Losing your smartphone can be a stressful experience in today’s world. In addition to financial loss, phones also contain our private information, bank details, and other sensitive data which can be misused. In this guide, let’s look at some ways using which you can try to locate your lost phone using its IMEI number.
Track your Smartphone using IMEI number
Every smartphone has a unique 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number that serves as its identity proof and is shared with the telecom operator when a SIM card is inserted, enabling cellular services and sharing the device’s approximate location via the connected cellular tower. While authorities like the Police and Military can trace a stolen phone using its IMEI when a new SIM card is inserted, civilians cannot access this technology for security and privacy reasons.
Although many third-party services and apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store claim to track phones using IMEI, they typically rely on the last known location via Google’s and Apple’s Find My Device features. It’s essential to remember that civilians cannot track the real-time location of a stolen phone using its IMEI, and any service claiming otherwise is likely fake or ineffective. However, you can still report the IMEI of your phone on the CEIR portal to trace it. Here’s how you can do it.
How to Report IMEI on CEIR Portal?
The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) is a portal run by the Department of Telecommunications (Government of India) that keeps a record of all registered smartphones in the country. You can report the IMEI number of your phone as a stolen device on this portal, after which your smartphone will get blacklisted by all telecom operators in India.
Here’s how you can report your phone’s IMEI on the CEIR portal:
Step 1: Open the official CEIR website (www.ceir.gov.in) in any web browser.
Step 2: Navigate to the Block Stolen/Lost Mobile section.
Step 3: Enter the necessary details such as your name, mobile number, IMEI of your device, location of losing the phone, etc.
Step 4: Select the self-declaration checkbox, and submit your request.
Note that this request will be registered as an official complaint with the Government of India, and the Police Department. Any fraudulent use of this portal may have legal consequences and punishments.
Once you register your complaint, the CEIR will actively track your phone’s IMEI to see if your phone gets activated. However, this tracking will work effectively only within India. If your stolen phone gets smuggled outside of India, then the chances of your device recovery are reduced.
Block Your SIM Card
It is important to block your SIM card immediately when your phone gets stolen, to prevent fraud calls to your contacts and OTP-related scams. When you report your SIM card as stolen, your telecom operator can also help to locate the robber by tracking for counterfeit usage of your SIM.
You can easily block your SIM card by calling the respective customer care support of your telecom operator. You can also visit the nearest offline store of your SIM provider, show them your ID proof and get your SIM blocked.
In the case of an eSIM, telecom operators can disable incoming and outgoing services on your SIM card but can continue to track your stolen phone. This increases the chances of your phone’s recovery. They can also notify you of the last known location of your phone. Hence, blocking your SIM card can help you track your lost phone.
File a Police Complaint
This is the most important step when your phone gets stolen. Filing a police complaint quickly will help them to track your phone using its IMEI. Here are some key points that you should keep in mind while filing a police complaint.
- It is ideal to visit the local police station in the area where your device was stolen.
- You can also visit any other police station, but the process requires additional steps.
- Keep your phone’s purchase invoice/bill ready while filing the complaint. IMEI of your device should be visible on the bill.
- In case you do not have your phone’s bill, or you don’t know the IMEI of your phone, you can request to obtain the details by contacting your telecom operator.
As the Police Department has access to track your phone using its IMEI, they have the highest chances to recover your phone. Additionally, you can also try to locate your phone using ‘Find my Device’ on Android, or ‘Find my iPhone’ on Apple devices.
FAQs
Can I track my phone if it’s switched off?
Yes depending on your phone’s model, it is possible to track it even after it’s switched off. Modern flagships from Apple, OnePlus, Samsung, and a few other brands can help you trace your device even after it’s switched off by using the internet.
Can I track my phone if its SIM card is removed?
No, you cannot track your phone if its SIM card is removed. Although services like Find my Device remain active on your device after removing the SIM, they will not function without an internet connection. When the SIM is removed, your phone loses internet connectivity making it difficult to locate.
Can I get my stolen phone back?
If you quickly file a police complaint and blacklist your phone’s IMEI using the CEIR portal, it is possible to recover your stolen device. CEIR has helped to recover over 67% of stolen smartphones in India.
