How to Track Your Lost Phone With IMEI Number

How to Track Your Lost Phone With IMEI Number

Losing your phone can be stressful, especially when it holds important personal data, messages, and memories. The good news is that you can track your lost phone using its IMEI number. IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, and it is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device. Even if someone changes your SIM card, the IMEI number remains the same—making it useful for tracking.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What an IMEI number is

How to find your phone’s IMEI

Whether you can track your phone using IMEI

Practical steps to recover your lost phone

What Is IMEI?

The IMEI number identifies your device on any mobile network. This means network providers and law enforcement agencies can use it to locate, block, or trace your lost phone if it gets stolen or used illegally.

How to Find Your IMEI Number

If your phone is lost but you didn’t note the IMEI number earlier, don’t worry—you can still retrieve it.

Method 1: Dial Code (Before Losing Phone)

Open your phone dialer and type:

*#06#

Your IMEI number will appear instantly.

Method 2: On Phone Settings

Android: Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI

iPhone: Settings → General → About → IMEI

Method 3: On Phone Box or Receipt

If you still have the original box or purchase receipt, check the sticker label—it usually contains the IMEI.

 Method 4: Google Account (Android)

Visit: https://www.google.com/settings

Log in → Scroll to Find your phone → Select device → View IMEI

Method 5: Apple ID (iPhone)

Go to appleid.apple.com → Sign in → Devices → Select your iPhone → View IMEI

Can You Track a Phone Directly With IMEI?

Direct IMEI tracking is not available to the public. Apps and websites that claim to track phones using IMEI are usually scams.

However, you can:

• Report the IMEI to your network provider
• Report it to the police
• Ask them to block or trace the device using their systems
• Use official tracking tools like Google Find My Device or Apple Find My iPhone

Steps to Track Your Lost Phone With IMEI

Follow these steps to improve your chances of recovery:

1. Report IMEI to Your Network Provider

Contact your SIM provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9Mobile, etc.) and request:

IMEI registration

Device blocking

Assistance in tracking

2. File a Police Report

Visit your local police station with:

Your IMEI number

Proof of ownership (receipt, box, email)

Law enforcement can request tracking from network providers.

3. Use Online Tracking Tools

While IMEI helps with official tracking, use these tools immediately:

Brand Tool Link

Android Find My Device google.com/android/find

iPhone Find My iPhone icloud.com/find

Samsung Find My Mobile findmymobile.samsung.com

Xiaomi Mi Cloud i.mi.com

Stay Safe: Avoid Fake IMEI Trackers

Many websites claim they can track phones using IMEI. Avoid them — they are often scams designed to steal your data.

Pro Tips to Protect Your Phone

Enable Find My Device on Android/iPhone

Always use screen lock and SIM lock

Turn on Google/Apple account sync

Write down your IMEI number and store it safely

Tracking your lost phone using the IMEI number is possible but requires help from network providers and authorities. For faster results, combine IMEI reporting with Google Find My Device or Apple Find My iPhone.

Don’t wait until it’s too late, find your IMEI number today and keep it safe. 

TechCity