Losing your phone can be stressful, especially with all the personal data, contacts, and apps stored on it. If you’re wondering how to track lost phone in 2026, an IMEI tracker can be your lifesaver. IMEI, which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique number assigned to every mobile phone.
Using this number, authorities and service providers can locate your lost or stolen phone even if the SIM card has been changed. In this guide, you’ll learn how to track lost phone using IMEI tracker, step by step, and what tools are available in 2026 to make the process faster and more reliable. So, let’s get started.
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?
This IMEI number tracker is like your device’s ID number. One thing to note is that no other device has the same one.
| Part | Number of Digits | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| TAC | 8 digits | Tells the brand, model, and who made the device. |
| Serial Number | 6 digits | A number that makes your device different from others of the same model. |
| Check Digit | 1 digit | Helps check if the IMEI is correct (used to avoid typing mistakes). |
| Total Digits | 15 digits | This is the full IMEI number most devices have. |
| IMEISV (Variation) | 16 digits | Shows software version instead of check digit (used on some devices). |
The IMEI is built into the device during its manufacture. This number is used by mobile networks, phone manufacturers, and even law enforcement agencies. With the help of this number, they can identify, IMEI Track, or block a phone if it’s lost or stolen.
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:
| Where | How to Find IMEI |
|---|---|
| Phone | On SIM tray, back, or device label |
| Dialer | Dial *#06# |
| Settings | Android: About PhoneiPhone: General > About |
| Box/Receipt | Printed on packaging or invoice |
| Apple ID | Sign in at appleid.apple.com |
| Google Account | Sign in at myaccount.google.com > Devices |
| Computer | iPhone: Finder/iTunesAndroid: Find My Device |
Also read: How To Use Remote Mouse App With Windows/Mac Computer
Tracking a Lost Phone with IMEI Number Tracker: Step-by-Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow, especially if you live in India.
Step 1: Find Your IMEI Number
The first step is to find your IMEI number. we have already discuss ways to find the IMEI number. Let’s move on to next step.
Step 2: Report the Loss Immediately
You need to report the phone as lost so it can be blocked from being used. Here’s what you can do right away:
- File an FIR (Police Report): Go to the nearest police station or visit cybercrime.gov.in. Give IMEI, model, colour, and last known location.
- Tell Your Mobile Operator: Call Airtel, Jio, etc., and ask them to block your IMEI. They will stop the SIM and help blacklist the phone.
You can also use the CEIR Portal:
- Go to ceir.gov.in
- Click on “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile”
- Fill in IMEI, your mobile number, FIR copy, and ID proof
- You’ll get a Request ID for tracking
- This stops the phone from working on any Indian network
Step 3: Use Built-in Tracking Tools
IMEI helps block the phone, but for live tracking, use built-in tools:
For Android: Use Google Find My Device
- Shows your phone on a map
- You can play sound, lock, or erase data
- Works only if location was on before
For iPhone: Use Apple Find My
- Tracks using Bluetooth even when offline
- Carrier Apps: Apps like Airtel Thanks or Jio Security can give alerts if someone uses your IMEI.
Step 4: Try IMEI Tracker Apps (Use With Care)
Some apps claim to track phones by IMEI, but they mostly use GPS. These apps must be installed before the phone is lost.
| App Name | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI Tracker – Find My Device | Basic tracking, free alerts | Free |
| Prey Anti-Theft | Photo capture of thief, geofencing | Free / ₹400 per month |
| Cerberus | SIM change alerts, stealth mode | ₹400 one-time |
| Lookout Security | Security + IMEI check | Free / ₹250 per month |
| Mobile Missing (India-only) | Fast FIR and SIM alerts | Free |
Always allow GPS and location access for these apps to work correctly.
What Happens After You Report a Lost Phone?
Losing your phone can be really stressful, but there are ways to try and get it back. One of the most useful tools is your phone’s IMEI number. Here’s how it can help:
| Situation | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Phone Gets Blocked | When you report your phone lost, its IMEI goes on a blacklist. No one can use it with any SIM card, even after resetting. |
| Police Can Track It | Police can check where your phone was last connected to the network. It only works if the phone is on and has internet or mobile data. |
| You Can Try Tracking | You can use trusted apps or websites to find your phone using the IMEI number. |
| It May Take Time | Finding your phone can take days or weeks depending on where it is and how fast the police can check. |
| Lost in Another Country | Report it to local police and your mobile provider. They can block the IMEI and try to track it. |
| Tip | Always write down your phone’s IMEI number. You can find it by dialing *#06# on your phone. |
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:
- Visit ceir.gov.in and select “Check Request Status.”
- Enter your Request ID.
- View the status (Pending, Processed, or Rejected). If processed, details like the block date, time, and operator will be displayed.
- 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:
| Service | Platform | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Google Find My Device | Android | Tracks real-time location via GPS. Works offline in crowded areas (Android 15). |
| Find My iPhone | iOS (Apple) | Finds iPhone via GPS or nearby Apple devices (even offline). |
| SmartThings Find | Samsung Devices | Tracks Samsung phones, even offline, using Samsung’s network. |
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.
What’s New In Android 16 & iOS 19 For Phone Security
Phone theft is rising fast. To fight this, Google and Apple have Android 16 and iOS 26 smart at stopping thieves. They use AI, biometrics, and tracking to make stolen phones basically useless. Let’s check out how:
Android 16
Android 16 uses AI to detect theft and locks your phone automatically. Because of this, thieves can’t use or sell it.
| Feature | What It Does | How It Protects You |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Protection Mode | Locks your phone with one tap | Stops thieves from turning off security or doing factory resets |
| Identity Check for All Brands | Face or fingerprint needed for important changes | Even if they see your PIN, they can’t change settings |
| Upgraded Factory Reset Protection | Harder to reset without your Google account | Makes stolen phones useless |
| Theft Detection Lock | Locks automatically if it senses fast movement or theft | Protects instantly without you doing anything |
| Find Hub | Combines phone tracking with Bluetooth tags and airports | Can find phone even offline; extra questions stop strangers |
| In-Call & Sideloading Guards | Blocks risky actions during unknown calls | Stops scams and malware |
iOS 26
iOS 26 makes iPhones (iPhone 13+) harder to hack or sell if stolen. It uses Face ID, Touch ID, and AI detection to lock phones and parts like cameras and batteries.
| Feature | What It Does | How It Protects You |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Stolen Device Protection | Requires Face ID/Touch ID to change critical settings | Even if thief knows your passcode, they can’t steal data quickly |
| Locked & Hidden Apps | Hide apps automatically | Keeps private apps invisible |
| Activation Lock for Parts | Stolen components won’t work on new devices | Stops thieves from selling stolen parts |
| AI-Powered Alerts | Detects weird activity and triggers Lost Mode | Locks phone before thief can access it |
| Advanced Data Protection | Encrypts messages, notes, and AI content | Protects cloud data from hackers or police requests |
Safety Tips: Using IMEI Trackers Wisely
There are many IMEI tracker apps and websites, but it’s important to stay cautious:
- Stick to Official Channels: Use trusted platforms like CEIR or reliable apps like mSpy.
- Avoid Unverified Sites: Never share your IMEI with untrustworthy websites. Scammers may misuse it for cloning or fraud.
- Don’t Pay Upfront: Legitimate phone recovery doesn’t require you to pay fees in advance, except through official channels.
- 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. It can help you find your lost phone. This can can show you the exact location of your phone and works in over 150 countries.
Tools like this can help you see the last known location of your phone. But remember, they don’t always work perfectly. It depends on things like if your phone has mobile data or GPS turned on.
Here is how you can find your phone with this IMEI tracker by Staunch:
- Visit the website and press the Track IMEI button.
- Enter the IMEI number of your smartphone that you can find using the steps mentioned above.
- Choose your country from the list and press the Track IMEI button.
What Are The Benefits of IMEI Tracker?
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Universal ID | The IMEI number is unique to your phone. It works even if you change the SIM card or turn off GPS. |
| Blocking Power | If your phone is stolen, IMEI tracking can block the device, making it useless for thieves. |
| Recovery Help | Police and mobile authorities can use the IMEI number to help find a lost or stolen phone. |
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:
If your phone is lost or stolen, report the loss as quickly as possible to your mobile service provider and the police. Always write down your IMEI number and keep it in a safe place. It can be used for blocking or tracking the phone. Make sure features like Find My Device or similar tracking options are turned on in advance. You can protect your accounts by using two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent misuse. You should also contact the phone’s manufacturer for extra help or tracking tools that may be available.
New Ways to Track Phones in 2026
In 2026, there are new technologies that help you find your phone faster. This is even if it’s turned off or far away from any network.
| Technology | Details |
|---|---|
| Satellite Tracking | Some phones can use satellites. This helps you send help messages even when there is no mobile network. |
| AI Theft Alerts | The phone can understand if it is stolen. If someone tries to unlock it wrongly, the phone locks itself and sends a warning. |
| Blockchain Protection | This keeps the phone’s IMEI number safe so thieves cannot change it easily. |
| Crowdsourced Tracking | Other nearby phones help find your lost phone, even if it is offline or has no internet. |
How to Get Ready
- Update your phone to Android 15 or iOS 18
- Turn on satellite tracking if your phone supports it
- Join a tracking network by enabling Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone (Apple)
Things To Do After Your Phone Is Lost Or Stolen: IMEI Tracker
Here are the tips that you must follow:
- Use Trusted Sources: Stick to official services like CEIR or trusted apps like mSpy.
- Avoid Unknown Websites: Don’t share your IMEI with untrusted sites to avoid scams.
- No Upfront Payments: Real phone recovery doesn’t ask for money upfront.
- 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.
Let’s check out some simple ways to protect your phone:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Keep It Hidden | Don’t leave your phone where everyone can see it. Keep it in your pocket or bag. |
| Turn On Location | Keep location and mobile data on. It helps you find your phone if it gets lost. |
| Use Find My Device | Turn on Find My iPhone or Find My Device so you can track, lock, or erase your phone if needed. |
| Get Phone Insurance | If your phone is costly, insurance can help you get a new phone if it gets stolen. |
| Use Strong Locks | Set a strong password, fingerprint, or Face ID to keep your phone safe. |
| Note Your IMEI Number | Write down your phone’s IMEI number. It helps police track it if it is stolen. |
| Stay Alert | Be careful in crowded places like buses or trains. Thieves act when people are not looking. |
| Don’t Leave It Behind | Never forget your phone on tables, cabs, or public places. Someone might take it. |
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:
- Open the Settings App and go to the Security and Privacy section
- 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 someone steals your phone, they won’t be able to turn on airplane mode or switch off mobile data. This helps keep your phone connected. It basically makes it easier to track.
Here’s how you can turn on this setting for different 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:
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Factory Reset Protection | A thief can’t reset your phone without your Google account. You can still track it. |
| Private Safe | You can hide important apps in a secret space with a PIN. |
| Harder to Turn Off Find My Device | No one can turn off tracking without your password. |
| Stronger Lock Screen | The phone needs your PIN or password to open, even if stolen. |
| Smart Theft Protection | Your phone can tell if someone steals it and locks itself right away. |
| Offline Lock | If your phone goes offline or someone tries to break in, it will lock by itself. |
| Remote Lock | You can lock or erase your phone from far away and get your account back using your number. |
Limitations of IMEI Tracker:
- No Direct Access: You can’t track your phone by yourself. Only carriers and the police can do it.
- 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.
- 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.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Your Phone Back
Sometimes, your phone might be lost for good. There can be multiple reasons for it. Maybe it’s switched off, the IMEI number was changed, or the police couldn’t help. Here’s what you should do next:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Secure Your Accounts | Change passwords for important apps like email, Instagram, and banking apps. Turn on 2FA so no one can log in without a special code. From another device, remove the lost phone from your Google or Apple account. |
| Tell Your Bank and Mobile Company | Call your bank if you had payment apps like Google Pay or PhonePe and ask them to watch for fake payments. Also contact your SIM provider (Jio, Airtel, Vi) to block your number. |
| Use Phone Insurance | If your phone has insurance like AppleCare or Samsung Care+, file a claim. You will need the police report and IMEI number to get a replacement or refund. |
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 Using IMEI Number (2026)
What is IMEI number tracking?
IMEI number tracking is a way to find or block a mobile phone using its unique IMEI number. Every phone has an IMEI. Is like its ID card. Only phone companies and the police can use it to track or block lost or stolen phones.
Can I track my phone myself using IMEI?
No. You cannot track a phone yourself using the IMEI. You have to report it to the police or your phone company. They can use special tools to find or block it.
How do the authorities track a phone using IMEI?
When you report a lost phone, the IMEI is flagged in the network. If the phone connects to the internet or mobile network, the police or company can see it and take action.
What is CEIR and how does it help in 2026?
CEIR stands for Central Equipment Identity Register. In India, it helps block stolen phones so no one can use them. It works on all networks, making it hard for thieves to use stolen phones.
What happens when my IMEI is blocked?
If your IMEI is blocked, the phone cannot make calls, send messages, or use mobile data. Changing the SIM card won’t help, it will still be blocked.
Can IMEI tracking work if the phone is off?
No. If the phone is switched off, IMEI tracking won’t work. But as soon as it is turned on and connects to the network, authorities can track it.
Are IMEI tracker apps real in 2026?
Most apps online are fake. Only phone companies and police can track phones using IMEI. Apps that claim they can track phones are usually scams.
Can Google Find My Device track my phone with IMEI?
No. Google Find My Device uses your Google account, GPS, and internet. It does not use IMEI. IMEI tracking is only done by the network or police.
Who can track a phone using IMEI?
Only your mobile network provider and the police can track a phone using IMEI. Normal people cannot.
How do I unblock my IMEI if I get my phone back?
Show proof that the phone is yours to your mobile provider or CEIR. They will unblock your IMEI, and your phone will work normally again.
What should I do if I find someone else’s phone?
Don’t try to use it. Give it to the police or contact the phone company. They can use the IMEI to return it to the owner.
Is IMEI tracking safe?
Yes. In 2026, IMEI tracking is secure. Only authorised people like the police and network providers can see it. It’s only used to help find or block lost phones.
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