Cellphone theft shows no sign of slowing down and even with fingerprint security, smartphones still get lost or stolen in huge numbers. If that happens, you not only lost a valuable device, you lose the ability to be contacted as well as all the data on the phone. If you would like to learn how you can track your Android phone using your IMEI number in case it happens to you, read on!
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity Number) of your phone is its unique serial number. It is printed on the back of all mobile devices and can help trace ownership of a phone. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the IMEI in a safe place. If yours is worn off, dial ‘#06#’ to show it. Alternatively, your Google Dashboard should also have a record of it.
There are apps such as SeekDroid, Where’s My Droid or Find My Phone that can track your phone. Alternatively, Google can do it for you.
Track an Android phone using the IMEI number
To track an Android phone it needs to have both mobile data and location services turned on. I tend to have them both enabled by default but it’s a good idea to check yours.
1. Navigate to Settings, Location and toggle it to the on position.
2. Swipe down on the Home screen and tap the cell provider icon to enable mobile data.
3. Click this link to the Google Dashboard.
4. Once logged in, the Dashboard will attempt to contact your phone using the IMEI and should show you a map and an address where the phone is either at, or was last pinged.
Once you have located your phone, the Google Dashboard gives you the option to call, lock or erase it. If your phone has been stolen, lock it down or wipe it remotely. If the phone is not currently contactable by Google it will perform the tasks as soon as it can.
If you have simply lost your phone somewhere in the building, use the Ring option to call the phone. Then you can trace it by ear.
Thanks for the post. The only thing you can view from your account is the MAC ID from an Airave if you have one. You cannot view the serial. Serial numbers aren’t just limited to phone’s, they can be found on various gadgets like a mouse, keyboard, laptop and others. They are a combination of alphabets and numerals that somewhat.
A serial number identifies a specific device such as an iPhone. Knowing your serial number does not in itself allow you to track your device if it is lost or stolen. However, your local law enforcement agencies may be able to use the serial number to confirm that a device has been stolen and then return it to you. Apple does offer tracking, but the service doesn't rely on a device's serial number.
Types of Numbers
Your iPhone has two numbers that identify it. One is the serial number, which is issued by Apple as the manufacturer. The other is a specific reference number that is associated with individual cellphone handsets (both iPhones and other makes and models). This number is known as the IMEI, MEID or ICCID depending on which type of phone network your iPhone is designed to work on.
Using Serial Number
You can find the serial number on your phone by tapping 'Settings,' then 'General' then 'About.' You can also find the serial number on the original packaging. Apple itself does not use serial numbers for tracking. In some locations, police departments maintain a registry of serial numbers, though you'll usually have to actively add your serial number to the registry. Police departments that run a registry may use it to identify the owner when they find a lost phone or confiscate it from a thief. In some cases, police departments may make the registry available to stores dealing in used property so they can check if any iPhones they receive are stolen.
Using IMEI Number
You can find the IMEI number on your phone by tapping 'Settings,' then 'General' and finally 'About.' You can also find it engraved on the bottom of the rear of the phone case on the iPhone 5 and later, or in the SIM tray of earlier models. Note that if your service provider uses MEID numbers, which are 14 digits, you may need to drop the last digit listed on your device. You cannot use your IMEI number to track your phone. However, if you report your phone as stolen to your cellphone service provider, the provider can use the IMEI number to block the phone from connecting to the service and racking up charges.
My Iphone Serial Number
Find My iPhone
The only method Apple provides for physically tracking an iPhone is through the free 'Find my iPhone' app. To take advantage of this, you must install and set up the app before your phone is lost or stolen. If and when this happens, you can log into the Find My iPhone website (see Resources) and get a rough physical location of the phone. You can also remotely add a new passcode or remotely erase the data on your phone to stop a thief from gaining access to your information.
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