Losing your phone can be a stressful and frustrating experience. With so much of our lives stored on our mobile devices these days, it’s understandable to feel anxious about losing access to your personal information and data.
The good news is that with some preparation and by taking action quickly, you have a good chance of locating your lost Android or iOS device. One of the most important tools for finding lost phones is using the IMEI number. In This blog we will learn how to find IMEI Number of Lost phone.
What is the IMEI Number?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every single mobile phone, typically found behind the phone’s battery or on the SIM card tray.
The IMEI number serves as an identification number that helps cellular networks identify valid devices. It also allows law enforcement agencies to track lost or stolen phones.
By retrieving the IMEI number of your lost phone, you can report it to carriers and police to increase your chances of recovering your device.
Why is the IMEI Important for Finding Lost Phones?
The IMEI number is crucial for finding lost phones for a few reasons:
- Uniquely identifies your device – No two devices will ever have the same IMEI number, making it a reliable way to specify your lost phone.
- Lets carriers block or track the phone – If you report the IMEI to your carrier, they can blacklist the phone on their network or track its location if it comes online.
- Enables police tracking – Law enforcement agencies can use the IMEI to collaborate across networks and track down your device if it was stolen.
- Accessible even without the physical phone – You can typically retrieve the IMEI without having the phone in your possession.
So even if you don’t have your phone, you can still leverage the identifying IMEI number to help recover it.
How to Find IMEI Number Without Your Phone
If you’ve lost your phone and don’t have the device on hand, don’t worry – there are still ways to retrieve its IMEI number:
Check the Original Box and Documents
The easiest way is to locate the original box and documentation that came with your phone. Manufacturers usually print the IMEI number somewhere on the box or include it on documentation inside.
Retrieve Online Account Details
Log into your online account with your phone carrier or mobile phone manufacturer. Account info will often display the IMEI number of devices associated with your account.
Use a Tracking App
If you had a tracking app like Find My Device installed on your lost Android phone, you may be able to remotely retrieve the IMEI through the app.
Call Your Carrier
Contact your phone carrier’s customer support. Provide your account information and request that they look up the IMEI number associated with your phone.
Check prior records
Look through past records where you may have written down the IMEI like your phone insurance policy, repair receipts, or cases where you had to provide the number.
How to Find IMEI Number on Android Phone
If you still have your Android device, retrieving its IMEI is quick and simple:
Dial *#06#
The quickest way is to open your phone dialer and enter *#06# on the keypad. This displays the 15-digit IMEI number on your screen. Write it down somewhere safe.
Check under the battery
Turn your phone off and remove the back cover. Take out the battery if it’s removable. The IMEI number is usually printed on a sticker beneath the battery compartment.
Check phone settings
On most Android phones, you can find the IMEI number through your device settings. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI information.
Check SIM card tray
Open your SIM card tray and look for a label with the IMEI printed on it. This serves as a backup location on many phones.
Install an IMEI app
If none of those options work, you can install a free IMEI number app from the Google Play Store to easily display your code.
How to Use IMEI to Find Lost Android Phone
Once you have the IMEI number, here are some steps to take in order to track and find your lost Android device:
1. Report it to your carrier.
Contact your cell phone carrier and provide them with the IMEI number of your lost phone. They will be able to flag the device in their system so that it can’t be activated under a new number.
2. Report it to police.
File a police report for your lost or stolen phone and give them the IMEI number. Police have access to IMEI tracking tools and networks to increase chances of recovery.
3. Check find my phone apps.
If you had any phone locator apps installed, use the IMEI number to track your phone. Google’s Find My Device works globally for Android devices.
4. Use tracking websites.
Websites like imei.info allow you to track devices via IMEI number. Enter the code to see if your phone pings any location data.
5. Call it.
Keep trying to call your phone, even if you think it’s switched off. If it powers on, you may be able track the location or remotely wipe data.
6. Watch classifieds/resellers.
Check online classifieds to see if your lost or stolen device appears for sale. Searching by IMEI can help confirm if it’s yours.
By taking proactive measures as soon as possible with the IMEI number, you have a strong chance of recovering your lost Android phone. Don’t lose hope!
How to Find IMEI Number on iPhone
For iPhones and other iOS devices, retrieving your IMEI number is also quick and easy if you still have your device:
Dial *#06#
Like Android phones, you can dial *#06# directly on your iPhone keypad to display the IMEI on your screen.
Check Settings
Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to find the IMEI number listed.
Check SIM card tray
Eject your SIM card tray and look for the IMEI printed on the label inside the SIM slot.
Install an IMEI app
Search the App Store for a free IMEI number app if needed to easily display your iPhone’s unique code.
How to Use IMEI to Find Lost iPhone
If you have the IMEI number for your lost or stolen iPhone, here are steps to take:
1. Report to police.
File a police report immediately and provide officers with your iPhone’s IMEI number. They can use it to track the device.
2. Contact your carrier.
Reporting the IMEI to your cell provider allows them to blacklist the phone from their network so it can’t be activated under a new line.
3. Use Find My iPhone.
If Find My iPhone was enabled on your lost device, you can use the IMEI to help track its location remotely.
4. Check tracking sites.
Enter your iPhone’s IMEI number into tracking websites to monitor for any activity or location data from your device.
5. Watch for selling posts.
Search Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace for sellers posting your model iPhone. Contact them to verify the IMEI matches yours.
6. Call it.
Keep trying your iPhone to see if it powers on. If so, you may be able to track, remote wipe or leave voicemails.
By leveraging Apple’s built-in tracking features along with the IMEI number, you stand the best chance of getting back your lost iPhone.
Conclusion
Losing your mobile phone is stressful, but don’t panic. With some proactive steps, there are ways to obtain the IMEI number and use it to increase your chances of recovering your device. Every phone has a unique IMEI that can help identify and track it even without access to the device itself.
Be sure to take note of your phone’s IMEI number during the setup process or early on after purchasing it. Write it down somewhere safe or store it online. Should you ever lose your device, you’ll be glad you had the foresight.
By reporting the IMEI to carriers, police, and phone tracking sites, you can maximize your chances of locating your lost Android or iPhone. With persistence and by enabling tracking features, there is hope for retrieving your mobile phone and the precious personal data it contains
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