How To Track Your Lost Mobile Phone With IMEI Number Tracker?

In this digital day and age, smartphones have become an essential part of our lives. However, if you lose your smartphone, you not only incur a financial loss, but it also means parting away with your precious data, memories and important documents. Whether your expensive phone gets stolen or lost, there are ways to recover your phone with an IMEI tracker.

Just like every citizen has an Aadhar Card, each phone has a special IMEI number that is unique to it. This IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number can be used to trace your lost device. The most interesting thing is that this number cannot be erased and will be present even if the battery runs out or the SIM card is removed. This 15-digit number is a godsend, giving you another chance to recover your lost mobile phone. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at how you can find a phone with an IMEI number tracker.

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- Steps To Help You Out

What Is IMEI Number?

The IMEI number is like an Aadhar Card for your mobile phone. This 15-digit number is unique to each phone and is used by manufacturers to keep track of it. However, it can be a godsend if you have lost your device because you can use it to track it down using IMEI tracker

With the help of this IMEI number, your network providers like Jio and Airtel can help you track your lost phone. Furthermore, you can also alert law enforcement agencies if you suspect your phone has been misused for illegal activities.

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 Tracker 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:

Also read: How To Use Remote Mouse App With Windows/Mac Computer

How To Find IMEI Number On Android And iPhone To Track Your Phone?

Before you use an IMEI tracker to locate your lost phone, you must know its IMEI number. It’s important to note down your smartphone’s IMEI number and keep it handy in case your device gets lost.

Do note that each SIM has its own IMEI number, so dual-SIM phones will have two IMEI numbers instead of one. Here are the steps for both Android and iOS devices.

How To Find IMEI Number On Android

Here are all the different ways that you can find the IMEI number on your Android device and use it in a IMEI tracker.

Method 1: Using Phone’s Dialer

The first method is using the dialer app on your smartphone to find the IMEI number on Android:

1. Open the Dialer app on your Android phone
2. Dial *#06#
3. A pop-up message will display the IMEI details of your smartphone.
4. In case the message doesn’t appear, press the dial button.

Method 2: From Device Settings

Another way to check the IMEI number on your Android phone is through the device settings. Just follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
2. Scroll Down and tap the About Phone section
3. At the bottom of this section, you will find the IMEI number.

Method 3: On The Back Of Your Phone

The third method to locate your IMEI number and use it in a IMEI tracker is through the sticker at the back of your phone. Many smartphones have a white sticker on their back that mentions the IMEI number along with other details. While generally, most users remove this sticker as soon they unbox their phone, you can if your’s is still present at the back of your phone.

Method 4: Check The Box Of Your Device

If the back of your phone does not have a sticker, you can check the device for the IMEI number. This number is located on the back of the phone’s box, along with other details, such as the SAR value.

How To Find IMEI Number On iPhone

You can find the IMEI number on your iPhone for IMEI tracker is by following these methods.

Method 1: Using Dialer On Your iPhone

You can find the IMEI number on your iPhone by following these steps:

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone and Dial *#06#
2. A pop-up message will display details about your IMEI number
3. You must press the dial button if the number does not appear.

Method 2: From the Settings

To find your IMEI Number on your iPhone via Settings, you need to do this:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
2. Tap on General and then select the About option.
3. Here, you will find details such as the IMEI/MEID/ICCID apart from other details

Method 3: Before Setting Up The Device

In case you haven’t set up your new iPhone or have performed a reset of your device, then you follow these steps:

1. Boot your iPhone by pressing the power button.
2. A “Hello” message will appear on your screen.
3. Press the Info button denoted by the “i” icon in the bottom right corner.
4. The serial number will be visible on your screen

Method 4: Via SIM Tray

If you are lucky enough to have a physical SIM Tray instead of an e-SIM one, then you can still check your IMEI number. Just open the SIM Tray using the SIM Ejector PIN, and you will be able to check your IMEI number

Method 5: Using iTunes

You can also find the IMEI number of your iPhone using iTunes. You will need to connect your device to a Windows or macOS device. Just follow these steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB or lightning cable.
2. Open iTunes if you are running macOS Mojave or a Windows PC. You can open Finder if you are on MacOS Catalina 10.15 or later
3. In iTunes, open the Summary tab, and in the Finder app, open the Summary tab.
4. Tap the Phone Number option under the device name or device model to locate your IMEI number.

Method 6: Using your Apple ID

Last but not least, you can find the IMEI number of your iPhone by visiting the Apple ID page. This method works even if you don’t have your device with you. To check your IMEI using Apple ID, follow these steps:

1. Visit this link in your browser.
2. Log in with the same Apple ID that you have used on your iPhone
3. In the devices section, select the device, and you will be able to view its IMEI number.

Method- 7: Using Your Mac

If you have a Mac present at your home then you can simply connect your iPhone to it to check its IMEI number and use it in the IMEI tracker. This is useful in case you can’t open the Settings or Control Centre on your iPhone. Here is how you can check your IMEI number with a Mac:

1. Connect your iPhone to a PC using a cable
2. If you are running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, open the Finder app on your Mac. If you have an older version, you will need to open iTunes.
3. Navigate to the General tab in the Finder and click on the Summary tab.
4. Click the Phone Number option under your device name, and it will show the IMEI number.
5. You can copy and paste this number somewhere for your reference to use in the IMEI tracker.

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.

Also read: Download Facebook Stories: 4 Simple Ways To Watch Them Anywhere

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 tracker effectively.

This is also how you ensure that law enforcement authorities and network operators can contact you when they find the device.

Also read: How To Get Rid Of Ghost Touch On Android? Follow These Quick Fixes!

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: After clicking the submit button, you can check the status of your complaint. 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.

Google’s Find My Device- IMEI Tracker Alternative

Google’s “Find My Device” service is an extremely helpful tool similar to IMEI tracker 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.

How To Track Your Phone With Find My Device Network- IMEI Tracker Alternative

Google has recently improved its Find My Device service to resemble Apple’s Find My iPhone. This means, unlike the IMEI tracker, you can now track your phone even if it’s in aeroplane mode, as it taps into the vast network of nearby Android devices to locate your phone.

This feature works even if your device is offline, meaning you can find your phone’s information if the SIM card is removed or if the mobile data is turned off. To use this feature, just follow these steps:

1. Launch the Find My Device app and log in to your Google account. A pop-up will ask you to register for the new Find My Device Network.
2. Tap the Enter Screen Lock button at the bottom and enter your device’s lock screen PIN.
3. Alternatively, you can also head to into your phone’s Settings ->Google->Find My Device option.
4. Here, you need to tap on the Find your offline devices option. It will be set to Off by default, and you must change it to “With network in all areas”. This will ensure you can locate your device even in areas with less crowd density.

That’s it; you have successfully added and configured the device to Google’s Find My Device Network. Now, you just need to follow these steps if your device goes missing:

1. Open the Find My Device app and enter your Google account’s credentials to log in.
2. Select the device that you wish to locate and tap the “Find Nearby” option.
3. It will show you the proximity of whether you are close to your device with a ring.
4. The ring will start filling up once you get closer to your device. You can also ring your device by pressing the “Play Sound” button on the screen.

Samsung SmartThings Find-IMEI Tracker Alternative

If you are a Samsung user, you can use the SmartThings Find feature to locate your phone. It works similarly to Google Find My Device and is a better alternative to using an IMEI tracker. This powerful tool allows you to locate your phone, wipe its data or lock it down. To find your Samsung smartphone and check its live location, you will need to enable this feature with the following steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings App on your Samsung device and tap on the Samsung account at the top.
2. Choose the Find My Mobile option from the list.
3. Enable the “Allow this phone to be found” option.
4. You will also need to turn on the “Remote Unlock”, “Send Last Location”, and “Offline Finding” features.

This will allow you to easily locate your Samsung smartphone if it goes missing. You can check its last location, wipe the data or find it even if it’s offline. The best part is that this feature works on all Samsung devices, so whether you have a flagship phone or a budget one, you don’t have to worry about losing it. Furthermore, the Samsung Smarthings Find also works on accessories like Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch, so you can locate them easily.

Similar to IMEI tracker, to find the live location of your phone using Samsung SmartThings Find, just follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website for Samsung SmartThings Find and log in to your Samsung account.
2. Here you can find the list of Samsung devices that are connected to your account including your phone, tablet and even accessories like Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Tag.
3. It will show you your device’s last location, as well as options to share its last live location, lock it, and ring it.
4. You can even erase the data to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

Find My iPhone- IMEI Tracker Alternative

In case your iPhone is lost and you don’t want to use an IMEI Tracker then you can take advantage of Apple’s proprietary tracking service- Find My iPhone. Similar to Google’s Find My Device and Samsung’s Smartthings, it can help you locate your lost iPhone.But first, you need to turn on this feature by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone
2. Click on your name and select the Find My option
3. Turn on the Find My iPhone as well as the Find My network
4. You can also toggle Share My Location to keep your friends and family updated on your location.

Once this feature is turned on, you can track your iPhone like an IMEI tracker even when turned off. Furthermore, this tracking functionality is available on a browser or another phone. You can also play a sound to ring your iPhone, which will work even if it’s on silent.

Find My iPhone also lets you locate other Apple devices, such as your AirPods, Apple Watch, or iPad. It taps into the vast network of iOS devices to triangulate your iPhone’s location and find its last known position.

Furthermore, to protect your device, you can mark it as lost. This will help you remotely lock the device, meaning no one will be able to open and access the data inside. In addition, you can also set a custom message with your contact number and address. If someone finds the device, he/she can return it to you. Find My iPhone also lets you turn off Apple Pay, so you don’t have to worry about any potential fraud or misuse of money.

Is Using IMEI Tracker Safe?

Given the large number of IMEI Tracker apps and websites on the internet, it’s only natural to wonder whether using them is safe. Well, the simple answer is that it depends. It is only recommended to provide sensitive info, such as your phone’s IMEI number, to people or websites that you trust. Do NOT give them to any random stranger on the internet, as they might be open to potential misuse.

Ensure that the app or website you are using is reliable and genuine. You can check people’s reviews and testimonials before providing details like your IMEI number to a tracker website. Furthermore, do NOT pay an advance amount or transfer any money to help recover your lost phone. Websites or apps asking for money to track your lost phone are potential scams you must avoid. You might come across telegram groups or shady forums that promise to locate your device; it’s best to avoid them, too. If Find My Device or Find My iPhone is enabled on your phone, use it first instead of relying on an unknown website or app.

IMEI Tracker By Staunch

The IMEI Tracker by Staunch is a free website that can help you locate your lost phone by finding your lost smartphone. It claims to offer you the exact location of your phone and works in more than 150 countries.

These tools can be a great way to find the last position of your lost smartphone. However, it is worth noting that these services do not have a 100 per cent success rate and depend on various factors, including whether your phone has mobile data and GPS turned on or off.

Here is how you can find your phone with this IMEI tracker by Staunch:

1. Visit the website and press the Track IMEI button.
2. Enter the IMEI number of your smartphone that you can find using the steps mentioned above.
3. Choose your country from the list and press the Track IMEI button.

How To Track Your Lost Phone In Real Time? (IMEI Tracker Alternatives)

Various apps on the Google PlayStore can help you track your smartphone’s location in real-time. Unlike IMEI tracker, these apps use the phone’s current location using GPS and can also provide other details such as call log, message monitoring and even the ability to monitor social media apps. Let’s take a look at two such apps:

1. AirDroid Parental Control

The AirDroid Parental Control app is designed to track the location of your kids, so you don’t need to use an IMEI tracker to monitor them. This app can trace your phone’s location, manage your screen time, block apps and games, check notifications and provide instant alerts. However, you can also use this app to locate your own smartphone in case it gets lost. Just follow these steps:

1. Download and install the AirDroid Parental Control app on a secondary phone.
2. Open the app and sign in by creating an account or logging in with an existing one.
3. Now, install AirDroid Kids on your primary smartphone. To pair the devices, enter the pairing code from your secondary phone.
4. Go through the setup process, and voila, you can now track your phone’s location in real-time without an IMEI tracker.

2.mSpy

The second app on our list is mSpy, which can track your phone’s location without the need for an IMEI tracker. While this app has a paid subscription, you can also use the demo version to check it out before opting for the paid version.Similar to AirDroid parental control, it can track the location, call log, text, messages, and even social media apps on your smartphone.

Here is how you can set up this app:

1. Go to the mSpy website and create an account using your email address or Google account.
2. Choose any one of the plans offered by the company that suits your budget and the number of devices that you need to monitor
3. Install the app on your smartphone and set it up. You will be able to monitor it now using the Control panel. Furthermore, this app also works in stealth mode, so the thief won’t be able to detect it

3.Find360

Find360 is a live location-sharing app that can help you get your phone’s location in real time, similar to an IMEI tracker. This app allows you to check the location accurately and see an unlimited location history. While it is designed to keep track of your family members, you can also configure it to check the status of your phone in real time. It will send you personalized notifications from time to time when the location changes, apart from things like battery status and more. To use Find360 to track your lost phone, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Find360 official website to download and install the app on your smartphone. It is currently not available on Google Play Store, so you will need to install the apk.
2. Log in and configure the app to track your phone. Provide location access and the other required details.
3. Now, once your phone is lost, you can download and open the app on anyone’s phone in your circle. You will be able to track and locate the device in real-time.

4. Scannero

Scannero is another great app that offers various features similar to an IMEI tracker to help you locate your phone. It can even send messages to your device in case someone finds it. Moreover, you can also show a custom message on the screen to help someone return the device to its rightful owner. Other features of the service include Reverse Phone Lookup, Reverse Username Lookup, Email & Phone Leak Check and sending Voice Messages. To use Scannero and locate your device, follow these steps:

1. Create an account on the website by entering your email address and setting a password.
2. Send a location request, and Scannero will send a text message to the number for finding it.
3. The phone’s exact location will be sent to your email, and you can view it on your dashboard.
4. Do note that you must pay some amount to sign up and use the trial for the Scannero service.

What Are The Benefits of IMEI Tracker?

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 if you want to use an IMEI tracker . Hence, this makes it easy to track IMEI numbers.

Also Read: How To Locate Your Lost AirPods Using Find my AirPods Feature

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 using an IMEI tracker.

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 For IMEI Tracker

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.

Things To Do After Your Phone Is Lost Or Stolen

After filing a complaint on the CEIR portal to locate your phone using the IMEI tracker, you need to do a couple of things immediately. This will help prevent any potential misuse or fraud in case someone has stolen your phone.

1. Block SIM Card: The most important thing is to block your SIM card by contacting your telecom operator to prevent it from being misused. This will also deter spam or OTP-related fraud. Moreover, your telecom operator can also help you locate the device if you mark it as lost. Just contact the customer care number of your telecom operator, and they will disable any incoming or outgoing calls, although you will still be able to track your phone.
2. File A Police Complaint: Once you file a complaint on the CEIR portal, you must also file a complaint at your nearest police station. This way, the authorities can track your phone using the IMEI tracker. Make sure to carry the bill and box your phone with the IMEI number visible for speedy filing of the complaint. You can also ask your telecom operator for the IMEI number if you don’t know about it. If you know your phone’s location, you can also share it with the authorities so they can catch the thief.
3. Inform Your Friends And Family: The next thing you need to do is immediately inform your friends and family so they don’t become victims of any OTP fraud or financial scam. Furthermore, they can stay on alert if their phone is found and someone calls a number from the contacts list to find the owner.
4. Use Find My Device and Find My iPhone: Last but not least, if you have turned on Find My Device Network or Find My iPhone, you can use these services to locate your lost device. Similar to an IMEI tracker, they can help you get the last location of your phone apart from the ability to wipe it or lock it down remotely.

Tips To Protect Your Phone From Getting Stolen

As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure, and 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, so you don’t need to rely on an IMEI tracker later. So, without any further ado, let’s get started:

1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind:

The best way to protect your phone is to keep it out of sight. While it might sound absurd, it’s best to keep your phone secure your phone in your pocket or bag if you are not using it. Remember, theft alone happens when the item is visible. I carry my phone in my front pocket, especially when travelling on public transport like a metro or bus. Please don’t put it in your back pocket or the top pocket of your shirt, as it is likely to get snatched from there, and these are vulnerable spots.

2. Don’t Turn Off Location

Another tip is not to turn off your mobile data or location when you are outside. Often, you might find yourself turning off location to protect your privacy or disabling mobile data to conserve your data. However, this can be dangerous as it will make it harder for phone-locating apps to find the precise data of your device. Keep your location and mobile data enabled whenever you are outside.

3. Enable Find My iPhone & Find My Device

This is the most important tip: if you don’t want to rely on an IMEI tracker, then it’s highly recommended that you turn on Find My iPhone or Find My Device. This will help you locate your device even if it gets stolen. Furthermore, you can also remotely wipe your phone and lock it down to prevent thieves from getting further access.

4. Buy An Insurance For Your Phone

Not many people know about this, but you can get insurance for your new smartphone. It’s best to purchase one, especially when buying the phone, especially if you are buying an expensive one. Good insurance can not only help you recover a considerable amount but will also help you get your phone repaired or fixed.

5. Use A Strong Password With Fingerprint Or FaceID

This is a tip that most people don’t follow enough, and not having a PIN or password on your phone can give easy access to thieves. Even if you have a PIN or password enabled, ensure it is strong enough and not simple enough to be guessed easily. Since most phones have a dedicated fingerprint sensor or FaceID, it’s best to use them instead, as they are more secure. Moreover, you can password-protect your apps and data to prevent thieves from accessing sensitive data.

6. Note Down Your IMEI Number

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it’s important to know your IMEI number if you wish to use an IMEI tracker. If you don’t remember or know about your IMEI number, you won’t be able to locate your device later. This number can be found in your device’s settings as well as the box or on a sticker behind the phone’s back.

7. Stay Alert Of Your Surroundings

To prevent thieves from stealing your phone, you must stay alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are travelling in public transport like a bus, then be mindful of the people around you. Don’t leave your phone exposed in a location where it can be easily snatched, such as your back pocket or purse. Please keep it in a secure location, such as your front pocket, or hold it tightly.

8. Don’t Forget Your Phone In Public Places

If you are in a public place such as a restaurant or a shop, don’t leave your phone unattended, especially if you are alone. Your expensive phone can be gone in seconds if you are not careful enough to secure it. Don’t forget your phone in a taxi or even in your car, where thieves might easily spot and steal it.

Android Settings To Prevent Your Phone From Getting Stolen

Apart from the usual precautions, 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 your phone back via an 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, just do the following:

1. Open the Settings App and go to the Security and Privacy section
2. Tap on More Security and Privacy->Turn On Require Password To Power Off

2. Turn Off The Status Bar From The Lock Screen

By turning on this option, even if a thief manages to steal your phone, they won’t be able to put it in airplane mode or switch off mobile data. This is because the quick settings simply won’t be accessible from the lock screen. Here is how you can enable this setting:

For Vivo Phones

If you are using a Vivo or iQOO smartphone then you just need to follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings->Privacy->LockScreen and Wallpaper->Lockscreen Setting
2. Turn off “Open Control Centre from the Lockscreen”

For Realme, OnePlus, Oppo Phones

1. Open the Settings app and navigate to Notifications & Status Bar
2. Tap on Lock Screen notifications and turn off “Swipe down on lock screen to view notification drawer.”

For Motorola Phones

1. Open Settings->Lock Network & Security
2. Search Control Centre and Turn off “Allow Access To Quick Settings

For Samsung Phones

1. Open Settings and go to the Lock screen and AOD Section
2. Tap on Secure Lock Settings and Turn On “Lock Network & Security”

Android 15 Theft Detection: A New Safety Feature

Starting with Android 15, Google is adding new theft detection features, which will roll out via a Google Play Services update. Most of these features will be active on phones with Android 10 and above, while some could remain exclusive to Android 15. Let’s take a look at how each of these features will help you in case of theft, so you don’t need to rely on an IMEI tracker.

1. Factory Reset Protection: If a thief manages to steal your phone and tries to factory reset it, then they won’t be able to set it up again without entering the credentials of your Google account or device. This makes a stolen device unusable, as you cannot proceed with the setup process.
2. Private Safe: Android 15 introduces a new Private Space where you can safely store your apps with sensitive data, such as banking or social media apps. Accessing this private space requires an additional pin and it isn’t visible normally. So, even if your phone gets stolen, the thief cannot access your sensitive data.
3. Extra Steps To Disable Find My Device: Disabling security features such as Find My Device or extending the screen on time requires a PIN, password or biometric authentication. So, even if someone manages to snatch your phone, you can still trace it.
4. Better Authentication For Google Settings: Even if someone steals your phone, they will need a PIN or biometric to change the settings of your Google account and device. This includes changing your PIN or using passkeys from an untrusted location.
5. AI-Powered Theft Protection: Theft Detection Lock can detect if your phone has been forcibly snatched and is trying to run. According to Google, if a common motion associated with theft is detected, it will quickly lock your phone.
6. Offline Device Lock: If the thief tries to put your phone off the grid, the offline device lock will automatically lock it. Furthermore, the feature can detect if a phone is not with the owner by recognising signs such as excessive failed login attempts.
7. Remote Lock: While you can remotely wipe and lock your stolen device with Find My Device, another new feature is now available. If you cannot remember your Google account password for Find My Device, you can still lock the phone by entering your phone number. This way, you can recover your Google account and perform a full reset.

To Sum It Up

That’s it; these are all the ways you can locate your lost phone using an IMEI tracker. But the first thing you should know is our IMEI number in order to report this theft and inform the authorities. Apart from taking these crucial steps, you also need to be aware of your surroundings and take all the necessary precautions to safeguard your device, including turning on Find My Phone in case it goes missing. Furthermore, you also need to inform your friends, family, and telecom operator to block the thief from engaging in any malicious activity.

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 tracker?

IMEI number tracker 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 Tracker?

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 tracker 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.

Q8. Can I track IMEI number using Google Earth?

No, it is not possible to use Google Earth as an IMEI tracker to find your lost mobile phone. Google Earth allows you to view 2D or 3D models of the earth and does not help you locate your lost phone.

Q9.Are IMEI Tracker Apps Fake?

No, most of the IMEI tracker apps are not fake, and many of the tools, like mSpy, Spokeo, and others, are reliable. Law enforcement and telecom operators even use some of these to find your device. Use a reliable IMEI tracker to prevent yourself from getting scammed.

Q10.Can Thieves Change My IMEI Number?

Yes, if someone steals your device, they can change your IMEI number, but this is very difficult and even illegal in most cases. If your IMEI number gets changed, then it is hard to track your device.

Q11. What is the Police IMEI Tracker?

Law enforcement agencies or Police have their own IMEI tracker that they use to track a lost or stolen mobile phone. They closely coordinate with telecom operators to find the device using special software.

Q12. How Can I Unblock My IMEI Number?

Once your phone is recovered, you can enjoy using your phone by unblocking its IMEI number. You will need to contact your telecom operator or police authorities to unblock the device.

Q13. Is It Possible To Change IMEI Number?

No, changing the IMEI number is very difficult and illegal as per the law. It is a crime to tamper with the IMEI number of your device as it can conceal the owner’s identity and bypass blacklisted devices by law enforcement authorities.

Did you know that refurbished mobile phones cost at least 50% less than new phones on Cashify? You also get other discounts, No-cost EMI and more, making it the most affordable way to buy a premium phone. So, what are you waiting for? Buy refurbished mobile phones at your nearest cashify store and avail exclusive offers.