How to use the IMEI number to track a lost phone

Recent studies have shown that 70 million phones go missing each year. Without a SIM card, GPS location or internet access, it may seem like all is lost when your phone goes missing. But did you know that you can use your IMEI number to track a lost Android phone?

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code approved by the GSMA, much like your phone's identity certificate. Every time your phone uses a specific network to make or receive a call, send or receive a message, its IMEI number is automatically assigned and tracked. Since the police and service providers have databases where these identification numbers belong to blacklists and whitelists, the owner can report his IMEI number and blacklist after theft. Read more at: https://inlookup.com

In our daily lives, some people use a Bluetooth GPS locator to locate nearby smartphones - but this approach has distance limitations.

If, unfortunately, your phone has been taken beyond a 10-metre range, use the IMEI number and an anti-theft locator to find out where it is and turn it into a brick for a thief.

Get the IMEI number of your Android phone

Knowing the number is simple. The fastest way is to dial *#06#, the command that brings up the unique identifier.

Another easy way to find the IMEI number is to navigate through "Settings" and tap "About Phone" to check your Android phone's IMEI number.

In most cases, the IMEI number can be found on the back of the phone or under the removable battery. If the phone was lost but its packaging was kept, you can find the IMEI number on the label.

There are many phone search apps available on Google Play such as AntiTheft App & IMEI Tracker All Phone Location, Find My Lost Phone, Find My Device, SeekDroid: Find My Phone, and so on. Most of them can be activated with a sent SMS; some support the use of IMEI number. Take the first one, for example.

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Step 1: Search for IMEI tracker on Google Play, find "AntiTheft App & IMEI Tracker All phone locations" on your phone. Make sure your phone is running Android 4.4 or higher. Then start installing the app.

Step 2: Press "continue" to proceed after watching a short advertisement. This free IMEI tracker app is great, but the only problem is that it contains ads that you have to watch. Unfortunately, you can't skip the ads if the video hasn't loaded yet, you won't be able to proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Enter the IMEI number of your lost Android phone, check your details and tap "Track". A small window will appear with a list of locations, indicating the location and proximity of your phone.

Using IMEI number to track your lost phone is not the only function of IMEI tracker. There are also several important anti-theft features you should know about.

To further protect your device - and before it is stolen - you should set and remember your PIN number. You can then control your stolen phone by sending the appropriate codes to trigger an alarm, send real-time text messages about its location, sync data with the device you're using, and more.

If you prefer to use a computer, you may be interested in How to Track a Lost Android Phone on a Computer. The article is an instruction on how to use Android Service Manager to track a lost Android phone.

The bottom line

The IMEI number provided on the phone is difficult, but it can be changed by thieves using professional tools. Once changed, the phone is no longer identified by the network as the same.

Know your IMEI number in advance and never wait until it's too late when your phone is stolen or lost. Report your IMEI number to the police, ask your service provider to block all services on your lost phone as soon as possible. Read more at: inlookup.com