Mobile devices get stolen every day, however, the sad statistics do not make people worry about the safety of their devices in advance. Many are forced to use third-party services and various trackers after the theft. Whatever the reason, in this guide we will talk about one of the most reliable methods to track your phone – by the IMEI number.
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What is IMEI and how do I find my IMEI number?
IMEI is a 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity number, unique for every mobile. Usually termed as a security number of mobile, it can be used to identify the device on any mobile network. You can track your lost or stolen phone using the IMEI number and ask your carrier to blacklist it.
Where to find the IMEI number? There are three ways:
- Simply dial *#06#, and it will provide you with two IMEI numbers, each for a slot if you own a dual-SIM phone.
- By visiting your mobile settings and heading onto the About Phone section.
- You can also spot it on your phone packaging box, too.
How to track a phone using free IMEI tracker online
Various websites, such as IMEI-Tracker, allow you to track phone location online for free. And though they might look authentic, we recommend you to steer clear of places like that!
These websites are mostly run by scammers who collect data and form IMEI databases, which they use to trick users to get information about their lost phone. Fill no surveys and offers asked by such sources.
If you really want to find your mobile with IMEI tracker online for free, use trusted and secure special services and IMEI tracker apps described in the next section.
How to track lost Android phone using IMEI number
Mobile providers have many services to help you track your lost Android phone today. For example, if you own a Samsung or a Xiaomi device, you can use the Samsung IMEI tracker or Xiaomi Cloud, respectively, to track your mobile. Other ways to locate your lost Android phone are:
Using ‘Find My Device’ by Google
It’s super easy to locate your lost Android device through Google Find My Device. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings and turn on the Find My Device feature under the Security option.
- Now, visit the Find My Mobile website.
- Sign in to your Google account if not yet. It will directly take you to your mobile location.
Using tracking apps
How to track a phone using IMEI for free? The two trusted sources to track your phone through tracking apps are:
IMEI tracker – Find My Device
One of the most popular apps to find your device location. Here is how you can use IMEI tracker to find your lost phone:
- Sign to your Google account after downloading the app.
- Enable the location via SMS on your mobile.
- To find your lost phone, send command ‘getlostphone’ from any other mobile number to yours.
- You will get the current phone location, IMEI number, and phone battery status of your lost mobile in SMS.
mSpy
You can also use one of the best cell phone tracking apps, mSpy, to track your lost phone. The target/lost device which it’s installed on can be located and accessed by logging in to your mSpy account through any other device.
It will help you see your actual location as well as the current movements of your phone on a map. It also lets you view the route history over a period of time. Additionally, it provides GPS and geo-fencing feature through which you can mark permissible boundaries and get notified when the target phone crosses them.
Besides, it’s a complete parental control feature set that helps you keep your kids safe by keeping a watch on them through their mobile.
How to track lost iPhone with IMEI number
You can as well locate your lost iPhone using the IMEI number. Apple has some unique services of its own for this purpose.
Using ‘Find My App’ by Apple
Tracking lost iPhone using Find My App is the first solution coming to mind. You can turn on Find My App by visiting your settings. Tap on your name and thereby on iCloud and finally on Find My App. Here’s how you can track your iPhone:
- Visit iCloud or use Find My App on any other Apple device.
- Log in to your Apple ID and click on Find iPhone.
- Select the Apple device you want to track, and the detailed location will be visible on the map.
Using its IMEI number
You can also locate your iPhone with its IMEI number in two ways:
With the wireless provider
Contact or call your wireless provider and convey to them that your iPhone is missing. They will add your iPhone to the IMEI database grey list and track it down to provide you with the information. However, in various cases, they can refuse to do so if it is contrary to their service policy.
With IMEI databases
Report your IMEI number to IMEI databases online like IMEIdetective, LostPhone, GSMA IMEI Database and alike. Submit your IMEI number to these databases, and they will let you know if your iPhone is located. Works for Android as well!
Though locating your phone with IMEI trackers is quite common, these methods are not entirely reliable and are subject to some limitations. Reportedly, they are not as effective as using security packages and phone trackers like mSpy, which has a lot of additional features. Also, tracking phone with IMEI number is not permissible and only used by institutions like police for serious investigations.
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