Losing a mobile phone is one of the most stressful experiences today. Our phones carry personal photos, banking apps, contacts, and even work data. When a phone is lost or stolen, many people immediately search online for ways to track mobile with IMEI number, hoping to recover their device or at least secure their data. This guide explains everything a real user needs to know what an IMEI number is, why it matters, how it works, and the correct way to track a mobile phone using IMEI, along with important limitations you should be aware of
What Is an IMEI Number?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone in the world. Think of the IMEI number as your phone’s identity card. No two phones have the same IMEI, even if they are the same brand and model.
How to Find Your IMEI Number
You can find your IMEI number in several ways:
1.Dial *#06# on your phone
2.Check the phone box
Look inside phone settings:
Android: Settings → About Phone
iPhone: Settings → General → About
1.Check your purchase bill or invoice
2.Log in to your Google or Apple account
Tip: Always save your IMEI number somewhere safe. It becomes crucial if your phone is lost or stolen.
Why Is the IMEI Number Important?
The IMEI number plays a major role in phone security, tracking, and blocking.
Here’s why it is important:
1.Helps identify your phone uniquely
2.Used by police to trace stolen devices
3.Allows telecom operators to block stolen phones
4.Prevents misuse of your phone with another SIM
5.Required when filing insurance claims
Useful when you want to sell phone safely by verifying authenticity
Without the IMEI number, recovering or blocking a lost phone becomes extremely difficult.
How Does IMEI Tracking Work to Track Mobile with IMEI Number?
Many people assume IMEI tracking works like GPS but that’s not exactly true.
IMEI tracking works through mobile networks, not satellites.
Here’s how it actually works:
1.When a phone is switched on and a SIM card is inserted, it connects to a mobile network
2.The network records the IMEI number along with the SIM details
3.If the phone is reported lost, telecom providers can:
Track network activity
Identify which SIM is being used
Block the IMEI to stop usage
Can You Track Mobile with IMEI Number Yourself?
This is the most common question users ask.
The honest answer: No, not directly.
There is no legal or genuine website or app that allows ordinary users to track a phone’s real-time location using IMEI alone.
Websites claiming:
“Track phone using IMEI instantly”
“Free IMEI location tracker”
are usually fake or misleading.
However, you can use the IMEI number through the correct official process, which actually works.
How to Track Mobile with IMEI Number – Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: File a Police Complaint
As soon as you lose your phone:
Visit your nearest police station
File a lost or stolen mobile complaint
Provide:
IMEI number
Phone brand and model
Date and location of loss
This step is mandatory in most countries, including India.
Step 2: Block the IMEI Number
Blocking the IMEI ensures:
No one can use your phone on any network
Your data stays safer
The phone becomes useless for resale
In India, you can use the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) portal to block your phone using IMEI.
You’ll need:
IMEI number
Copy of police complaint
ID proof
Step 3: Network-Based Tracking by Authorities
Once the IMEI is blocked:
Telecom operators monitor the IMEI
If someone inserts a SIM and turns the phone on:
The network flags it
Authorities can trace activity
Police may contact you if the phone is recovered
This is the only legitimate way to track mobile with IMEI number.
Step 4: Unblock IMEI if Phone Is Found
If you recover your phone:
Return to the CEIR portal
Request IMEI unblocking
Submit recovery proof
Your phone will start working normally again.
What IMEI Tracking Can and Cannot Do
What It Can Do
1.Identify a stolen phone on networks
2.Block usage across operators
3.Help police trace the device
4.Prevent illegal resale
5.Support insurance claims
What It Cannot Do
1.Show live GPS location to users
2.Work if the phone is switched off
3.Track phones without a SIM
4.Work instantly without police involvement
Understanding these limits saves you from scams and false promises.
Common Myths About IMEI Tracking
Myth 1: IMEI Tracking Gives Live Location
False. Only authorities can access network-level tracking.
Myth 2: Any Website Can Track Using IMEI
False. Most such sites are fake.
Myth 3: IMEI Tracking Works Even If Phone Is Off
False. The phone must connect to a network.
Myth 4: IMEI Is Only for Stolen Phones
False. IMEI is also important when you buy or sell phone to check authenticity.
IMEI and Selling or Buying Phones
IMEI plays a big role in the second-hand phone market.
If You Want to Sell Phone
Before you sell phone online or offline:
1.Check IMEI status
2.Ensure the phone is not blocked
3.Remove your accounts and data
4.Provide IMEI to buyers for trust
5.A clean IMEI increases resale value.
If You Are Buying a Used Phone
Always verify:
1.IMEI is not blacklisted
2.Phone is not reported stolen
3.IMEI matches the box and settings
This protects you from legal trouble later.
What to Do If You Can’t Recover Your Phone
Even if tracking fails:
1.Keep the IMEI blocked permanently
2.Secure your Google/Apple accounts
3.Change passwords for banking and apps
4.Avoid reusing old SIM details
Sometimes protecting your data is more important than recovering the device.
Final Thoughts
Trying to track mobile with IMEI number is a natural reaction after losing a phone. While IMEI tracking does not work like a magic GPS tool, it is still the most powerful and official method to block, identify, and potentially recover a stolen mobile.
The key is:
1.Act fast
2.File a police complaint
3.Use official IMEI blocking systems
4.Avoid fake tracking websites
Whether your goal is phone recovery, data safety, or preparing to sell phone securely in the future, understanding how IMEI works puts you in control.
