Cell phone tracking can be done by phone number or IMEI. Everything you require to know
Users who have misplaced their devices or experienced theft frequently ask how to track a cell phone by IMEI. They might think they can track your cell phone by IMEI even after a thief takes the SIM card out of the device. How realistic is this, and if not, are there workable options in case your phone's SIM card is taken out?
- What is an IMEI?
Every mobile device in the world is uniquely identified by its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Operators and law enforcement use this code to identify and/or control mobile phones. It resembles a car's license plate in most ways.
How can an IMEI be used to track a cell phone?
* IMEI-based tracking fact:
It is more difficult to track a cell phone by its IMEI number than it is to track one by phone number. The mobile phone company is the only way to accomplish this. Despite having the technical capacity to track a device using its IMEI, mobile phone companies typically do not offer this service to consumers directly. Rather, authorities in criminal investigations request that this kind of tracking be done.
*Involvement of the police:
Although they typically get the phone number from the carrier, the police can also track using mobile phone antennas. That is what they always do, anyway. Asking them to try using the IMEI to track your device would not hurt, though.
Limits on IMEI tracking
* Dependency on SIM cards:
It is crucial to remember that we are discussing IMEI tracking while the SIM card is still in the phone. Except for cell phones with virtual SIMs, the phone loses connection to the carrier once the SIM card is removed, which is typically done by a thief. As a result, even the carrier is unable to track the device using the IMEI.
It is impossible to track online:
Entering your phone number on a website makes it impossible to track a cell phone by number, but tracking a cell phone by IMEI online is even more challenging. These websites are typically bait, designed to draw in unsuspecting visitors and make money from the advertisements they view or from the tracking service they charge for.
The actual state of web services and applications:
In any case, tracking by IMEI is nearly impossible. No website, app, etc. can do that. I maintain that once the SIM card is taken out of the phone, not even the carrier will be able to do it.
Alternatives to IMEI for tracking your mobile device
* Locate my gadget:
Google's Find My Device service might be a temporary or intermediate fix, provided that the SIM card has been taken out of your phone. Since this service allows Bluetooth tracking, the phone does not require a SIM card or cellular data. The technology is so amazing that it can even track a phone that has been locked. Even though this technology is already in use, only a small number of Android devices can currently use it.
- Conclusion
When a SIM card is integrated into a cell phone, it is nearly impossible to track the phone by IMEI, which is very likely to happen in the event of theft or loss. Using Google's "Find My Device" service, which relies on Bluetooth and the network of Android devices it builds rather than the operator, would be a better option. This will be the greatest option for tracking in the near future without depending on the mobile provider.