Can the police track an IMEI number?

Asked by: Dariana Daugherty  |  Last update: November 12, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (7 votes)

Your IMSI and IMEI can be obtained by the police with an 'IMSI catcher', a device deployed to track all mobile phones switched on and connected to the network in its vicinity. Once this identifier is intercepted, it might be used to retrieve personal information about you.

Can my IMEI number be traced?

It is now possible to track any IMEI online without going through any intermediate service provider. Google "IMEI tracker online free" and choose the website of your choice. This online service allows you to locate your phone number displayed conveniently on a map.

Can police track a stolen phone with IMEI number?

Yes, the police can track a stolen phone using either your phone number or the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Whether or not the police prioritize looking for your stolen phone is another matter.

What can a criminal do with an IMEI number?

The IMEI is bound to the device, not your phone number or account. It could be used to track stolen phones, and to lock them out from networks (done in a few countries, but not across borders or carriers normally, they could not agree on a global DB).

Why do police want your IMEI number?

Police are now urging mobile phone users to key in the *#06# number and record their IMEI number so in the event of the phone being stolen the police have a chance of arresting a person who may subsequently use the handset.

how cops track the lost phone by imei number

45 related questions found

Can you change your IMEI number?

An IMEI number is a 15 digit long number printed on the backside of your phone as well as on the mobile packaging box and is used to track the device when lost or stolen. Each IMEI number is unique to a mobile set and can never be changed or replaced, unlike a SIM card.

How long does it take for police to track a phone?

GPS works by measuring the time it takes a radio signal to travel between one of the many satellites orbiting the earth and a cellphone. This time is used to determine the location of the phone, and it happens almost instantaneously.

How do I make my phone impossible to track?

Android
  1. Open your phone's settings.
  2. Scroll down to and click on Location.
  3. Switch the location services slider to Off.

What happens if someone steals your IMEI?

Having your IMEI number hacked is a serious matter since you could face a service interruption with your own smartphone or cell phone, and it's also possible that thieves could access your personal information to commit ID fraud.

How do I stop my IMEI from being tracked?

How to Prevent Cell Phones From Being Tracked
  1. Turn off the cellular and Wi-Fi radios on your phone. The easiest way to accomplish this task is to turn on the “Airplane Mode” feature. ...
  2. Disable your GPS radio. ...
  3. Shut the phone down completely and remove the battery.

Can IMEI number be tracked if phone is switched off?

Unfortunately, the GPS receiver doesn't work when the device is turned off. Therefore, tracking a turned-off phone is a myth.

What can someone access with your IMEI number?

IMEI numbers have one principal purpose: To identify mobile devices. Their secondary purpose is to prevent theft. If a mobile device can be universally identified, a thief cannot change the SIM card on a phone and expect to keep it.

What information can we get from IMEI number?

The basic information that an IMEI number holds is all about the device. This is hard-coded in when the number is created, going into depth about the make, model and specifications of the device it refers to. From this, a carrier can take a look at what the device is supposed to be able to do.

Can a stolen phone be unlocked and used?

A thief won't be able to unlock your phone without your passcode. Even if you normally sign in with Touch ID or Face ID, your phone is also secured with a passcode.

What type of phone can't be tracked?

The Purism Librem 5 comes with three kill switches, hardware-wise, that can turn off the sensors. These switches are located for the cameras, microphone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular baseband. This phone has all the significant trackers disabled by default.

Can police track a phone on airplane mode?

No, a phone can be tracked on Airplane Mode. GPS is a separate technology that sends and receives signals directly from the satellite. It does not depend on cellular service at all and that's why a third-party can easily track your location, even when you've turned on the Airplane Mode.

Can police track your phone without your knowledge?

In short, police cannot track cell phone location data without a warrant. Read on for more about the Supreme Court's decision, and contact an experienced California criminal defense attorney with any questions.

What software do police use to track cell phones?

The app Fog Reveal allows police to search billions of phone records to track people's locations, which are often called "patterns of life" by law enforcement. Attorneys say this is rarely cited in court, making it hard to defend their clients if the police are tracking them without their knowledge.

How do police track phone location?

How does police trace mobile phone? They use the IMEI number to trace lost mobiles.

Can a phone have 2 different IMEI numbers?

If you have a dual SIM device and are using two SIM cards, there will be two IMEI numbers shown as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.

Can a phone be tracked when off?

Even without cell service, Android devices and iPhones can be tracked. Your phone's mapping apps can track your phone's location without an internet connection. The GPS works in two ways: It uses Assisted GPS or A-GPS when you have a data connection.

Can you disable a phone with IMEI number?

Blocking mobile using IMEI number

Step 1: Get your phone's IMEI number. Step 2: Now contact your network carrier. Step 3: Get over with the identification process and provide them with the IMEI number, asking to block the phone due to theft or loss. Step 4: Once done, your mobile phone will be blocked in few minutes.

How mobile is tracked using IMEI number?

Through this CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) database, you can trace your lost or stolen mobile by following a few steps. The portal requires only the 15-digit IMEI number of the lost phone (which you can find on the packing or the bill). You can also block your phone using the same website.

Can you find the owner of a phone by the IMEI number?

For locked phones, there are a few ways to get them back to their owners. The best method is to get the Internet Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI, number. The IMEI number can uniquely identify the owner of the phone.

Is giving someone IMEI number safe?

From the seller's side, giving out an IMEI number is a huge risk. Some sellers have lost their phones' usability to hackers after giving the IMEI out to criminals masquerading as potential bidders. The safest bet is to only give the IMEI number to someone who has already paid for the phone.