How To Track Your Lost Mobile Phone With IMEI Number?

Ever wondered what is the IMEI number on your phone? Well, in simple words, it is a weapon to help you find your phone in case you have lost it somewhere. Losing your mobile phone is like parting away with an essential part of your life. Not only do you lose your important data and photos, but you also incur a significant loss, especially if you have an expensive smartphone. Thankfully, there are ways to recover your lost mobile phone, including IMEI number tracking. For those unaware, IMEI is a unique identification number present on each phone. Whether you are using an Android or iOS device, each one of them will have an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.

This number will remain even if the SIM card, mobile network, and phone location are turned off. Furthermore, if someone decides to factory reset your phone, the IMEI number will remain intact. This 15-digit number is a godsend if you wish to track your lost phone. Here is how you can use IMEI number tracking to locate your lost phone.

If your phone is stolen or you have lost it and are unsure what to do, you can check this article: What To Do When Phone Is Stolen- 8 Simple Tips To Help You Out

What Is IMEI Number?

IMEI number is like an identity certificate for your phone. However, it can also come in SUPER HANDY to track your lost mobile phone. Network providers use the IMEI Tracker to uniquely identify a mobile phone on the network and extend its services.

Where Can You Find The IMEI Number?

The smartphone’s IMEI number is located on the back of the device, either underneath the battery or on the device’s back panel. The number can also be found on the device’s box and even on the invoice for the device.

IMEI Number Tracking In Progress:

The phone tracking project has been in development for a while, and it was formed with the sole intention of reducing theft and the counterfeit mobile phone business. The government of India has allocated about Rs. 15 Crore to this project with hopes of a solid outcome. Here’s how you can use the IMEI number tracker to find your lost or stolen phone:

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How To Find A Lost Or Stolen Phone Using IMEI Number – IMEI Number Tracking Via IMEI Tracker

Step 1: The first step is to file a report with the police about the lost or stolen phone and keep a copy of the report before the IMEI number tracking.

Step 2: Then contact your service provider to issue a duplicate SIM card; when you request the blocking of the IMEI number, you will get an OTP on this number. This will not allow you to track your lost mobile but render it entirely useless for the person who finds it with malicious intent.

Step 3: Visit the portal here to block the IMEI and attach the required documents. You will need a copy of the police report, identity proof, purchase invoice, and other details.

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Step 4: You will get an OTP On the number. This should be the same number active on the phone before it gets lost.

Step 5: You will then be given a request ID, and you can check the requestor’s status to unblock the IMEI if required in the future.

IMEI Tracker – What Next?

When you file a complaint against a lost or stolen mobile phone, the network operator will share the device’s IMEI number. It will be on the blacklist of the central database, and other operators will also ban the device so that it doesn’t work on any network, even if the SIM card is removed or replaced. This new initiative from the Department of Telecom has considerable potential and will hopefully help many users.

Also Read: What Is IMEI Number And How To See It!

Please note: Technically, one cannot track the lost device directly through your current phone. However, it is possible to approach the network operator to put the phone on the alert list. This is how the phone can be identified while it is connected to a specific network. To do this, you can follow the FIR process and add phone IMEI to the blacklist using the method above. All the steps help in the IMEI number tracking effectively.

This is also how you make sure that when the law enforcement authorities and the network operators find the device, they are able to reach out to you.

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Checking The Status Of Complaints On The CEIR Portal!

Once a blocking request is submitted, individuals can quickly check the status of their complaint on the CEIR portal by following these simple steps:

Step 1: After you have submitted the request for blocking and lost/stolen mobile. Go to the homepage of the CEIR website and click the check request status button. 

Step 2: When you select the “Check Request Status” button on the CEIR website homepage, a new page will appear, asking you to enter the unique request ID provided when the locking request was submitted.

Step 3: You can check the status of your complaint after clicking the submit button. It will display either Pending, Processed, or Rejected. If your request is processed, you will get further information, such as the date and time of the block, the operator who has blocked your smartphone, and so on.

Find My Device

Google’s “Find My Device” service is an extremely helpful tool for individuals who want to locate or track their lost or stolen smartphones. You can easily locate your phone if you have connected your Google account to it and enabled the “Find My Device” option to track its most recent locations. Keep in mind that this only works when the smartphone’s internet connection is up and running. One thing to note is that you can also find my device with IMEI.

Also Read: How To Find Lost iPhone Online Easily And Track Its Live Location!

To track your smartphone, simply go to the “Find My Device” webpage. You are then provided with a list of devices that are linked to your Google account. Simply choose the device to track, and by clicking on its name, you can view its location highlighted on a map on the side screen. You will also have a total of three options: play a sound on the device, secure it, or wipe its information.

What Are The Benefits of IMEI Number Tracking?

1. IMEI Number Cannot Change

Nobody can change the IMEI number, which precisely helps to track lost mobile phones. Even the thieves who stole your mobile cannot change that number. One can turn off the sim or the location, but the IMEI number is irreplaceable. It is like the identity of the particular device. Therefore, it is essential to store the IMEI number of the phone as . Hence, this makes it easy to track IMEI number.

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2. You Can Block The IMEI Number

Blocking the IMEI number means the one who is holding the device hostage won’t be able to use it. The phone functions will not operate. Even if the thief holds your device hostage, it is as good as useless, and he will not have control over the IMEI number as well. However, for you to block the IMEI number tracker, you will need assistance from the police.

While we have some excellent tools, such as Find My iPhone or Find My Phone on Android, they are useless if the phone lacks an internet connection. Every third-party or first-party app on the phone fails to work without an active internet connection. This is an essential fact to know when getting your IMEI number tracking done.

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What Is CEIR?

The Government of India’s Center for Department of Telematics is working on a pilot project for the Central Equipment Identity Register or CEIR system.

CEIR is a central database with the IMEI numbers of all mobile operators. Since each mobile phone has a unique IMEI number, it is easy to differentiate the device from others. The plan came live all over India on May 17, 2023.

So how does it help us?

This basically allows users to block or track a lost phone and check cloned phones. Even if one removes or replaces the new SIM card. This latest technology will, in turn, efficiently track a lost mobile phone. The Centre for Development of Telematics manages the registry. They work with telecom operators and other regulatory authorities to track lost smartphones.

Additional Strategies and Tips

In addition to the steps mentioned above, you can always take additional steps to enhance your efforts of tracking a lost phone:

1. The sooner you report the loss to your mobile carrier and law enforcement, 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 all your bank accounts and social media accounts for an additional layer of security.
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 equipped with manufacturer-specific tracking features.

To Sum It Up

IMEI number tracking is a great way to help you locate your phone. However, to begin with, you must know your IMEI number. Reporting the loss to your mobile service provider and the police is crucial, as it sets the wheels in motion to recover your device. These steps can help ensure your service is suspended in the meantime. Note that the cooperation of law enforcement and mobile carriers is of utmost importance.

The IMEI tracker feature is a powerful tool in the fight against mobile phone loss and theft. Remember, it’s not just a mobile phone; it’s a repository 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

Q1. What is IMEI number tracking?

IMEI number tracking helps uniquely 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 Number?

To track IMEI number, you need to file a police report, contact your service provider for a duplicate SIM card, and 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 IMEI number tracking for lost phones?

Benefits include an unchangeable IMEI, 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 efficiently tracks lost smartphones in collaboration with telecom operators, even if the SIM card is replaced.

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

You can report the loss to the authorities and provide them with the IMEI number for tracking assistance. You can also contact your network provider to block the phone on their network using the IMEI number. If traditional methods prove unsuccessful, explore professional location-sharing software utilizing GPS and other services for real-time tracking. By following these steps, you improve the chances of recovering your lost or stolen phone, even if the IMEI tracking method doesn’t yield results.

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

If you come across someone else’s lost phone, check for any emergency contacts, personal items, or a case with a business card or inscription. If the phone is locked, contact the owner’s network provider with the IMEI number, often found on the box or by dialling *#06# on the phone’s dialer. The network provider can assist in reaching out to the owner and facilitating the return of the phone.

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

To secure your device you can activate remote tracking and locking features such as Find My Device on Android and Find My iPhone for iOS users. Furthermore, you can activate two-factor authentication and require a password to power off the feature to prevent someone from shutting down your device. You should also note down your IMEI number so you can track IMEI number in the future.

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