How to Track a Phone with IMEI Number – Easy & Accurate Methods

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Losing or misplacing your phone can be stressful enough to make it hard to figure out where to start. The best way to do this is to track the phone with IMEI code. It's a unique 15-digit code to pinpoint the location of your device. You can use one of the many available apps or report it to your network carrier or the relevant authorities.

In this article, you'll learn about the IMEI code, how it helps, and the potential limitations when tracking a device. It also provides an alternative that makes tracking your device much simpler.

Part 1. What's an IMEI Number?

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a 15-digit code unique to every mobile phone worldwide. This serial number helps identify a device.

The IMEI numbers are stored in an EIR (Equipment Identity Register) database and contain information on all valid mobile phones and accessories. It uses the IMEI code to verify that every call and text message from a mobile phone is authorized to use a network. So, if you can connect to a mobile network, you're already registered.

Now, an IMEI code is typically arranged in a sequence: WW-XXXXXX-YYYYYY-Z, where:

• The first eight digits (WW-XXXXXX) represent the Type Allocation Code, identifying the device manufacturer and model.
• The next six digits (YYYYYY) are the unique serial number assigned to each mobile phone.
• The last digit (Z) is the check unit used to verify the IMEI's integrity.

This intricate structure ensures it isn't replicated and that you can uniquely track a phone with its IMEI code.

Part 2. How to Find Your IMEI Number

There are several ways to find your IMEI number, but the easiest is to dial a specific number or access the phone's settings.

Method 1: Head to your smartphone's keypad and dial *#06#. The IMEI number should appear on the screen. If you have two SIM cards inserted, it will display two IMEI numbers. It's a good idea to take screenshots or write them down to track the phone with the IMEI number in the future.

Method 2: On your smartphone, go to Settings and scroll to select the "About Phone" option. The IMEI numbers should be displayed there.

IMEI numbers are also printed on the device's packaging. Or, if your phone has a removable battery, you may peek under the battery cover. Manufacturers often paste a sticker with the necessary information, including the IMEI code.

Part 3. How to Track Your Lost Phone with IMEI Number

IMEI number helps track the lost phone, but currently, authorities and network carriers cannot do this. They typically intervene in cases of theft, robbery, or other crimes.

You may see many apps that claim to find your Android for free online with an IMEI number. However, none of them can locate a phone via IMEI online. Most require a subscription, are scams, and might only show where the device was last seen.

So, here are some of the best answers on how to track mobile phones with an IMEI number:

• Confirm IMEI: Note down and save the IMEI number when you purchase a device. If you didn't and the device is already stolen, check the original box or your Google or Apple account.
• Notify Carrier: Contact your network carrier immediately to blacklist the IMEI when the device is lost or stolen. This prevents your device from functioning on a national network even if the user changes the eSIM.
• Report to Authorities: If your device is lost or stolen, report the incident to the police with the necessary information. With legal authorization, they can easily track the phone.

Although the IMEI number can be a viable way to locate your lost phone, the following are a few limitations and challenges:

• If the device is switched off or offline, carriers can only provide the last known location.
• Due to limited resources, police only prioritize severe cases and may not have enough manpower for smaller ones, such as theft./li>
• Changing SIMs doesn't affect IMEI, but it may switch carriers, which can affect tracking.
• Criminals may clone IMEI numbers to bypass tracking. Law enforcement agencies must first detect if the IMEI is genuine and matches the device's hardware.

Part 4. How to Track Kids' Phones Better?

Considering the limitations, using IMEI to track a phone accurately might not be a reliable option. Even if you have an IMEI code, you can't do anything to track the device.

If you want comprehensive phone tracking software, then use KidsGuard Pro. It's a fantastic app with practical features that help you keep track of any unwanted activities on your child's cell phone. Its efficient location tracking technology also provides an accurate location of your kids' phones, even if the internet is turned off. Also, you can set a geofence to receive an alert whenever your kid leaves a specific area.

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Another feature of this app is social media monitoring. You can check your kids' social media activities and detect any potential dangers. Other data, such as contacts, call logs, browser history, and photos, is visible. The best part is that the app works in stealth mode. It means your kids won't even realize that they're being monitored.

FAQ about Tracking Phones with IMEI Number

How to find someone's location by IMEI number?

Tracking someone's location using their IMEI number typically requires help from law enforcement or the phone service provider. Regular users do not have direct access to IMEI-based tracking due to privacy and legal restrictions.

Can police track IMEI if phone is off?

No, if a phone is turned off, it cannot broadcast its IMEI or connect to any network, making live tracking impossible. However, once it's turned back on and connects to a network, police or service providers can track it using the IMEI.

Can the IMEI number be changed?

Yes, technically, it is possible to change an IMEI number using specialized tools, but it is illegal in many countries. Altering an IMEI is often associated with stolen phones and is considered a criminal offense in most regions.

Can a stolen phone be tracked when off?

No, a stolen phone cannot be tracked in real-time if it is powered off. However, once it's turned on and connects to a network, tracking tools using IMEI, GPS, or linked accounts (like Google or Apple ID) may help locate it.

Conclusion

While losing a phone can be a terrifying experience, knowing your IMEI number can help you retrieve it. You can track a phone using IMEI trackers or seek help from relevant authorities. But, in some situations, tracking with it can get challenging. So, use a comprehensive monitoring solution like KidsGuard Pro. This parental control tool provides real-time location and assists even if the device is turned off. You can also use this tool to track calls, text messages, social media interactions, and much more.

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