Mobile stealing and hacking cases are increasing at an alarming rate in the country. According to Statista, India witnessed a staggering 6,52,000 cases in 2022 alone. What's even more concerning is the sharp rise in mobile theft reports in Delhi, which jumped from 2.8 to 3.4 cases per minute within just one year—an increase that stunned the nation.

In response to this growing problem, the Centre for Department of Telematics (CDOT) has developed a tool called Central Equipment Identity Register(CEIR) to help track and block lost or stolen phones. This tool is also helpful in verifying the authenticity of second-hand smartphones, ensuring that consumers don't fall victim to fraud.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to track a lost phone with an IMEI number. Let’s dive in and explore how you can use this unique identifier to protect your device.

Understanding IMEI Number

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a distinct 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device. It serves as an identification number for your phone, much like a vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). 

This number helps mobile networks identify valid devices, making it essential for tracking and securing stolen phones.

Importance of IMEI Number:

• Device Identification: The IMEI number uniquely identifies your phone, regardless of the network or carrier.
• Tracking Stolen Phones: Authorities and telecom operators can use the IMEI to track and block a stolen device.
• Blocking Unwanted Usage: When reported lost or stolen, your phone can be blacklisted, preventing its use on any network.
• Preventing Fraud: IMEI helps verify the authenticity of second-hand phones, protecting consumers from buying stolen or counterfeit devices.
• Legal Protection: In cases of theft, providing your IMEI number to law enforcement can assist in recovering the device and taking legal action against thieves.

Pro Tip: To retrieve your IMEI number, simply dial *#06# on your phone. It will display a 15-digit code. Alternatively, you can find the IMEI number on the phone's original packaging or by contacting your mobile operator.

Knowing your phone’s IMEI number is essential not just for tracking a lost phone but also for ensuring its security. Always keep a record of your IMEI number. Now, let's find out how to track your lost phone with IMEI number.

Discover how to protect your phone, especially your data, including bank details, documents, photos and videos on the Seekho video Phone Ko Protect Kaise Karein.

How to Track Lost Phone with IMEI Number

Losing your phone can be hard, especially when it contains valuable personal information.  Fortunately, the IMEI number can be a powerful tool to help you track your lost device. In the following sections, we will walk you through the process of using your IMEI number to track and recover your lost phone.

File a Police Report

Filing a police report is a crucial step to officially record your device and enable tracking, whether you have lost your phone or someone has taken it. It also helps with insurance claims and legal procedures.

Steps to File a Police Report:

1. Contact Your Local Police Station: Reach out to your local police station: Either visit in person or file a report online, depending on the procedures in your area.
2. Provide IMEI Number: Share your phone’s IMEI number, along with any other relevant details like the phone model, make, and colour.
3. Fill Out the Report: Complete the necessary forms with details of the theft or loss, including the time, location, and circumstances of the incident.
4. Obtain a Copy of the Report: After submitting the report, ask for a copy for your records. You will need this for further actions like blocking the phone or claiming insurance.

Filing a police report not only helps in tracking your device but also serves as an official document for any future proceedings.

Learn how to file an online complaint without visiting the police station on the Seekho video Ghar Se Online F.I.R. Kaise Karein.

Contact Mobile Service Provider & Report IMEI for Device Blacklisting

Another effective way to protect your lost or stolen phone is by contacting your mobile service provider. By reporting your phone's IMEI number, you can blacklist the device, preventing anyone from using it on any network, even if the thief tries to insert a new SIM card.

Steps to Report IMEI for Device Blacklisting:

1. Call or Visit Your Service Provider: Get in touch with your mobile carrier's customer service or visit their store.
2. Provide Your IMEI Number: Share your phone’s IMEI number, along with your account details and any relevant information about the loss or theft.
3. Request Blacklisting: Ask the provider to block your device by blacklisting the IMEI number. This will ensure that no network can activate the phone.
4. Follow Up: Confirm with your provider that they have processed the blacklisting and request any further steps needed to secure your account.

By reporting your IMEI number for blacklisting, you reduce the likelihood that someone will exploit your phone for illegal activities.

Explore how to protect your phone from viruses and protect your personal information from being hacked by watching the Seekho series Mobile Virus Safety.

Use CEIR to Track Lost Phone

The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) is a government-backed tool designed to help track and block lost or stolen phones in India. It allows you to report your phone and prevent someone from using it on any network.

Steps to Use CEIR:

1. Visit the CEIR Portal: Go to the official CEIR website (https://ceir.gov.in).
2. Register and Submit Details: Create an account by clicking on Login and enter your phone’s IMEI number, along with other details like the phone’s make and model.
3. Report the Loss: Mark your device as lost or stolen. You will need to provide additional details, such as your personal information and the police report number.
4. Track the Status: Once you report it, CEIR will block the device from use on any network, making it harder for the thief to access it. You can also track any updates on the status of your device.

One of the most effective ways to secure your phone and prevent misuse is to use CEIR.

Check out the Seekho link Old Phone Buying Guide, and discover how to buy a second-hand phone safely, avoiding risks.

Utilise Online IMEI Tracking Services

In addition to official tools, several online IMEI tracking services can help you locate your lost phone. These platforms use your IMEI number to search for your device's last known location or status.

Steps to Use Online IMEI Tracking Services:

1. Find a Trusted IMEI Tracking Website: Use reliable websites like IMEI Tracker or IMEI Tracker - Find My Device that offer IMEI tracking services.
2. Enter the IMEI Number: Input your phone's 15-digit IMEI number on the website's tracking tool.
3. Start the Search: Click the track button to begin the search process. Some websites may provide an estimated location or status of your phone.
4. Follow-Up: Depending on the service, you may receive updates through email or directly on the website about your phone’s location or its current status.

While these services can be helpful, it's important to remember that they may not always be accurate or guaranteed. Always use trusted platforms for added security.

Learn how to track your phone using "Find My Device” even if the phone is switched off and also protect your data by erasing your phone remotely on the Seekho video Phone Off Par Bhi Karein Track.

Now we are aware of how to track a phone with an IMEI number, let’s look at some alternate ways to track your phone

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Alternative Tracking Methods Without IMEI

If you don't have access to your phone's IMEI number, there are still some alternative methods to try and track your lost device. These methods rely on other features like GPS, cloud services, or device security settings to help locate your phone.

Use Find My Device (Android)

If you’re an Android user, the Find My Device feature can help you track your phone’s location. Simply sign in to your Google account on a computer or another device to locate and even remotely lock or erase your phone. Follow these steps:

• Go to the Find My Device website or open the app on another Android device.
• Sign in with your Google account.
• Select your lost device to see its location on the map.
• You can also call the phone, lock it, or wipe its data remotely.

Explore the ways to secure your phone using the “Find My Device” app on the Seekho video Find Lost Mobile In Seconds.

Use Find My iPhone (iOS)

For Apple users, the Find My iPhone feature offers a similar tracking option. Access this via the iCloud website or the Find My app to locate, lock, or erase your iPhone remotely. Follow these steps to track your phone:

• Visit iCloud.com or open the Find My app.
• Sign in with your Apple ID.
• Select your lost device to view its location.
• Options include playing a sound, enabling Lost Mode, or erasing the phone remotely.

Find out amazing and useful iPhone tricks using the built-in features and get a better iPhone experience on the Seekho video 3 Useful iPhone Tricks.

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Using Third-Party Apps

If you have installed a third-party tracking app, such as Prey Anti Theft or Cerberus, before losing your phone, you can still track it using the app's features. These apps offer advanced tracking, security, and recovery options to help locate your device even without the IMEI number. You can utilise these apps in the following way:

• Download a Tracking App: Install apps like Prey Anti Theft or Cerberus from the app store.

After losing your mobile you can follow these steps:

• Login to the App: Use your account credentials to log in on the app's website or another device.
• Track and Secure Your Device: Use the app’s features to track the location, lock the device, take photos, or remotely wipe data.

Explore the privacy-focused apps that can manage app permission on your phone and prevent apps from performing background activities without consent. Watch Seekho video Privacy Focused Apps and learn to protect your data.

As we say prevention is better than cure; let’s look at some of the precautions you can take to ensure your phone’s protection.

Precautionary Measures for Future Protection

While it's important to take steps to recover a lost phone, prevention is always better than cure. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect your device from loss or theft in the first place. Here are some essential measures to keep your phone secure and minimise the risk of losing it in the future.

• Enable Phone Tracking Features: Turn on features like Find My Device for Android or Find My iPhone for iOS to ensure that you can track your phone if you lose it.
• Use a Strong Password or Biometric Lock: Set up a PIN, password, or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) to protect your phone from unauthorised access.
• Install Anti-Theft Apps: Download apps like Cerberus or Prey Anti Theft to enhance security and enable remote tracking.
• Back-Up Your Data: Create backups of your phone's data to the cloud on a consistent basis to prevent losing important information in the event that you lose your phone or wipe it.
• Avoid Leaving Your Phone Unattended: Always be mindful of where you leave your phone, whether at home, in public spaces, or your car.
• Register Your IMEI Number: Keep a note of your phone’s IMEI number in a safe place so you can report it if your device gets lost or stolen.

By following these precautions, you can lower the risk of losing your phone and be better prepared to handle the situation if it occurs.

Explore essential mobile security tips on the Seekho video Phone Security Tips and save your phone from thieves and hackers.

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Conclusion

Losing your phone can be a daunting experience, but with the right tools and proactive measures, you can significantly improve the chances of recovery. The IMEI number serves as a vital tool in tracking and blocking your device, whether through apps, CEIR or by contacting your mobile service provider. 

If the IMEI number isn’t accessible, alternatives such as built-in device tracking features or third-party apps can still offer valuable assistance in locating your lost phone.

It’s essential to adopt precautions such as, enabling phone tracking, using strong security features, and backing up your data regularly. These simple steps not only safeguard your device but also provide peace of mind, knowing you're prepared should the unexpected occur.

By taking a proactive approach to both security and recovery, you can better protect your device and personal information from potential risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to track my lost phone using the IMEI number for free?

Yes, you can track your lost phone for free using online IMEI tracking services or mobile tracking apps. Websites like IMEI Tracker allow you to enter your IMEI number and attempt to locate your phone. Additionally, Android and iOS users can use built-in tracking features like Find My Device and Find My iPhone, respectively, to locate their devices without cost.

2. Can I block my mobile phone using the IMEI number online?

Yes, you can block your lost or stolen phone using the IMEI number by reporting it to your mobile service provider or using government tools like CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) in India. Once your phone is blacklisted, it will be unable to connect to any mobile network, making it unusable.

3. How do I file a police report to track my phone using the IMEI number?

You can file a police report by visiting your local police station and provide the IMEI number of your lost or stolen phone, along with other details such as the model, make, and color. This will allow law enforcement to assist in tracking and recovering the device and can also help with blocking the phone or pursuing legal action.

4. Are there any reliable IMEI tracker apps I can use to track my phone?

Yes, apps like Prey Anti Theft and Cerberus can help track your phone using its IMEI number. These apps offer features like GPS tracking, remote locking, and even data wiping, which can be helpful in recovering your device or protecting your information.

5. Can the police track a stolen phone using the IMEI number?

Yes, the police can use the IMEI number to track a stolen phone, especially if it has been reported. By providing the IMEI number and filing a police report, law enforcement can assist in locating the phone, and mobile carriers may also block the device from being used on any network.