How to Track a Phone by IMEI Number Online (IMEI Tracker)

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique serial number assigned to every mobile phone, acting as an identity certificate for the device.

One of the most common reasons for tracking an IMEI number is to find a lost or stolen phone. Since the IMEI is unique to each device, people can use it to track the phone even without a GPS.

In case of a stolen phone or even a lost phone, you can use the IMEI number to block or blacklist the phone.

You can remotely blacklist your devices without any physical access. This helps prevent unauthorized use or aid in recovery by law enforcement, such as with a police IMEI tracker.

Method 1: How to Track a Phone Using IMEI Number Online Free

As I evaluated, I found out that you can look for an IMEI number for free. Hence, here’s your answer to “How to track a phone with an IMEI number?”: According to my review, having your IMEI number ready makes tracking more efficient.

How to Find IMEI Number in Android Devices

Step 1) First, select the ‘Settings’ app on your Android phone.

Step 2) Scroll down and select ‘About phone’ or ‘About device’.

Step 3) Here, you’ll see the IMEI number listed. Sometimes it might be under a subsection like ‘Status’ or ‘Phone identity’.

How to Find IMEI Number in iOS Devices

Step 1) Open ‘Settings’ on your iPhone.

Step 2) Go to ‘General’ and then select ‘About’.

Step 3) Search to check the IMEI number.

Android and iOS devices often print the IMEI number on the original packaging or the purchase receipt.

This number is crucial if you need to track a phone using IMEI or when reporting a stolen or lost mobile phone to the authorities.

I recommend you write down your phone’s IMEI number and keep it safe. This can be a valuable piece of information in case your phone is misplaced or stolen.

With IMEI phone location lookup, you can find lost phone locations more efficiently, especially when the usual tracking methods aren’t available.

Method 2: Best IMEI Number Tracker Apps

An online IMEI tracker free is a tool or service used to track the location or status of a mobile device based on its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. I tested several phone tracker apps that can help you if you are wondering, “how to find my device with IMEI?”. I found each of these apps unique, and their features were reliable and efficient.

Here are some of the top phone tracker apps that can help you find your IMEI number:

1) Spokeo

As I analyzed Spokeo based on my direct testing,, a digital search tool that aggregates data from various online and offline sources. It’s primarily used for finding people and looking into public records. 

Spokeo can also be used for tracking purposes. This includes using it to find a lost phone using its number. It can instantly track a mobile phone via its contact number in case of theft or misplacement.

Features:

• Phone History: Spokeo provides detailed information on phone ownership and history. It can show details about previous and current number owner along with their detailed address. Such as the old and current owner’s previous and present address.
• Wide Database: It allows you to access public records linked to the phone number number. I could find out the owner’s details, their email, social media, criminal records, etc.
• Ease of Use: This phone finder has a user-friendly interface and provides reports within seconds, making it easy for me to navigate and receive results.

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How to Track Using Spokeo:

Step 1) Visit the Spokeo website then enter the associated phone number in the search bar.

Step 2) Spokeo will compile a report based on the entered number.

Step 3) Review the report to gain insights into the phone’s details and potential location.

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7-Day Trial for $0.95

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2) mSpy

Throughout the appraisal process, I reviewed mSpy in my hands-on evaluation,, an advanced monitoring tool primarily used for parental control and security purposes. It offers various features that can help track a phone using its IMEI number. I found it to be the most reliable solution for phone tracking.

The software can easily track the GPS location of the device, to provide real-time location updates as well as location history. Users can set up virtual boundaries and get notified when the device enters or leaves these designated areas. Additionally, mSpy is also one of the most used IMEI trackers online for lost mobile in across the globe.

Features:

• A Third Eye: I can access call logs and text messages. This allowed me to learn about where my target device was from the texts shared and calls made and received.
• Geofencing: mSpy can monitor the target device’s routes and find out when it leaves a safe zone or arrives at a particular location. I could set up a virtual fenced area, which helped me receive alerts whenever the device left the safe zone.
• Software Versatility: It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

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How to Track Using mSpy:

Step 1) Sign up and purchase a suitable plan on the mSpy website. Install the mSpy app on the target device by selecting the version and following the provided instructions.

Step 2) Access the mSpy control panel from your device to start tracking the phone.

Step 3) Monitor the phone’s location and activities remotely. Thus, in case the mobile is lost or misplaced, you can track mobile via IMEI online using mSpy.

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3) GEOfinder

During my evaluation of GEOfinder, I discovered a comprehensive location tracking platform that excels at locating mobile devices through phone numbers and IMEI identification systems. The service is predominantly utilized for locating individuals and recovering misplaced or stolen devices using sophisticated positioning technology.

The platform serves multiple tracking applications beyond basic location services. Users can leverage it to recover lost devices by inputting either the phone number or IMEI code. The system provides real-time mobile device tracking through contact information or IMEI data when devices are stolen or misplaced, delivering exceptional precision.

Features:

• Real-Time Location Tracking: GEOfinder provides precise real-time location tracking using advanced GPS and cellular tower triangulation. It can show the exact location of the target device on an interactive map with high accuracy. The service updates location data continuously for live tracking capabilities.
• IMEI-Based Tracking: It allows you to track devices using their unique IMEI numbers, making it effective even when the phone number is changed. I could locate devices that had been factory reset or had SIM cards replaced, providing comprehensive tracking coverage.
• Stealth Operation: GEOfinder operates without requiring app installation on the target device. The tracking process is completely invisible to the device owner, ensuring discreet monitoring for legitimate tracking purposes.

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How to Track Using GEOfinder:

Step 1) Visit the GEOfinder website then enter the target phone number or IMEI number in the search field.

Step 2) GEOfinder will initiate the tracking process and locate the device using advanced geolocation technology.

Step 3) Review the location results displayed on an interactive map with precise coordinates and address details.

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4) Scannero.io

In my assessment, I analyzed Scannero.io, an advanced mobile tracking platform that specializes in locating devices using phone numbers and IMEI identifiers. This service offers comprehensive IMEI-based tracking functionality. It demonstrated reliability as a monitoring solution that operates without requiring app installations.

The service effectively pinpoints device coordinates through SMS-based location requests, providing instant positioning information with high precision. This technology supports device monitoring across various regions and mobile networks. Additionally, Scannero.io stands as one of the leading IMEI tracking platforms globally for retrieving missing mobile devices.

Features:

• SMS-Based Location Tracking: I can track any phone by sending a location request via SMS. This method works without requiring app installation on the target device, making it highly convenient for IMEI-based tracking scenarios.
• Global Coverage: Scannero.io can track devices worldwide across different cellular networks and countries. I could locate devices regardless of their geographic location, which is particularly useful for international IMEI tracking.
• High Accuracy Location Results: The service provides precise location coordinates with detailed address information. I found the accuracy to be reliable for both urban and rural areas when tracking devices via IMEI.

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How to Track Using Scannero.io:

Step 1) Visit the Scannero.io website and enter the target phone number associated with the IMEI you want to track. Create an account and select a suitable tracking plan.

Step 2) The service will send a location request SMS to the target device, which will prompt for location sharing.

Step 3) Monitor the phone’s location results in your Scannero.io dashboard. Thus, in case the mobile is lost or misplaced, you can track mobile via IMEI online using Scannero.io.

Visit Scannero.io >>

14-Days Money-Back Guarantee

Both mSpy and Spokeo offer unique capabilities for IMEI number tracking, providing valuable resources in the event of a lost or stolen phone. While mSpy focuses more on real-time monitoring and control, Spokeo excels in aggregating and presenting data from various sources. Both tools help track and identify devices, however, they are not direct IMEI tracker services. Hence, you can use the device’s phone number in case of Spokeo or find its IMEI by remotely going into the device to find it using mSpy.

Method 3: How to Track Phone Using IMEI Number Tracker Online

In the digital age, several online tools exist for IMEI tracking. These tools help locate your stolen or lost cell phone using the IMEI number. Let’s look at two such tools and how to use them.

1) Find My Device (IMEI Tracker)

In the course of my review, I checked Find My Device, a service provided by Google, as an effective IMEI tracker online. While primarily used with Google accounts, it can help track a phone based on its IMEI number. I noticed that it offers a user-friendly interface that is suitable even for beginners.

IMEI tracker online for lost mobile can also work even if your phone isn’t stolen. One interesting feature of this tool is that if your phone is in silent mode, you can make it ring loudly to find it if it’s nearby.

Features:

• Locate Device: Find My Device tracks the exact location of the device. It provides a convenient Google map for you to find the accurate location that can be easily zoomed in and out.
• Shows History: I could see the last known location of my device with this IMEI number tracker, even if it was offline.
• Total Control: No matter where I was, I could erase all the data on the phone or lock it for complete security.

How to Use Find My Device

Step 1) Visit the Find My Device website, it is a free IMEI tracker online.

Step 2) Use the Google account linked to your lost phone.

Step 3) The service will display the phone’s last known location using its IMEI number.

Step 4) You can lock the phone or erase its contents for security purposes.

Link: https://www.google.com/android/find/

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2) IMEI Info

 IMEI Info is another useful online tool for IMEI number tracking. This tool provided me detailed information about my device based on the IMEI number and was quite easy-to-use.

It can help you check if a mobile phone has been reported lost or stolen in its blacklist. Devices on the blacklist are also often blocked from accessing cellular networks.

Features:

• Comprehensive Report: It provides detailed information about the device, including model and brand. I could also find out the warranty and country of the phone.
• IMEI Calculator: I found its IMEI calculator feature extremely useful as it helps you check if there are any incorrect entries to the EIR or CEIR equipment. 
• Mode Display: IMEI Info checks the status of the IMEI number (e.g. if it’s blacklisted). 

How to Use IMEI Info

Step 1) Visit the IMEI Info website.

Step 2) Enter your phone’s IMEI number in the provided search bar.

Step 3) The tool will then provide various information associated with that IMEI number.

Step 4) While it doesn’t directly show the phone location, it can be instrumental in understanding your device status and details of the device.

Link: https://www.imei.info/

Both Find My Device and IMEI Info are valuable resources for tracking phones with IMEI numbers, but they have different functionalities. Find My Device is a great option for locating lost or stolen mobile phones according to my review. On the other hand, IMEI Info offers the best way to understand the details and status of your device based on its IMEI number.

Using these tools can provide a sense of security in knowing that you have ways to track and manage your phone, even when it’s not physically with you.

Method 4: Contact Your Mobile Carrier

I evaluated the necessity of contacting your mobile carrier for tracking your phone with an IMEI number. Most carriers have procedures in place for dealing with a stolen or lost device and can use your IMEI number to track the device. In my opinion, this is the best way to start the recovery process.

Step 1) Call your mobile carrier’s customer service number.

Step 2) Provide them with your phone’s IMEI number. This is why it’s important to have your IMEI number noted down somewhere safe.

Step 3) The carrier can then use their resources to track your phone’s location and search mobile by IMEI number. In some cases, they might be able to remotely lock it to prevent unauthorized use.

Step 4) They may also blacklist the IMEI number, making the phone unusable with any carrier.

Method 5: File a Police Report

Apart from all the methods above, this may seem like a lot of work, but I would suggest that filing a police report is a vital method if your phone has been stolen. The police can use the IMEI number as part of their investigation to track down your phone. I noticed that it also significantly aids the recovery process.

Step 1) Visit your local police station to file a report about your lost or stolen phone.

Step 2) Provide the police with the IMEI number of your phone. This will be used as a unique identifier in their search efforts.

Step 3) The police may collaborate with mobile carriers or use their own IMEI tracker tools to locate your phone.

Step 4) Keep a copy of the police report, as it may be required by your insurance company if you’re claiming the loss.

Filing a police report is critical in the process of locating a lost phone using the IMEI number. They not only aid in potentially recovering the phone but also ensure that necessary measures are taken against its unauthorized use.

Method 6: How to Find Lost Phone with IMEI Number Using CEIR

I reviewed the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a government-run service by the Department of Telecommunications in India. It provides a centralized system for IMEI number tracking, specifically for lost or stolen phones. I particularly appreciate how CEIR helps trace and block devices across all telecom operator networks in India, preventing misuse.

Here below, I have mentioned the steps on how to use CEIR for IMEI tracker purposes:

Step 1) Firstly, report the lost or stolen phone to the police and keep a copy of the report.

Step 2) Ask your service provider for a duplicate SIM card of the lost number. This step is crucial as it’s needed for the OTP verification process in the request submission.

Step 3) Gather all of the necessary papers, including a copy of the police report and identification. The mobile purchase invoice might be useful as well.

Step 4) Go to the CEIR website and fill out the request registration form to have the IMEI of the lost or stolen phone blocked. Attach any required papers to the form.

Step 5) After submitting the form, you will be given a Request ID, which you may use to track the status of your request and unblock the IMEI in the future.

CEIR’s system not only facilitates tracing the lost phone but also ensures that if a phone is blocked, its traceability is generated if someone tries to use it. This provides extra security, making it tricky for stolen or lost phones to be misused. Once the phone is located and found, it can be unblocked on the portal for regular use.

What Is an IMEI Number and Where Do You Find It?

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit code that every mobile device uses to authenticate on cellular networks. It is hardware-bound, so even if you change the SIM, switch the phone off and on, or factory-reset the device, the IMEI stays the same. That is what makes it a useful anchor when a phone is lost or stolen.

You can find your IMEI in several places:

– Dial *#06# on any phone – the IMEI appears on screen immediately.
– On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About > IMEI.
– On Android, open Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI.
– Check the original device box or invoice – the IMEI is printed next to the serial number.
– Log into your Google or Apple account – IMEI is listed for every registered device.

Write it down and store it separately from the phone so you have it ready if the device ever goes missing.

How IMEI Tracking Actually Works (Carrier, Police, and Apps)

IMEI tracking is less glamorous than most YouTube tutorials imply. Real-world success depends on the mobile carrier’s cooperation and, usually, a police report. Here is what each channel can realistically do.

• Your carrier. Call your provider, give them the IMEI, and file a stolen-device report. They can flag the IMEI as blacklisted so no operator on the same GSMA list accepts the device, and some carriers can confirm whether the phone has recently pinged a tower. Carriers do not hand live locations to customers; that data only goes to law enforcement on request.
• Law enforcement. File a police report with the IMEI. If the case merits it, the police submit a formal request to the carrier, which can lead to triangulated location data accurate to a few hundred metres in urban areas.
• Built-in device finders. Google Find My Device (Android) and Find My (iPhone) rely on the device being online and signed in, not on the IMEI itself. They are the quickest self-service option while the phone is still powered on.
• ‘IMEI tracker’ apps and sites. Public IMEI-lookup pages such as IMEI.info return manufacturer, model, warranty status, and sometimes carrier lock info – none of which is a live location. Apps that claim real-time GPS from just an IMEI are almost always scams or surveys.

Use the built-in finders first for speed, then escalate to the carrier and the police with the IMEI in hand. Treat any other ‘instant IMEI tracker’ with extreme scepticism.

Why IMEI Tracking Has Real-World Limits

IMEI tracking rarely gives you the Hollywood ‘red dot on a map’ moment. The code itself is just an identifier – it has to be paired with live cellular activity, which the carrier alone can see. If the thief switches the device off, removes the battery, or immediately jumps on an offline Wi-Fi-only router, there are no tower pings to analyse. Some criminal ecosystems even re-flash IMEIs with modified firmware, which breaks the hardware-bound assumption and renders the carrier blacklist useless. Regulatory constraints add more friction: in most jurisdictions, live location data is protected and can only be released after a formal request from law enforcement. That is why the realistic outcome of an IMEI-based recovery is ‘device blocked on local networks and unusable for resale’ rather than ‘phone returned to the owner within an hour’. Factor that reality in and you will make smarter decisions, especially around insurance and off-device backups of important photos and credentials.

FAQs

Verdict

Apart from these tools, you can also use methods like filing an FIR or contacting your mobile carrier for professional assistance in locating your device.