Are you trying to keep better track of your phone? Whether it’s to make sure it doesn’t get stolen while you’re traveling, or if it’s simply important for you to have an extra layer of security – tracking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of your smartphone is a great way to stay one step ahead. In this blog post, I’m going to show you how to track a phone using IMEI and why doing so is essential for enhancing the safety and value of using a smartphone.
First, let us see what IMEI is for a sound understanding of the process.
Understanding IMEI
The IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device. It can be used to identify any phone that has been manufactured, regardless of the brand or model. This makes it the ideal tool for tracking your device, as it ensures that you can easily locate it. However, It is different from a device ID.
Purpose Of IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
The International Mobile Equipment Identity number’s primary function is to identify mobile devices. Its secondary use is to prevent theft, and IMEI does this by making sure that a phone is universally unique.
This makes it difficult for thieves who might change the SIM card in a stolen phone since the numbers are hard-coded onto the device itself instead of onto an interchangeable SIM card, providing an extra layer of identification.
If a carrier is aware that a device was stolen, they can blacklist the IMEI code to forbid access to their network. They might also tell other cellular networks to do likewise.
Each nation has its own protocol for how this functions, either using a blocklist (most do this) or an “allowlist” (a whitelist that carriers can add entries onto is used in some countries).
Note that this situation usually only occurs when the carrier is the one who issued the phone. If you buy a phone online without attaching it to your mobile carrier’s plan, you may be out of luck, as your carrier likely won’t have permission to blacklist the IMEI number.
Where You Can Find Your IMEI?
Here is how you can find your IMEI on:
Android
Follow these steps.
- All you need to do is to go to “Settings“.
- Next, find the “About Phone” Option. Click it and it will open another menu.
- Look for the option “Status“. In some cases, you will be directly taken to device info without the “Status” option.
- As you click it, you will be shown all the key information about your Android device, including the IMEI info.
iPhones Or iOS Devices
Follow these steps:
- Open the settings on your iPhone.
- Go to “General”
- Next, go to “About.” It will show you all the key info about your iPhone.
- Scroll down and you will find your IMEI.
For most devices out there, your IMEI can be found in several places, including the original box for your phone or in your device settings.
It is also printed on a sticker located either on the back panel of the phone or under the battery cover. In some cases, you will find it on the SIM card tray.
Recommended – Quick Way To Find Your IMEI!
This works both for Android and iPhones. If you cannot find it in any of the locations we’ve mentioned above, then you can use the *#06# keypad combination to reveal it.
What Are The Benefits Of IMEI?
IMEI tracking offers several benefits, including:
Increased Security
Increased security is the biggest benefit of an IMEI. With a unique IMEI code on a record, it is easier to identify and track your device if it gets stolen or misplaced. This also helps law enforcement officials to trace the device in case of theft or fraud.
Enhanced Value
By tracking your IMEI number, you can determine the current market value of the phone in the event of an insurance claim. You can also use this information to compare prices when looking for a new mobile device.
Quicker Access To Warranty Claims And Repairs
Knowing the IMEI of your device ensures that you can quickly access any details about its manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring you get prompt repair services and replacement parts in the event of any malfunction.
Ensures Validity Of The Device
When a device has an IMEI number, it means that it has passed a legal scrutiny test and can be used legally in certain countries. Devices without this number are illegal to use.
How To Track a Phone Using IMEI?
IMEI tracking is a relatively simple process. It is important to remember that this process might vary depending on your carrier, country laws, and device status, so make sure to contact your carrier for the most up-to-date information. Furthermore, it is also vital to regularly back up all the data stored on your device in case it does get lost or stolen.
Tracking your device through IMEI requires the following steps to be taken:
Step 1. Obtain The IMEI Number Of Your Device
The first step to tracking any device using its IMEI number is to find out what that number is. There are several ways of doing this or you can use an app such as IMEI Tracker – Find My Device to help you locate it quickly and accurately.
Step 2. Contact Your Carrier
Once you have obtained your IMEI number, contact your mobile service provider and inform them about the theft or loss. They will then take steps to blacklist the device from their network so that it cannot be used by anyone else without permission from them.
Step 3. Request For IMEI Tracking
Your carrier will then take steps to locate the device using its IMEI number. Depending on the laws of your country, they may be required to provide you with access to any information they obtain regarding the location of your device.
Step 4. Receive Results From Your Carrier
Once all necessary steps have been taken, you should receive a report from your service provider regarding the results of their tracking efforts. This will include details such as the current location of the phone and other useful information that can help you in recovering it or take legal action against whoever stole or misused it.
That is how to track a phone using IMEI.
Is There Any Alternative To IMEI Number?
There is no existing alternative to IMEI because the standard has been so thoroughly integrated into mobile networks. Creating an alternative would cause too many problems for people who use international roaming. To make another standard would require too many resources, and right now, no country would gain anything from it.
Can You Change Your IMEI Number?
You cannot change your IMEI. You cannot change your mobile device’s IMEI number after you’ve got the device. Some of the digits in your mobile phone’s IMEI number are calculated using an algorithm, and this code is added to the device during manufacturing.
Final Words
IMEI tracking is a powerful tool for locating, securing and keeping your mobile device safe. It’s important to remember that you should always keep a backup of all the data stored on your device and regularly contact your service provider to make sure that it is not being used by anyone else illegally or fraudulently. With IMEI tracking, you can rest assured that you will be able to find and secure your phone if it ever gets lost or stolen.
By understanding what IMEI is and how it can help locate your device, you can now take action to protect yourself from any potential theft or misuse of your phone. So make sure to use these steps as soon as possible in order to ensure the safety of your device.
