It is totally insane to lose a mobile phone. But, with a little effort, you can track your device location. Yes, both feature phones and smartphones have a unique identification number called an “IMEI number” that is used by network operators to identify phones on their networks. With the same IMEI number, you can track the lost mobile phone even if the SIM card is changed.
Notably, there is a phone tracking project that has been developed for a while now. It has been formed with the sole intention of reducing theft and the counterfeit mobile phone business. In fact, the Government of India has allocated around Rs 15 crore for this project with the expectation of concrete results.
If you are wondering how to do this, then stay tuned to the article. Here is an easy-to-understand guide on how to track lost mobile phone with an IMEI number.
Note: Before we go any further, you need to keep your IMEI number handy. IMEI numbers on mobile phones can be found on the back of the device, under the battery, or on the back panel of the device. But, if you have lost your device, these will not apply to you. However, you can check the device box on which the IMEI number will be mentioned.
Table of Contents
How to Find a Lost or Stolen Phone Using IMEI Number – imei Tracker
Step 1: As a standard protocol, when you lose your mobile phone, inform the nearest police station in your area and ask them to file a report to avoid any consequences in the future. Keep a copy of the report with you.
Step 2: Ask your network service provider to issue a duplicate SIM card, when you request to block the IMEI number you will receive an OTP on this number. This will not allow you to track down your lost mobile but will basically make it completely useless to anyone who finds it with malicious intent.
Step 3: Now go to the portal here to block IMEI and attach the required documents. You will need a copy of the police report, identity proof, purchase challan, and other details.
Step 4: Once you have completed the above steps, an OTP will be received on the number entered by you; This must be the same number that was active on the phone before it was lost.
Step 5: You will then be given a request ID and you can check the status of the request, or unblock the IMEI if necessary in the future.
What next?
When you file a complaint using the above-mentioned DoT’s portal for a lost or stolen mobile phone, the network operator is going to share the device’s IMEI number as blacklisted in the central database so that other operators can also restrict the device. So that it does not work on any network even if the SIM card is removed or replaced.
While it is not technically possible for you to directly track the lost mobile, it is possible for the network operator to put the phone on the alert list. In this way, the phone can be identified when it is connected to a network operator. The law enforcement authorities and network operators are on the lookout for your mobile phone and when they identify the mobile phone on their network, the law enforcement authorities are notified so that they can take necessary action. But, there is no estimated time for the whole process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
1. Can someone change the IMEI number?
To be honest, the IMEI number can never be changed by anyone and this is what is used to track a lost mobile phone. The SIM or location can be turned off, but the IMEI number can never be changed. Therefore, it is necessary to store the IMEI number of the phone.
2. You can block the IMEI number to block imei tracker
Blocking the IMEI number enables you to stop the usage of your mobile phone. So, even if the thief has your phone, he cannot use it if you block the IMEI number. So, in case your phone gets stolen, the first thing to do is to block the IMEI number. You need to contact the police for doing so.
3. What is CEIR?
CEIR or Central Equipment Identity Register is a central database with the IMEI numbers of all mobile operators. The Government of India has launched it which allows users to block or track a lost phone. Since each mobile phone has a unique IMEI number, it is easy to differentiate the device from others.
The registry is managed by the Development Center for Telematics. They work with telecom operators and other regulatory authorities to track down lost smartphones.
4. Is it possible to track a smartphone when there is no connectivity?
At the moment it is not possible. But, the new technology will work even if the SIM card is removed or replaced. This, in turn, efficiently tracks the lost mobile phone.
See More: Top 6 GPS Tracker Apps to Track Someone’s Cell Phone
