Without a phone these days, it’s like being without hands. It is a communication device and video player. And also a camera, secretary, notebook, library, toy library, and wallet. It stores a ton of personal information! Losing a smartphone is a big problem for the owner. You can find a phone by IMEI code under certain conditions.
It is available on absolutely all brands of smartphones, tablets with Internet access and other devices: Xiaomi, Huawei, Honor, Lenovo, Samsung, etc. And iPhone is no exception.
How to find a phone yourself
To begin with, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how to find a gadget without using IMEI. Self-tracking is effective if the device is connected to the Internet 3G, LTE or Wi-Fi, and the SIM card is in place.
ATTENTION! If the connection is disconnected or the device is physically damaged, the battery is removed and the SIM card is removed, the detection methods described below do not work.
Google account
Modern Android devices cannot be fully used without a Google account. Having a profile allows you to download applications and updates. And the account will also be useful for finding a missing phone.
Find My Device is usually enabled by default. Another condition is the active “Location” mode and an Internet connection.
- To detect a device, or at least delete all data from it and block it, go to https://www.google.com/android/find from your computer.
- Information about the current location of the phone or the point where it was last identified will appear on the map in the window.
- Using the “ring” option, the smartphone can be easily detected, for example, in an apartment or in a park.
Remote blocking and memory clearing is a guarantee of personal data protection.
What program can help you find a lost mobile phone?
Another reliable search method can be considered tracking using a Google account. The method helps protect against theft and is recommended to all owners of Android smartphones. After purchasing, download the Android Device Manager application from the Play Store. During installation, the software will ask for a SIM card number, based on which the search will be carried out.
The program allows you to call a phone from a personal computer. If lost, you can protect personal data and prevent leakage of personal information. Among the disadvantages, we can note the need to enable loss and connect the GPS service.
What is phone IMEI
Each mobile device has a unique number. In international practice, it is usually denoted by the abbreviation IMEI, which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. The number includes 14 decimal digits and one check digit, and all of them are not randomly selected. The first 8 contain information about the gadget model and country of origin. The remaining digits are the serial number set by the manufacturers using a special algorithm.
Where to look for the number
The IMEI is displayed on the inside of the case under the battery, but this only applies to older models. On modern systems, the name can be placed on the SIM card slot (sometimes in very small print).
- The easiest and most convenient way to find out the number is to use the settings. For Android devices: Settings – About phone – ID code. Or enter *#06# on the keyboard, which is even easier.
- On iPhone, have it in Settings - General - About device. The number is also stamped on the bottom of the case back. On some models - on the SIM card tray of iPhones.
- Manufacturers also write IMEI on the packaging. The numbers are printed on a barcode on the side of the box.
Why is it important to know IMEI
Unfortunately, searching for a lost or stolen smartphone on your own is not always successful. Attackers are aware of all the methods described above. The IMEI code remains the only chance to detect the loss and prove that the device was actually the property of the applicant. Immediately after purchasing a device, it is important to record the individual number (take a photo, write it down, etc.) in order to prove your rights to the device to the police in case of theft.
Methods for tracking devices on the Android system
The search is performed differently with different technologies. From a laptop or computer, you need to open a browser and log into the Google account you logged into from your lost Android phone. Then you should go to “my account”.
Moving to the bottom of the page, we begin the search by clicking the appropriate buttons.
Then select the phone you want to find.
To confirm your account, you will need to enter your password and click the “next” button.
In the search, you can apply the following actions: ring your Android phone or see its geolocation (Figure 5). In the “last synchronization” item, his last access to the Internet is visible. After pressing the “call” button, wherever the Android device is located, the installed ringtone will play loudly on it, even if silent mode is turned on. This method is most suitable for home phone searches. Otherwise, you will only draw attention to him.
If the devices are "Offline", they can also be found
If you enable Offline Finding, your Galaxy device can be found if it is turned on, even if Mobile Data mode is turned off. Other Galaxy devices will participate in the search for your Galaxy phone as “helpers,” sending signals to the server to share your phone's location with it. So, activate the "offline finding" feature and become a helper in finding, so that you will be in good hands if you lose your phone.
How to find a phone by name code
Even if you've never lost a mobile device before, this information will be useful.
The first step is to understand what an IMEI code is and where to find it. You've probably noticed a strange set of numbers on the sticker under the battery or on the phone box. Have - this is a 15-digit number, which is a unique mobile number.
If you still have the box or you prudently rewrote the code in advance, you can entrust the search to law enforcement agencies. To do this, prepare your personal passport and a contract for a SIM card.
Having received a missing person report, the police will contact operators who will track the smartphone number. However, keep in mind that such an application will not become a priority; the search may take a lot of time. If your phone location matches your home address, you can earn a hefty fine.
How to find a phone using a SIM card
Don't want to waste time on applications? Contact the operators yourself. An accurate GPS system will help track the signal received by the SIM card. As soon as the connection is recorded by the towers, operators will name the exact location of the smartphone.
This operation is quite simple to perform. You are required to:
- call a mobile operator (staff will connect you with a consultant who will answer all questions);
- indication of the mobile number and card agreement, as well as the IMEI code.
Once the company receives the data, expect a quick response.
Contacting the police. How do intelligence agencies find a phone?
The cost of new models of branded smartphones amounts to tens of thousands of rubles, and such a loss is a serious blow to the family budget and nervous system. That is why contacting the police is a natural and appropriate step.
- Investigators will ask for as many details as possible. It is necessary to cope with emotions and be prepared to provide accurate information about the place, time, circumstances of the theft and provide signs of the criminal.
- Before visiting the police station or before the patrol arrives, prepare all available documents for your mobile device: receipt, packaging, warranty card, insurance, IMEI code. All this will allow you to immediately initiate a case and begin a professional search.
- If the owner does not provide documentary evidence, there is a possibility that the opening of a case will be refused and the application will not even be accepted.
The IMEI is immediately entered by the police into a special database. During raids on points of sale of telephones, pawn shops, especially used ones, a stolen item can be discovered quite quickly. This is one of the search methods, and law enforcement officers have developed other, no less effective schemes. Therefore, a statement to the police, if all the evidence is available, will help you find the property “hot on your heels.”
But keep in mind that the police will be more willing to look for an expensive smartphone, especially if it leads to some larger crime: selling stolen goods, for example. If the device is cheap, then most likely no one will show zeal.
Searches using a cellular operator
A cellular operator can track the location of a mobile phone, but only if a SIM card is installed and active inside the device. Finding a device that was lost while picking mushrooms in the forest, or snatching it from the hands of criminals are completely different situations. In the first case, there is still a chance of even independent tracking through applications, iCloud, etc. And in the second, it is almost impossible, since any thief immediately removes the SIM card and gets rid of it.
The operator’s office will definitely require permission from law enforcement agencies. And the search report will also be sent to the police.
FAQ
Is it possible to find a device by IMEI via the Internet?
You can find it, but within the same cell tower, and then only knowing the digital codes that the smartphone itself can generate. Learn more about the method in the video.
Information is being spread on various forums and social networks that you can find the phone yourself using IMEI online. Like, just pay. Unfortunately, this is a scam. At the very least, it will be a waste of time. But the saddest thing is that some gullible citizens agree to transfer funds to false detectives. Don't fall for it
Is the help of special sites and services real?
Websites and services supposedly designed to detect lost items are traps for owners of lost smartphones. Enter the number, transfer the money, and the problem is solved - there is no such scheme and cannot exist.
Is it true that the gadget can be found through the satellite system?
It is possible that the intelligence services have similar methods of searching for any devices in their arsenal. But it is unlikely that anyone will use them to determine the location of a private person's cell phone.
Therefore, searching through satellites is a MYTH for mere mortals.
However, if you install the “Track by phone number” application from Family Locator Inc. on Android immediately after purchase, you will find it via GPS in case of loss. And completely free.
Utilities, online services
It is much easier not to find an iPhone through IMEI, but to prevent loss or provide in advance a way to find the gadget.
- Install security programs. When you change the SIM card, it will send an SMS to the specified number with information about the new “owner”.
- The LoSToleN online service was created to search for an iPhone via IMEI. Users register on the site and add their number to the general list. The same portal is used by bona fide sellers or service centers. When they receive another used device, they check its legality on the website.
- Make a screen saver on your smartphone screen with a name, address or number. If the gadget is lost, the finder will be able to read the contact information and return the phone to the owner.
Probably, there is no need to explain to iPhone owners that when you turn on your smartphone for the first time, you need to go through identification. In models lower than iPhone 8, you will have to “fill in” your fingerprints; in devices 201-2018, this is a face scan.
