Losing your phone is like parting away with an important part of your life. Not only do you lose important contacts, photos and data, but you also incur a significant loss, especially if yours is an expensive smartphone. Thankfully, there are ways to find your lost phone, such as IMEI number tracking.
IMEI is an acronym for International Mobile Equipment Identity and is a unique identifier for your mobile device. Major worldwide carriers using GSM rely on an IMEI number to track lost devices in seconds. So, this is an important weapon for finding your phone in the situation where you lost it somewhere. In this post we’ll show you how to find your lost phone using IMEI number.
What Is IMEI Number?
An IMEI number serves as an identity certificate for your mobile phone. However, it can also be useful for tracking your lost phone. Network providers usually use the IMEI Tracker to uniquely identify a phone on the network and conduct its services.
Your phone’s IMEI number is unique, almost impossible to alter, and associated only with your phone. If your phone got lost or stolen, you can simply contact your local carrier, provide the IMEI number, and blocklist the phone to make it useless. Your phone becomes unable to access the operator’s network. Also, your local authorities can use the unique identifier to find the stolen device.
As soon as you contact your local carrier customer representative about a device problem, they may ask for an IMEI number to conduct the diagnosis process. Your phone manufacturer may also ask for an IMEI number in case you make a warranty claim.
Where is The IMEI Number Located?
Your phone’s IMEI number can be found on the back of the device, either on the device’s back panel or underneath the battery. The number can also appear on the device’s box and in some cases, on the invoice for the phone.
You can also find your device IMEI number by using the Phone app. It’s the most easy and universal way to find the IMEI number. To do this, simply, open the Phone app and locate the dialer menu.
Then type *#06# and hit the call button. You can take down your device’s IMEI number and keep it somewhere safe just in case you need it. Note that this trick works on Android, iPhone and other feature phones.
Furthermore, another way to locate your phone’s IMEI number is from the Settings menu. To find the IMEI number on an Android device, simply open Settings on your phone, scroll to “About Phone”, and tap IMEI to see your unique 15-digit IMEI number.
On the other hand, to find IMEI number on iPhone, simply go to Settings and tap General, then select About and scroll down and locate your IMEI number. Likewise, you can find your IMEI number on Samsung phones by launching the Settings, go to the About phone menu and Find IMEI number from the following menu.
Finding Your Device IMEI Number on the Web
Find My Device can also help you find the IMEI number. Simply check Google Find My Device on the internet and sign in with your account details. Then select your Android device and tap on the Settings gear at the top. Then copy the IMEI number. This works for only android devices.
If you’re an iPhone user, there are several options to check your IMEI number. You can simply access your Apple account on the internet and locate the IMEI number even without picking up the phone. Visit the Apple ID online and sign in with your Apple account details. Scroll through the usual verification and select Devices from the sidebar. Then select your iPhone from the list. You can then locate your phone IMEI number under the About menu.
How To Find A Lost Or Stolen Phone Using IMEI Number
Follow the simple steps below to locate and find a lost or stolen mobile phone using IMEI number.
Step 1: File a Police Report: Upon discovering your phone is missing or stolen, quickly contact your local authorities and file a police report. Then upon request, provide them with all details, including your phone’s IMEI number, to help in the investigation
Step 2: Contact Your Phone Service Provider: Inform your phone service provider about the lost or stolen phone and provide them with the device IMEI number. With this, they can blacklist the phone, making it unusable and unable to access their network and other associated networks.
Step 3: Block the Device IMEI: Visit this portal to block the IMEI and add the required documents. You’ll be required to provide a copy of the identity proof, police report, purchase invoice, and other necessary details.
Step 4: Get an OTP Code: You’ll receive an OTP on the number. Use the same number active on your phone before it gets lost.
Step 5: Check Blocking Request Status: You’ll then receive a request ID, which you can use to check the requestor’s status and unblock the IMEI in the future if you want.
Step 6: Use IMEI Tracking Applications and Software: There are numerous third-party applications and software available that can track and locate stolen phones using IMEI numbers. While some of these apps can be helpful, be careful while using them, as some might be scams or ineffective.
With the help of IMEI tracking services and law enforcement, you can monitor updates on the location of your phone. If found, collaborate with the authorities to recover it safely.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To How To Find Your Lost Phone Using IMEI Number
Is It Possible To Track A Phone IMEI if It Is Turned Off?
No. Your phone must be turned on for IMEI tracking to work. Additionally, it must be connected to a cellular network.
Can I Track my Phone With GPS Instead of IMEI?
If you enabled the GPS tracking mode on your phone and a tracking app is installed, you may be able to use GPS to track it. However, note that GPS tracking has limitations. For example, the phone must have an internet connection enabled to aid the GPS tracking process.
How Can I Locate the IMEI Number Of My Phone?
You can locate the IMEI number of your phone simply by dialling *#06# on the phone’s dialer. It will show the 15-digit IMEI number on your screen.
Is Using Third-party IMEI Tracking Apps Safe?
There are some third-party IMEI tracking apps that are safe, legitimate and helpful. However, it’s essential to do your research and choose reputable apps or software from trusted sources to avoid scams or security risks.
Can an IMEI Number be Changed?
Yes. Technically, it’s possible to change an IMEI number of a phone. However, doing so is illegal in most countries and can result in legal penalties.