Benefits of IMEI Tracker?

1. Universal ID: The IMEI is unique to your phone, so it works even if you change the SIM card or turn off the GPS.
2. Blocking Power: If your phone is stolen, IMEI tracking can block it, making it useless for thieves.
3. Recovery Help: If your phone is lost or stolen, authorities can use IMEI tracking to help find it.

Also Read: How To Locate Your Lost AirPods Using Find my AirPods Feature

Additional Strategies and Tips For IMEI Tracker

You can always take steps to enhance your efforts of tracking a lost phone:

1. The sooner you report the loss, the higher is the chances of successful recovery. Prompt action can prevent the thief from selling or resetting your device.
2. It is a good idea to keep a note of the IMEI number. You should note it down in some safe place to save time and effort when reporting the loss of the phone.
3. Always make sure that the built-in “Find my device” option given in your phone is enabled.
4. Make sure to add two-factor authentication on bank accounts and social media accounts.
5. You can also contact the device manufacturer for help. They may have specific tools or advice for locating your device. Especially if it is with manufacturer-specific tracking features.

Things To Do After Your Phone Is Lost Or Stolen: IMEI Tracker

Here are the tips that you must follow:

1. Use Trusted Sources: Stick to official services like CEIR or trusted apps like mSpy.
2. Avoid Unknown Websites: Don’t share your IMEI with untrusted sites to avoid scams.
3. No Upfront Payments: Real phone recovery doesn’t ask for money upfront.
4. Check Reviews: Look at reviews before using third-party apps like Staunch IMEI Tracker.

Tips To Protect Your Phone From Getting Stolen

As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. It’s best to protect your phone in the first place so it doesn’t get stolen. It’s important to note that these are only safeguards that you can follow.

So, you don’t need to rely on an IMEI tracker later. Without any further ado, let’s get started:

1. Out of Sight: Keep your phone in your pocket or bag when not in use, especially in public places, to avoid theft.
2. Keep Location On: Always enable location and mobile data for easier tracking if your phone gets stolen.
3. Enable Find My Device: Turn on Find My iPhone or Find My Device to track, lock, or wipe your phone remotely.
4. Get Phone Insurance: You can get insurance for expensive phones to help with recovery or repairs if stolen.
5. Use Strong Security: Set a strong password, and use Fingerprint or FaceID for better protection.
6. Note IMEI Number: Write down your IMEI number for tracking in case of theft.
7. Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in public transport, to prevent snatching.
8. Don’t Forget Your Phone: Never leave your phone unattended in public places or vehicles.

Android Settings To Prevent Your Phone From Getting Stolen

There are a few settings that you can enable to safeguard your phone and prevent it from getting stolen. Turning on these settings will increase the chances of getting it back via IMEI tracker. These are the toggles that you need to enable:

1.Require Password To Power Off:

By turning on this setting, every time you turn off or restart your phone, you will need to enter your PIN or password. To enable this setting do the following:

1. Open the Settings App and go to the Security and Privacy section
2. Tap on More Security and Privacy->Turn On Require Password To Power Off

2. Turn Off The Status Bar From The Lock Screen

Even if a thief manages to steal your phone, they won’t be able to put it in airplane mode or switch off mobile data. This is because the quick settings won’t be accessible from the lock screen. Here is how you can enable this setting:

Here’s the table summarizing the steps for different phone brands:

Phone Brand	Steps
Vivo/iQOO Phones	1. Go to Settings > Privacy > LockScreen and Wallpaper > Lockscreen Setting 2. Turn off “Open Control Centre from the Lockscreen”
Realme, OnePlus, Oppo Phones	1. Open Settings > Notifications & Status Bar 2. Tap on Lock Screen notifications 3. Turn off “Swipe down on lock screen to view notification drawer”
Motorola Phones	1. Open Settings > Lock Network & Security 2. Search for Control Centre 3. Turn off “Allow Access To Quick Settings”
Samsung Phones	1. Open Settings > Lock Screen and AOD Section 2. Tap on Secure Lock Settings 3. Turn on “Lock Network & Security”

Android 15 Theft Detection: A New Safety Feature – IMEI Tracker

Starting with Android 15, Google is adding new theft detection features. Let’s take a look at how each of these features will help you in case of theft:

Android 15 Theft Detection Features:

1. Factory Reset Protection: Thieves can’t reset your phone without your Google account credentials, making IMEI number tracker unusable.
2. Private Safe: Store sensitive apps in a private space protected by a hidden PIN.
3. Extra Steps to Disable Find My Device: Disabling Find My Device requires authentication, ensuring you can still track your phone.
4. Better Authentication: Even if stolen, the phone needs a PIN or passkey to access.
5. AI-Powered Theft Protection: Detects theft motions and locks the phone automatically.
6. Offline Device Lock: Locks the phone if it’s off the grid or shows signs of being stolen, like multiple failed login attempts.
7. Remote Lock: Lock or wipe your phone remotely through Find My Device, and recover your Google account using your phone number.

Limitations of IMEI Tracker:

1. No Direct Access: You can’t track your phone by yourself. Only carriers and the police can do it.
2. Phone Must Be On: IMEI tracking only works if the phone is powered on and connected to a network. If the phone is off, it can’t be tracked.
3. Scam Risk: Some third-party tracking tools might promise to help but often don’t deliver or are scams.

A Few Tips to Follow To Track a Stolen Phone With IMEI

You need to follow a few steps to track your stolen phone using the IMEI number.

• First, you need to confirm and save your phone’s IMEI number whenever you buy or use the phone. If your phone is stolen, you can find it on the original box of your phone. You can also find it via Google or Apple.
• Immediately contact your carrier and tell them to blacklist your IMEI number when your phone is lost or stolen. So, your phone will not work on the national network if someone changes eSIM.
• Quickly contact the police, inform them about your loss, and provide them with the required information. So they can immediately start looking for your lost phone.

To Sum It Up – IMEI Tracker

While losing a phone can be a terrifying experience, using an IMEI tracker is the best way to retrieve it. By using IMEI number tracker, you can pinpoint its location. You can also contact authorities to help recover it.

It’s important to inform the relevant authorities. But, it’s also important to let your relatives know so your number does not get misused in any potential scam. If someone calls them then can help you in recovering your lost phone.

You can also rely on tools like Find My Device and Find My Phone to safeguard your device. Make sure to only use authorised websites. Do not reveal sensitive information like IMEI number on fake IMEI tracker websites.

The IMEI tracker feature is a powerful tool in the fight against mobile phone loss and theft. Remember, it’s not a mobile phone; it’s a house of your memories, work, and personal information. So, safeguard it and use every available resource to ensure its safe return in case it goes missing.

Also Read: How To Locate A Lost Or Stolen Android Smartphone

FAQs – How To Track Phone With IMEI Number

Q1. What is IMEI number tracker?

IMEI number tracker helps identify and track a mobile phone. It aids in finding lost or stolen phones by blocking the IMEI, making the device useless.

Q2. How to track phone with IMEI Tracker?

To track IMEI number, you need to file a police report. You can contact your service provider for a duplicate SIM card. Visit the CEIR portal to block the IMEI with the necessary documents. Law enforcement and operators will then locate your mobile to help you “find my device with IMEI”.

Q3. What are the benefits of knowing how to track phone with imei number?

Benefits include the ability to block the IMEI, and CEIR’s nationwide tracking. It’s crucial for recovery. Especially when the phone lacks an active internet connection.

Q4. What is CEIR, and how does it contribute to tracking IMEI numbers?

CEIR is a central database managed by the government of India that stores IMEI numbers. It tracks lost smartphones in collaboration with telecom operators. This is done even if the SIM card is replaced.

Q5. What should you do if you can’t find your lost phone using the IMEI number?

Report the loss to the police and give them the IMEI number for tracking. Contact your network provider to block the phone. If these don’t work, try using tracking apps that use GPS to find your phone. These steps can help you recover your lost or stolen phone.

Q6. What should you do if you find someone else’s lost phone?

If you find a lost phone, check for emergency contacts, personal items, or a case with a business card. If the phone is locked, contact the network provider using the IMEI number (found on the box or by dialing *#06#). They can help reach the owner and return the phone.

Q7. What Steps Can I Take To Secure My Device Before It Gets Lost Or Stolen?

To secure your device, enable remote tracking and locking features. These include Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone (iOS). You can also activate two-factor authentication. Remember to set a password to prevent someone from turning off your device. Write down your IMEI number for future tracking.

Q8. Can I track IMEI number using Google Earth?

No, it is not possible to use Google Earth as an IMEI tracker to find your lost mobile phone. Google Earth allows you to view 2D or 3D models of the earth and does not help you locate your lost phone.

Q9. Are IMEI Tracker Apps Fake?

No, most of the IMEI tracker apps are not fake, and many of the tools, like mSpy, Spokeo, and others, are reliable. Law enforcement and telecom operators even use some of these to find your device. Use a reliable IMEI tracker to prevent yourself from getting scammed.

Q10. Can Thieves Change My IMEI Number?

Yes, they can change your IMEI number, but this is very difficult and even illegal in most cases. If your IMEI number gets changed, then it is hard to track your device.

Q11. What is the Police IMEI Tracker?

Law enforcement agencies or Police have their own IMEI tracker that they use. They use it to track a lost or stolen mobile phone. They coordinate with telecom operators to find the device using special software.

Q12. How Can I Unblock My IMEI Number?

Once your phone is recovered, you can use it by unblocking its IMEI number. You will need to contact your telecom operator or authorities to unblock the device.

Q13. Is It Possible To Change IMEI Number?

No, changing the IMEI number is very difficult and illegal as per the law. It is a crime to tamper with the IMEI number of your device. It can conceal the owner’s identity and bypass blacklisted devices by authorities.

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