How To Track Your Lost Mobile Phone With IMEI Number?

Did you know that you can use the IMEI number tracking to find your lost Android phone? IMEI Number is the unique identification number for each mobile phone. Fun fact: almost every one of us has lost our phone once in our lives. But without a SIM card, GPS location, or Internet access, it may seem like all is lost when your phone goes missing. However, the IMEI number is here to save the day! We will tell you how.

Also Read: How To Find Lost iPhone Online Easily And Track Its Live Location!

What Is IMEI Number?

IMEI number is like an identity certificate for your phone. However, it can also come in SUPER HANDY to track your lost mobile phone. Network providers use the IMEI Tracker to uniquely identify a mobile phone on the network and extend its services. One can find the IMEI number of the smartphone at the back of the device, either underneath the battery or on the device’s back panel. In addition, when one starts using a new SIM card, the IMEI number comes in handy.

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 tracking to find your lost or stolen phone:

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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 basically 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.

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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 Then?

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: While it is technically not possible to track the lost mobile directly from your phone, it is possible to put the phone on an alert list by the network operator. This way, the phone can be identified when connected to a network. You can do this by following the FIR process and adding your phone IMEI to the blacklist using the method above. This whole process is to make sure the IMEI number tracking system is easier.

You will ensure that the law enforcement authorities and the network operators are on the lookout for your mobile phone. And when they identify the mobile phone on their network, the law enforcement authorities will reach out to you.

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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 (https://ceir.gov.in/) 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: You can check the status of your complaint after clicking the submit button. 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.

Find My Device

For individuals who want to locate or track their lost or stolen smartphones, Google’s “Find My Device” service is an extremely helpful tool. 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.

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.

What Are The Benefits of IMEI Number Tracking?

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 as . Hence, this makes it easy to track IMEI number.

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2. You Can Block The IMEI Number

Blocking the IMEI number means one will not be able to use the device. 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 feature when getting your IMEI number tracking done.

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What Is CEIR?

The Government of India’s Center for Department of Telematics has unveiled the Pilot of the Central Equipment Identity Register or CEIR system. The plan launched all over India on May 17, 2023. 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, the latest technology, will work, 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. 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.

To Sum It Up

Knowing your IMEI number is the first step to finding your lost mobile phone. Reporting the loss to your mobile service provider and the police is crucial, as it sets the wheels in motion to recover your device. These steps can help ensure your service is suspended in the meantime. Note that the cooperation of law enforcement and mobile carriers is of utmost importance.

In conclusion, the IMEI number tracking 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 tracking?

IMEI number tracking 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?

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.

Q3. What are the benefits of IMEI number tracking 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.

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