Like any other communication device, a cell phone has its own unique identifier - a fifteen-digit IMEI code set by the manufacturer. When making a call, the cellular operator receives the data of the mobile device in the form of an IMEI - SIM pair, which allows identifying the signal source. Unfortunately, cellular operators can transfer device geolocation data only to law enforcement agencies by court order. Most often, if there was a theft or loss of the phone, this is not a good reason to go to court. But do not despair, in this case you have every chance of successfully searching for a device by IMEI, even if it is turned off and the SIM card has been removed.
Try to call your number
This point is pretty obvious, but as it turned out, not always. Often, a person who has lost their phone while in a state of shock does not even try to call it. But do not forget that there are many people who will return the device free of charge or for a nominal fee.
Contact law enforcement
If the previous method did not work, immediately contact the law enforcement agencies at the place of your registration. But do not forget that you will be required to indicate the fifteen-digit IMEI code and provide documents confirming that the device belongs to you. If the phone was bought “hand-held” and there are no documents for it, you can safely skip this item.
Use the built-in search function
Most modern smartphones are equipped with a factory search function. For devices from the manufacturer Apple based on the iOS operating system, it is called Find iPhone. On Android devices, the same feature is called Remote Control Android - Google ... Learn more about the methods for finding a smartphone by IMEI (we will send a link to the bottom of this page)
Leave a request in the LoSToleN service
LoSToleN is a unified database of IMEI and serial numbers of stolen phones, smartphones, cameras and other devices. After you leave a request indicating the amount of remuneration for returning the device, you have a chance that it will be more expedient for the seller to return the device than to engage in an expensive change of the IMEI identifier.
The loss of a mobile phone is becoming a real problem - we cannot get in touch with the necessary contacts or clients, we cannot go online or pay for utilities using electronic payment systems. How to find a lost phone and what is needed for this? In our age of advanced information and communication technologies, the probability of finding a lost phone is quite high, so you need to use all available search methods.
Current Ways to Find Lost Phones
Lost my phone - how to find it? It is with such questions that people turn to search engines on the Internet. And the point is not so much in the high cost of the device itself, but in the information stored in it. Contacts, photos, videos, passwords saved in the browser and applications, bank cards linked to the phone number and much more are valuable.
Certainly much can be restored, but first you should look for a lost pipe... How can you find your lost phone? Let's discuss the main methods:
- Bypass the places where you were before the moment the loss was discovered;
- Once again "brush" in the pockets of your clothes;
- Call your number from another phone - it is possible that the lost receiver is somewhere nearby;
- Use the definition of coordinates (perhaps not on all phones).
Any method can give a positive result (but it can not at all).
Search Last Visitors
A modern person almost never part with his mobile phone, therefore, from the moment of loss to the moment of detection of the loss, a maximum of 20-30 minutes pass (usually less). Remember what you were doing a few minutes ago, where you werewith whom we talked on the phone and where did they go after the last call.
It is quite possible that you forgot it on the counter of the store - here it is more than real to find a lost phone. If you just got out of your car, go back - the phone is probably in the car or lying under it (fell out of your pocket). You should also return to your workplace, maybe the "tube" is on the desktop. If the place of your last stay was a bus stop filled with people, then, in principle, you can not return there - 99.9% that the phone will not be there.
If your last place was a park or a forest edge, then it is quite possible that the phone fell out of your pocket and lies somewhere in the grass - return to the resting place, call your number from someone else's phone and inspect the area.
Never call your phone away from the site of the alleged loss. First go back to this place and only then start calling. Otherwise, you will attract the attention of unauthorized persons who can take the found phone for themselves. But it is best to block the number by calling the hotline and continue the search without unnecessary calls.
Search in pockets
How to find a cell phone if you have lost it and cannot find it? The easiest way is to go through your pockets again. If the phone is small, then it can easily hide in the pockets of its jacket or completely fall under the accidentally torn lining. Another location of the alleged loss is a large daily bag with a bunch of belongings.... This is where your mobile phone can be lost (important for women).
Search by number
How to find a phone number and is it possible at all? Certainly possible. But only if the phone is stolen from you and you write a statement to the police. If the case is really serious, then the phone will most likely be found. But more often than not, the case is left without movement, as the police are extremely reluctant to search for stolen phones.
As for the lost pipes, no one will look for them at all - whatever one may say, but this is already a problem of the subscriber himself (the police are not a lost property office). By the way, operators search for stolen phones by IMEI, not by number... The number can be changed, but the IMEI will remain - then the police will start shaking the one who installed his SIM-card in the stolen phone. They can also determine the location of the phone, but not by satellite, but through geolocation using cellular networks.
Information about the location of the desired phone is given by mobile operators upon a request from law enforcement agencies. You will not be able to submit such a request on your own.
Search by satellite
You can find a lost phone by satellite and by the coordinates of cellular networks. To do this, you must first install a tracking program on your device, which will continuously track the coordinates of the device. The search for lost devices is carried out via the Internet, using services owned by software developers. They can also be used to remotely lock the device..
It should be remembered that keeping the GPS-receiver in the mobile phone switched on is unprofitable - the battery runs out quickly. Therefore, most often the search is carried out according to the coordinates of cellular networks. Your lost phone must be connected to the Internet for a successful search. If your phone is disconnected, it will be much more difficult to find it.
A mobile phone for a modern person is more than just a means of communication. As a rule, it stores contacts, correspondence, passwords and account data for various Internet services, banking applications, personal photos, and much more. That is why the loss or theft of a mobile phone is a real disaster for any owner. At the same time, there are not many opportunities to find a phone, and even fewer effective ways. One of them is finding a phone by IMEI. In this article I want to talk about how to independently find a phone by IMEI for free using the Google service. True, this method will only work if you have an Android gadget.
What is IMEI
In the previous article, I already told you how to find it out, so I will not dwell on this in detail. Let me just remind you that IMEI Is a unique 15-digit identifier for mobile devices. It allows you to determine the location of the gadget, as well as remotely block its operation, but only if the device is turned on and connected to the operator's network.
You can view the IMEI by typing the combination ✶ # 06 # on the phone, in the settings of the gadget itself, as well as on the box from under it, or the iTunes application for PC (for Apple devices).
Looking for a phone by IMEI using Google
It's no secret that Google has been monitoring all Internet users for a long time. This can be treated in different ways, but in the event that the phone is stolen or lost, we can use this fact to our advantage and use the Google service to find the device, and absolutely free.
It's about the service Android Remote Control, with which you can determine the location of your phone or tablet, lock it and delete all data by doing a factory reset. Remote control of Android is carried out through the IMEI of the device. But do not rush to get upset if you do not know him - Google has long known him. So let's get started!
We use the service "Android Remote Control"
Description of the main functions of the "Android Remote Control" service
- "Call" - the phone will play a ringtone at maximum volume for 5 minutes. This will help you find your phone lost indoors or outdoors.
- "Block" - allows you to set a password on the home screen and thus block the intruder from accessing the phone's functions and all the data stored in it.
In addition, here you can leave a message that will be shown on the main screen of the device, as well as indicate a contact phone number to contact you. For example, you can write: "If you find this phone, please contact its owner at the number ..."... Such an appeal will significantly increase the likelihood that the one who found or stole your phone will return it back, because he not only will not be able to use or sell it, but will also know how to contact you.
Be extremely careful when setting a lock password through "Android Remote Control". It cannot be changed or disabled through this service. Therefore, enter the combination that you remember well, or even better - write it down somewhere.
After the phone is returned to you, the set password can be disabled through the device menu: "Settings" → "Safety" → "Screen lock".
- "Clear" - resets the phone settings to factory defaults. Use this feature only as a last resort, as cleaning will remove all your apps, photos, music, and other information from your device. After that, the Android remote control function will stop working, and you will no longer be able to find out the location of the phone or lock it. It is also important to know that the data clearing function only applies to files stored in the phone memory, but does not delete information from the SD card.
Can I find my phone by IMEI via satellite?
Every now and then the question "How to find a phone by its IMEI via satellite?" Pops up on the Internet. But you need to understand that IMEI numbers of mobile devices and space technologies, in particular, satellite communications, are not related in any way. Information about the phone's IMEI is transmitted through the operator's mobile network and nothing else.
Perhaps someday, searching for phones using satellites will become a reality, but today such technology does not exist. therefore it is impossible to find a phone by IMEI via satellite.
How to find a phone by IMEI over the Internet?
At the beginning of this article, I told you about Google's Android Remote Control service, which allows you to independently locate your phone and lock it. Apple has a similar service called Find iPhone. Both services search for and manage a device by IMEI over the Internet, and this service is free.
All other sites offering for a fee to find a lost device by IMEI, serial number or SIM card number online or install a program to find a phone on a PC is nothing more than a "rip off" of users for money.
Be vigilant and don't lose your phones! And if this happened, in no case transfer money to unknown persons promising to find a phone by IMEI. You can easily find this information yourself and for free using Google and Apple services!
The cell phone boom is a thing of the past. Today even schoolchildren have pipes. The mobile phone serves not only as a means of communication, but also stores important data. This includes phone numbers, photos, programs for managing bank accounts or e-wallets. Therefore, having lost your gadget, you can find a big problem. However, in some situations it is possible to find the phone even when it is turned off.
If your phone is lost
There are two options for solving the problem of a lost phone: Buy a new one and forget about the loss, having been sad for a couple of weeks (this is done most often), or pull yourself together and use possible ways to find a mobile phone. After all, applications can be installed on it to log into various accounts. These are not only social networks, but also banks and e-wallets. You need to act quickly. If tracing attempts were not made immediately, most likely, you will not find your loss. According to statistics, the device can be found in the first 10-15 days. Then it is almost impossible to do it. No more than 30 percent of mobile devices are returned.
Mobile phone search methods
The loss of a mobile device is an unpleasant event. Therefore, try to prepare in advance for this incident. Install possible programs to help you find your device. Password protect your phone. Keep the data in the cloud storage. Do not throw away documents and the box from the device. They will come in handy if you contact the police.
There are three ways to find a switched off phone:
- it is good to search the place of loss, walk along the route where you definitely were with the phone;
- search by the subscriber number of the SIM card;
- if the phone is somewhere nearby, but the search did not help, and you know that you set the alarm. Just wait for the signal.
All other methods work only on switched on devices.
Computer search
Telecom operators offer the Locator service to track phones with the consent of their owners. Since you are the owner, this will not be a problem for you.
Search by IMEI
The method is suitable for phones with a GPS receiver on any operating system. Download the program for your device and install. Register on the website of this program. Now your phone will be constantly tracked by the satellite, and the data will be recorded on the site. The IMEI code is a number that is printed on the box and under the battery on the phone. You can find it out by dialing the combination * # 06 #.
How to find a device by phone number
Mobile operators can send signals to the switched off device. If the attacker did not remove your SIM card, then you will find out where the phone is. To do this, contact your service provider.
Looking for address
At the address, you will find only the subscriber number of the SIM card or landline phone, not a mobile handset.
Built-in search function
In different operating systems, a device search is provided using the built-in function and the Internet. The smartphone must be turned on.
How to find your location using your Google account
This method is only suitable for Android smartphones. With a Google Account, you can not only locate your phone, but also lock your device and erase data. For this, the following conditions must be met:
- the phone is connected to the Internet;
- google app installed. In this case, the Find My Device function is activated by default;
- the gadget is displayed on Google Play;
- included remote control Android Device Manager. It's in the security settings;
- geodata transfer is activated.
To find your phone, do the following:
- On your computer, go to android.com/find. To find a gadget using a tablet or other smartphone, open the Find My Device application and sign in to your account.
- If you have different devices linked, select the lost phone among them.
- On the map in your account, you can see where the device is now. If the current location is not found, then you will see the last found. The information is approximate.
- After you have identified the location of the smartphone, you can immediately select an action:
- ring out. The phone will beep for five minutes. The function works even when the sound is off;
- block. You can also lock the screen and display text with a phone number on it;
- clear. All data is deleted except for the SD card. After cleaning, you can no longer use the "Find device" option.
Search function for IOS
IPhones are searched in a similar way to androids.
- In the settings, enable "Find iPhone".
- Sign up for icloud and link your device.
- Go to the app at icloud.com.
- Select your smartphone. If it is enabled, then you will see it on the map. The same actions will be available to you as in androids. If the phone is lost at home, then select the sound signal. Well, if it was stolen, then turn on the lost mode. The thief will no longer be able to use the device, and you will see the movement of the phone on the map. You can erase all data so that no one else can use it.
Search function for Windows Phone
Turn on Find My Phone in System Preferences and link your device to your Microsoft account. Here you need to put both checkboxes: to speed up the connection and save the position of the phone at intervals.
If the phone turns off, you will see its last location. Further, similar to the previous devices, see the map and select the necessary actions to call, block or clear the smartphone.
Search using apps
If you do not want to use the Internet when looking for a phone, then you can turn to programs that are controlled by messages or calls. These are antiviruses and search applications:
- Avast! Mobile Security;
- Kaspersky Internet (Mobile) Security
- WatchDroid;
- Pray Anti Theft;
- Where's My Droid;
- Plan B;
- Android Lost Free.
These programs flash, emit sound signals, track the location and show it on the map, allow you to remotely control your phone, take pictures from the camera, broadcast the sound surrounding the lost device. As a last resort, you can lock and wipe your device.
Lookout software is very popular. It is designed for different operating systems. Signal Flare has a new feature for Android that registers the coordinates of the device a few seconds before the battery is completely discharged.
other methods
If your cell phone is missing, contact the police. But only if you are sure that the device was not lost in your home. Otherwise, if found, you will have to pay a fine. To contact the law enforcement agencies, prepare documents for the phone and personal passport.
When the phone cannot be found
The mobile phone cannot be found if the SIM card or battery has been removed from it, or if it has been reflashed in order to change the IMEI code. If the device gets into an unfavorable environment and fails, then the owner will never find it. For example, a phone dropped into a river or in hot sand on a beach will stop functioning.
How to reduce the possibility of losing your cell
There is no way to fully protect against losing your device. But you can reduce this likelihood by following simple rules and recommendations:
- try to keep your phone in one place at all times. If you use a bag, set aside a separate pocket for your mobile phone. At home or at work, put the device in a permanent place. Then the loss can be immediately noticed;
- never put a gadget in the back pocket of your clothes;
- in crowded public areas, try to use the phone only when necessary. The probability of snatching it is very high;
- buy a headset that notifies you that there is more than five meters between you and the device. Such a signal will warn you about a phone left in a cafe or a fleeing thief;
- there are special key chains for finding things. They respond to various sounds;
- when there are many passengers standing nearby in public transport, you may not feel how the intruder pulls out the phone. Carry headphones with you. Good music will make the trip not boring, and an unexpected cessation of sound will signal that the gadget has turned off;
- play Pokemon Go very carefully. This is not funny, because Pokémon are in various backyards and unreliable yards, where there is no light and people. Attackers can take advantage of this.
No one is safe from losing a cell phone. In order to find a gadget and avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to use the right tools. In those cases when it is impossible to do this, hurry up to change the passwords from the offices to which you had access via your mobile phone.
If you have lost your Android somewhere, or it was stolen from you, do not lose heart. There is a chance to find the lost phone. In this article, we'll show you how to do this.
Record navigation:
Lost phone - how to find if it is turned off
If the phone was stolen and turned off, then we advise you to contact the law enforcement agencies, who will try to find the lost phone by IMEI. To do this, you will need to write a statement indicating the IMEI of your gadget. The IMEI code can be found by removing the battery or on the phone box.
Those who have encountered such a problem know that the search results for a stolen phone do not always end with success. But this does not mean that you should not write a statement.
You can try to find your lost phone by satellite yourself for free, but, in most cases, this does not bring the desired result. Because only law enforcement agencies can find a lost phone by satellite, and they will submit a corresponding request to the cellular company.
How to find a lost phone using your Google account
Using a Google account, you can not only find a lost phone, but also delete all user information on it.
You can also check the last time the device was used.
This method is relevant if the phone was lost at home or on the street and was turned on at the time of loss. If it was stolen, it is possible that the attacker still has not turned off the power of the gadget. In order for this method to work, your device must be signed in to your Google account and the Internet must be turned on.
If you return to the previous page, then you will be offered several options for further actions:
- Ring the phone
- Lock your phone
- Sign out of account on device
- Contact your cellular operator
- Delete data from device
Very useful "Call" function. By clicking on it, your phone will ring continuously for 5 minutes, even if silent mode is enabled on it. This will help you find your lost phone through your computer if you lost it somewhere at home.
Attention! If your phone was stolen and you managed to determine its location, then in no case try to return it yourself, contact the law enforcement agencies.
If you have any questions about how to find your lost phone, write in the comments.
Answers on questions
I couldn't find my lost phone, how can I block it?
To do this, you must enable the blocking function in advance. On the Android remote control page, click on the "Configure data blocking and deletion" button. You will be prompted to send a PUSH notification to your phone, press "Send". A notification will be sent to the phone, we will activate remote control there. After that you will have access to the functions "Block" and "Clear".
Using the “Lock” function, you can remotely put your password on the screen lock screen, and using the “Clear” function, you can remotely return to the factory settings on your phone.
How to find a stolen phone?
All methods described above will work for this case as well.