How to track phone through IMEI

Question

I’ve heard that the IMEI number can be used to track a phone. How does this process work technically, and what legal or ethical concerns should I be aware of?
Are there any legitimate ways to track a phone using its IMEI number, such as through a service provider, and what role do law enforcement and mobile network operators play in this process?

Answer 1

While it is technically possible to track a phone using its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), there are a number of ethical and legal issues to take into account. Here's how the process works, along with the entities involved and their roles.

What is IMEI?

• The IMEI is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device.
• It helps identify a device on a mobile network, irrespective of the SIM card used.
• It can be found by dialing *#06# on most phones or in the device settings.

Methods to Track via IMEI

1. Contact Your Service Provider:

• Report the IMEI to your mobile carrier along with a police complaint number if the phone is lost or stolen.
• The carrier can track the phone's activity and location on their network.

2. Involve Law Enforcement:

• File a report with the police.
• Authorities can work with carriers to locate or block the phone.

3. Government Portals (Region-Specific):

Some countries, like India, offer portals (e.g., CEIR - Central Equipment Identity Register) for blocking or tracking IMEI-flagged phones.

Limitations of IMEI Tracking

• Blocked IMEIs: If a phone is blacklisted, it won't connect to networks but may still be used offline.
• IMEI Spoofing: Hackers can modify the IMEI, making tracking difficult