Do you know what an IMEI number is? It’s a special 15-digit code that every mobile phone has. This code is unique to every mobile. It means no two phones in the world have the same IMEI number. It works like an identity for your device.

Network providers use this IMEI number to recognize valid phones. That’s why it is helpful if your phone gets lost or stolen.

By using the IMEI number, the authorities or your network company can try to locate your missing phone. Or they can make sure that no one else can use your phone without permission.

If you know your phone’s IMEI number, you can block or track it remotely if it ever gets lost or stolen.

Legality of Tracking by IMEI

It is not as simple as it seems to track a phone using its IMEI number. There are laws around privacy and data protection that you need to follow. By the way, whether tracking is legal or not, it mainly depends on getting the right permissions.

Legality of Tracking by IMEI:

Owner’s Permission: If the owner of the phone has clearly said it’s okay to track their device, then it’s usually legal. This happens when the owner wants to find their lost or stolen phone.
Law Enforcement: The police or other authorities can legally track a phone’s IMEI number if they are investigating a crime or trying to recover stolen property. But they usually need a special warrant or legal permission to do this.
Network Providers: Your mobile company can track the IMEI to block or unblock a device from their network. They do this as part of managing their services, especially when a phone is reported as stolen.

Situations Where Tracking is Legal:

Phone Theft or Loss: If your phone gets stolen or lost, you can legally track it using the IMEI number to try and find it.
Legal Investigations: During police investigations or court cases, the authorities can track a phone’s IMEI to gather evidence or trace illegal activities.
With Owner’s Consent: If the phone’s owner agrees or asks for tracking like if the parents of a kid want to keep track of their kids’ phones for safety reasons, it is legal.

But in all these situations, the tracking has to follow the privacy laws of that country or region. The privacy rights of individuals must be respected. So if you want to track a phone’s IMEI, make sure you understand and follow all the legal rules.

Methods to find the IMEI number of a phone

It is a very simple process to find the IMEI number of your mobile phone. You can do it in several different ways. Let me tell you the most common methods:

Dial a Code: This is the easiest way where you just need to dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad or dialer. Almost all phones support this code. Once you dial it, your phone’s IMEI number will be displayed right on the screen.

Through Settings Menu:
- For Android phones: Go to Settings > About Phone or About Device > Status > IMEI Information. The exact path may be a little different depending on your phone’s brand and software version.
- For iPhones: Go to Settings > General > About, and scroll down to find the IMEI number listed there.

On the Phone’s Box: If you still have the original box your phone came in when you first purchased it, check the sticker on the outside of the box. The IMEI is usually printed on that sticker along with other certification numbers.

Under the Battery (if removable): Does your phone have a removable battery? If so, turn off the phone and take out the battery. You can often find the IMEI number printed on a sticker inside the battery compartment.

On the SIM Card Tray: For some newer phone models, especially iPhones, the IMEI is printed right on the SIM card tray. Use the SIM removal tool or a paperclip to eject the tray and you will see the number there.

How to Track a Phone Using an IMEI Number

The first thing you need to do is find your phone’s IMEI number. You can find this number by dialling *#06# on your phone’s keypad. It will be displayed on the screen.
Once you get the IMEI number, contact your mobile network provider. Tell them that your phone is lost or stolen, and provide them with the IMEI number. They can then block that phone from working on their network and also inform other networks about it.
You can also use special apps or online services to track your mobile number or your phone using its IMEI number. Some popular options are the “IMEI Tracker-Find My Device” app and the “AntiTheft App & IMEI Tracker All Phone Location” app.
If your phone was actually stolen, you should file a police report too. Give them the IMEI number, and they can use it to try and locate your phone or identify the thief.

But be careful and only use trusted apps or services since you are dealing with sensitive information.

What to Do If Your Phone Goes Missing

Contact Your Mobile Network Provider Immediately: As soon as you realize your phone is lost or stolen, call your network provider and inform them about it. You give them your phone’s IMEI number.
File a Police Report: If your phone was actually stolen, you need to report the theft to the police as well. Give them your stolen phone’s IMEI number.
Lock and Wipe Your Phone Remotely: You can use Google’s “Find My Device” to erase the details of your phone.

In Summary

I shared everything about IMEI numbers like how to find your IMEI number properly and use this number to track your lost mobile number. If you want me to add more helpful points to this page, please let me know in the comment box. I will do my research and include them as quickly as possible.