How to find a lost android phone by imei. How to find a stolen phone by IMEI? Search for an Android phone using the Internet
So, you have lost your beloved gadget, which hides practically your entire life. What to do in this situation? There is only one answer: seek. And of course, according to IMEI, we will understand the details in the process. It remains only to understand what this very IMEI is. Let's start with this question.
What is IMEI
This is how the sticker with the IMEI code on the box looks likeEach mobile phone is assigned its own identification number, by which it registers itself on the network. This number must be assigned to the device in production and, in theory, changing it, if not impossible, then very laborious. It is to ensure security - so that, after stealing a smartphone, an attacker cannot change its IMEI - the algorithm for assigning it is constantly changing. At the very beginning, when mobile phones were just starting to make, there were 14 characters in the code, and in 2004 they became 15. This code consists of an identifier, designation of the place and date of assembly, and so on that the user does not need to know.
IMEI can be seen if carefully look at the boxthat your device was packed in when you purchased it. It can also be find on the phone itself, if you lift the battery, but this method is not suitable for devices with a fixed battery. Finally, you can type on the keyboard a certain keyboard shortcutto display the identification code on the screen.
Important: the code for checking IMEI is * # 06 # and the call.
The phone was stolen. What to do?
No one is immune from a thief If your phone was stolen, first of all you need to write police report... Well, or say goodbye to your device, because - and this is important to remember - only this body can search for a phone by IMEI. The fact is that, according to our legislation, only the police can send a request to the operator to trace the phone.
When a phone goes online, this happens with the help of an identification code, and the base station "knows" that this or that phone has entered the network using two factors: the signal of the SIM card and the IMEI of a particular device. but locate smartphone only by IMEI mobile provider can not.
Only the operator can say where the lost phone is, and he can do this only at the request of the competent authorities.
In order to write a statement to the police in connection with the theft of a smartphone, you need to indicate your passport data, provide documents for the purchase of a smartphone (check, warranty card, etc.), and IMEI device... The district police department will refer the case to the unit that handles such matters, which in turn will send the request to the operator. As you can see, this is not a quick case, since the police are not a lost property office, and criminal intent has yet to be proven.
In fact, they will actually search for your gadget only if it was lost as a result of a criminal offense, for example, robbery, etc.
That's why any other suggestions find phone by IMEI - via satellite, online, free of charge or otherwise, firstly, they are doomed to failureand secondly, the defaults are fraudulent... Also, there are no programs for finding a phone by IMEI, unless it is a database of stolen devices, created in order, for example, not to buy such a device from hand.
Why can't you find a phone by IMEI online?
Imagine: your phone was stolen... What are the thieves doing in this case? That's right: SIM card - to the nearest trash can, turn off the device itself. It would seem how to track a phone in IMEI? But the myths that this is possible are very tenacious, and for good reason.
The fact is that even when the gadget is turned off, running processes: battery consumption control is involved, the network processor, which periodically sends low-frequency signals by the radio-frequency module, but does not climb into the network, but waits for the alarm clock or connection to the USB port, and static memory. Everything else is asleep, including the actual radio module. Consequently, no satellite, no base station - no one at all - this phone does not "see" and cannot find it.
On the other hand, as soon as a new SIM card is inserted into the stolen phone and she tries to register on the network, it is thanks to the IMEI that the system will indicate that the stolen phone has appeared there. In Europe and the USA, such a device is immediately blocked, so a pickpocket or a hobbyist will not get much joy from theft. But in the Russian Federation there is no such system yet, but, perhaps,.
However, you can save your phone from thieves, or at least make their life not so sweet, and in subsequent articles we will tell you how to do this.
Alexander Grishin
The loss of a smartphone is an extremely unpleasant event in itself. Even more depressing is the likelihood of personal information falling into the wrong hands.
Fortunately, mobile device manufacturers have assigned each phone a unique IMEI code, which can help locate a lost or stolen gadget. In this article, we will tell you how to independently find a phone by IMEI via satellite in several ways.
How to find a phone by IMEI via satellite?
If the smartphone has been stolen, then first of all it is worth contacting the law enforcement agencies. They have the right to send inquiries to operators cellular communicationwhich can check the location of the phone via satellite.
To do this, you must submit an application to the nearest department of the ROVD. The main parameter that needs to be reported is the IMEI by which the search will be performed. You can find the 16-digit code on the box with which the device was purchased. In addition, it is recommended to indicate additionally the brand, model, specifications and external features gadget to increase the likelihood of finding it.
It is recommended to seek the help of the police in cases where there is confidence that the device has been stolen. If the device was lost, they are unlikely to search. In this case, depending on the brand of the device, you can try to find it yourself.
How to find iPhone by yourself via IMEI and iCloud?
If you lose your iPhone, you can easily find it yourself and block it remotely so that personal data does not fall into the hands of intruders. The Find iPhone service, which is part of the unified iCloud portal, helps in this. He works all over the world, including Russia, Kazakhstan and the CIS countries.
The search is performed in the following order:
- Open the Track and Search page on iCloud.com;
- Press the "Login" button and authorize on the portal;
- After the smartphone appears on the map, you should select it, and then:
- Activate Lost Mode - blocking access to the device;
- Execute "Erase iPhone" - deletes all device information;
- Click the "Finish" button;
- Go to the locating point of the phone. Hopefully it's still there.
Unfortunately, if the phone is switched off, it will not be possible to find it via satellite.
How to find an Android phone on Google?
Discover lost phone on the Android platform, you can similarly via the Internet. "Phone search" in account Google has a similar approach to iCloud:
- Go to the "Phone search" page in the "My Account" section on Google;
- Go through authorization;
- Select the lost device in the list of devices;
- Re-enter the password to access the service;
- Press the "Find" button in the line with the name;
- Enter the password again for confirmation;
- Wait for connection with the device;
- After displaying on the map, select one of the available options:
- "Call" - test 5-minute call;
- "Block" - deny access to the phone;
- "Erase data" - delete all information.
Enter the unlock password or confirm the action.
How to find a phone via IMEI online and for free
Free online search methods (except for the above services from Apple and Google) are not effective, since they do not have any real technical base. The only information that Internet portals can provide is the technical characteristics of the device. For example, the IMEI.Info service helps to accurately determine the device, its parameters by code, and also provides additional instructions for locking / unlocking and resetting data.
We hope you were able to find your phone. If you have any questions - ask them in the comments.
"Apple" devices annually bring huge profits not only to companies from Cupertino, but also to fraudsters around the world. What kind of "gray" Chinese are not trying to "sell" to fans of the Apple brand under the guise of the original iPhone!
However, it would seem that "seven troubles - one piece of advice." If you bought your iPhone from a reputable retailer, there can be no problem. However, unfortunately, not everyone can afford a new iPhone, so you have to go to a used market, where every second is a scammer. However, we have great news! The rule "seven troubles - one piece of advice" also applies in this situation - only advice will be different. No matter where you bought your iPhone, we'll help you make the right choice!
There are tons of articles on the Internet on how to buy an original used smartphone from Apple with a million rules - where to look and what to find. However, give up this endless search, because by and large you can perform just one action in order to absolutely understand whether the original is in front of you or not, and the action is to check the iPhone by IMEI or serial number. How to verify iPhone for authenticity using these codes, we will tell in this article.
IMEI is an abbreviation for International Mobile Equipment Identity. In translation, this means - the international identifier of mobile equipment. Simply put, IMEI is a unique code of a mobile device assigned to it at the manufacturer's factory. For a mobile device, this code is like a fingerprint for a person. Now, you are probably already starting to understand why if you check the iPhone by IMEI, it will become unequivocally clear whether it is released by Apple or not.
Where can I check an iPhone by IMEI?
It is likely that a question has ripened in your head now - how can an ordinary user check an iPhone by its IMEI for authenticity, because the number is assigned by the manufacturer. Where can I get the database of these codes and how can I find out the IMEI of my equipment? Don't worry, there are a bunch of special services on the Internet where you can specify the IMEI and check the iPhone for authenticity, and you can do this for free.
How to find out the IMEI of an iPhone?
IPhone IMEI - be it iPhone 5S, iPhone 6S or any other model - can be viewed in two ways:
Settings menu
To find out the IMEI on the iPhone through the "Settings" menu, you need to find the line "About this device" in this menu itself, and then in the new window that appears, find the IMEI parameter.
Special combination
Also Phone IMEI can be viewed by dialing the combination # 06 #, call - IMEI will appear on the screen.
How to check an iPhone for authenticity by IMEI?
Well, we got to the most important question - we identified the IMEI of our phone and found out that there are a bunch of services where you can break through its originality. Now, in fact, let's answer the question - how. Very simple! We execute the following instruction:
That's all! As you can see, it is very easy to determine the authenticity of any smartphone - iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and others!
How to check iPnone by serial number?
Any phone, in addition to IMEI, has one more unique code - serial numberand it also allows you to identify the authenticity of your smartphone. Moreover, Apple even has a special service for such verification. So if you don't trust third-party services iMEI check, you can check the authenticity of your iPhone by the serial number on the official Apple resource.
Checking the iPhone by its serial number is done as follows:
By the way, you can find out more about the iPhone by serial number if you use a third-party service, for example, this one. Curious to know where your gadget was made? With the help of this service, you can even track in which factory he was "born".
How to check if the iPhone is locked to work with one operator?
At the beginning of the article, we said that there is one universal way to check the iPhone for authenticity - this is checking by IMEI or serial number. However, an unoriginal iPhone is not the only risk that exists when purchasing an "apple" gadget off hand. You can buy an original iPhone, but still get screwed. In which case? In that, if you manage to buy an original iPhone, locked to work with one operator.
Yes, the operator can block the iPhone and in America buying such an i-gadget is a very common practice. The user can deal with only one operator in this case, but he gets the device for much less money.
But does a Russian user need a telephone that is programmed to work with a single American operator? Of course not! But many scammers are not averse to making money by buying such a locked iPhone for a pittance (they don’t even have to think about how to lock the device, everything is done by an official operator) and sell it under the guise of a smartphone that can work with any operator.
How to check if they are trying to sell you a locked smartphone? Ask the seller for permission to insert your SIM-card into the device and check if it will work with it. Calls go through, SMS go through? So everything is all right!
By the way, if the seller, when asked to insert his SIM, says that, they say, he is blocked for work with one operator, but unlocking the iPhone is a nonsense business, but he is ready to make a discount, run away from this dishonest person! It is not easy to bypass the operator lock - you need a professional and a special R-SIM chip. And even after removing the lock, you will not be able to update, or rather you can, but for each version of the platform you will have to purchase a new R-SIM.
Let's summarize
As you can see, the IMEI and serial number of your smartphone, which before seemed to you probably a useless collection of letters and numbers, can be of great benefit. What can be tracked by these parameters? Not only the authenticity of the smartphone, but also its other characteristics, as obvious - color, memory size, model; and not really - the manufacturer's factory, for example.
In most cases, IMEI search helps.
Read our article on how to track your device and prevent re-theft.
Modern technology, in particular, of the middle and higher price categories, are of particular value for pickpockets.
They can steal your device and then resell it on the black market.
A logical question arises: how to track your phone in order to return it? In most cases, IMEI search helps.
This code is a unique 15-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to the device prior to sale.
It is almost impossible to change it, even if you remove the SIM card. To find out the IMEI of your terminal, just dial * # 06 #.
Or you can find it on the box with the device.
But how are things going in practice, and will it be possible to find the device using the phone's IMEI? The procedure is feasible, but fraught with a number of difficulties.
Police report
To begin with, it is not possible to find the device on your own, because the operators who store the list of IMEI numbers in the database will not give out the data to third parties without the permission of law enforcement agencies. They just don't have the right.
In this regard, the victim is forced to go to the police, leaving a corresponding statement, attaching to it all accompanying documentation confirming the act of ownership:
1) box;
2) purchase receipt;
3) warranty card.
It should be noted right away that this is a very troublesome business, but if you are an influential official, and the device stores a lot of important corporate and personal data, this will greatly speed up the search.
Check on the official base
According to the legislation of Russia and Ukraine, a law enforcement officer is obliged to go to court, convincing judges to obtain permission to search for information about the current position of the mobile terminal.
If the approval is received and the required document is signed, the representative of the authorities applies to the national operator with a request to provide information about the IMEI code of interest.
Important: the identifier must be "white", i.e. officially included in the legal framework for mobile devices. IfIMEI is "gray", i.e. the device was illegally brought from abroad, you can be additionally fined and held criminally liable for using contraband.
Even if the operative received all the data, this does not mean the success of the search.
Based on the information received, investigative measures will be carried out in order to track the current location. In other words, they will try to find the phone via satellite.
In most cases, the device is still located.
Remember that modern smartphones are mini computers with an OS on board.
Smart thieves can programmatically change the unique identifier, after which no one will be able to find the phone.
This method is very complicated and cost-effective only when very expensive or rare specimens are stolen, moreover, only a few are taken for a change.
The second point is the same judgment. Your application may not be satisfied, and then further actions will no longer seem possible.
An independent search on the Internet will not lead to anything good either.
To begin with, only an operator can provide reliable information about IMEI, which under no circumstances will store its base on some dubious third-party resources.
If you are asked to send an SMS-message of any content to obtain data, this is a common scam. In the best case, you will lose money in your account.
Alternative search methods
To protect yourself as much as possible from theft or loss, follow the steps below.
Fill out the business card in the profile of the device, providing contact information, including an alternative phone number, email and residential address.
If the device is found by a respectable citizen, he will be able to dock with you, returning the loss.
Install additional software that will automatically send SMS to the specified number if someone has changed the SIM card on the phone.
If you own a product from Apple - and other services. In addition, activate the Find iPhone service.
This will help you calculate the current location of the gadget via the Internet.
Today the mobile phone serves not only as a means of communication. For most owners, this is a notebook, a personal diary, music player and a photo album.
Thus, the loss of a mobile device can cause enormous damage to its owner. In addition, modern mobile devices allow you to manage banking operations, and for an attacker it will be a gold mine. Therefore, you need to initially make sure that you have not left your phone at home or at work - perhaps the most common cases!
But, if you are sure that you dropped your phone somewhere on the street, in the metro or bus, then you should try to call the number of the SIM card installed on the device. If you think that the phone was stolen, then it is important to immediately contact the nearest office of the mobile operator to block the SIM card, as the consequences can be very dire.
However, locking your SIM card will not help you protect sensitive data (photos and videos, bank cards, private messages, etc.), and the sooner you start searching for a device, the more likely you are to keep this data intact. We will tell you about this in this article!
What is IMEI?
Every GSM phone, whether cheap or expensive, has its own international equipment identification number known as the IMEI.
In simple and popular language, IMEI is a serial number of a mobile device, consisting of 15 or 16 digits and used to identify devices registered on the network.
Thus, each mobile device is assigned a unique IMEI number. In some cases, IMEI can be used to locate and track a lost mobile phone. But, not all models support this feature.
How to find out the IMEI of an Android phone?
In fact, there are many ways to find out the IMEI of a mobile phone. Below we list the easiest and most versatile ways to determine the IMEI:
- By dialing a special code - *#06#
- Using the settings in the menu "About device"
- Inscription with information about the device under the battery (not suitable for devices with a non-removable battery)
How to find out the IMEI of an iOS phone?
- Enter combination *#06# and then make a call. In the pop-up menu, you will see a set of numbers - this is the IMEI.
- On the back of the box Apple iPhone the IMEI number is also indicated.
How to find a phone by IMEI?
Before beginning the description of detailed instructions and tips, it is important to note that searching for a phone by satellite is only possible if the mobile data transfer or GPS navigation functions are active. In other words, without this, your phone simply cannot be identified in the operator's network. However, even if an intruder, thief or lucky person who found your phone has removed the SIM card, there are chances to track the location of the device.
But, there is one catch. Mobile operators are not allowed (by law) to divulge confidential information about the location of the device, even if you provide strong evidence. Thus, you will need to draw up an application form to the law enforcement agencies about the loss or theft of a mobile phone. After that, at the request of law enforcement agencies from the operator, a request will be sent to identify the mobile device in the network, and a GPS navigation search will be performed.
As you understand from the above, the process of contacting law enforcement agencies, drawing up an application form, and only then a request to search for your device takes at least three days. In this regard, it is much more effective to start searching for a mobile device by IMEI on your own.
Is it possible to find a phone by IMEI on my own through a computer / laptop?
Initially, it is important to note the fact that you will not be able to find the phone by IMEI on your own. This happens for a number of reasons:
- Access to databases, identification of mobile devices by IMEI and determination of the location of the SIM card, has only a cellular operator.
- An experienced attacker or thief who finds your phone can easily change the IMEI identification number.
- Many services offer services for finding mobile devices by IMEI - this is a scam, do not fall for such tricks and offers.
However, you shouldn't get depressed and disappointed, as below we will tell you how to find an Android or iOS phone using other methods.
How to find Android phone, iPhone by IMEI numbers database?
According to numerous reviews, the site SNDeepInfohelped many owners get back lost mobile devices. Undoubtedly, in most cases, they were returned for a fee, but how else? Try it, the service is great!
- After you suspect a loss, immediately refer to the site SNDeepInfo,to add device IMEI to lost / stolen list.
- Select the brand of the phone, enter the serial number (IMEI), go through the authorization "I am not a robot"and then click on Add to Lost or Stolen List.
- Now fill in all registration fields. Be sure to enter the correct email address, as you will need to verify your email address to create a mobile phone refund request.
- Scrolling down below, you will need to check the box " I agree". Then click on the button " Register».
How do I find my iPhone using Find My iPhone?
In the event that the function “ Find My iPhone» (« Find iPhone»), Then the chances of finding and returning the device are much greater. Always remember that when buying an iPhone, it is imperative to activate the “ Find iPhone».
However, the function " Find iPhone»Works only on iOS 4.2.1 and higher.
How do I enable Find My iPhone?
You new iPhoneand you want to be as safe as possible? Great, then you need to enable the function Find iPhone... Here are the instructions:
- Go to the settings menu and select the section " iCloud».
- Now to the right of the inscription “ Find iPhone»Move the toggle switch to the right.
- In the pop-up window " Find iPhone", Click on the button" OK».
- Now go back to the settings menu and then follow the path “ Privacy» - « Geolocation services» - « Find iPhone».
- Activate the toggle switch of the " Find iPhone».
Please note that the function " Find iPhone»Works only when the Internet is on. Otherwise, you will not be able to find the device on the map.
How do I use Find My iPhone?
Lost your iPhone? Don't worry, if the Find iPhone function has been activated on your device, you can quickly find your mobile phone on the map using the instructions below:
- Go to iCloud official website... Log in with your profile using your Apple ID and password.
- From the iCloud menu, select an app Find iPhone.
- Log in to the application Find iPhonespecifying your iCloud password.
- The display of your iPhone's location on the map will be displayed as a green dot.
- After you click on the green dot, a pop-up window will appear in which you can select three functions.
- If you choose mode Play Soundthen your device will emit alarm sounds and an alert window will appear on the screen.
- When choosing "Lost Mode"you will need to provide a four-digit code. By entering the code, you will lock the iPhone, and an attacker cannot do anything.
- In the next window, enter the phone number that will be displayed on iPhone screen... In many cases, the attackers themselves call and offer to return the device for a reward.
- In the third step of the process "Lost Mode"you will need to write a short SMS message that will appear on the screen of the lost iPhone.
- Function setting "Lost Mode" finished, it remains to activate. Once the function is enabled, you will see an orange label in the upper left corner of the window
- As a result, a text with the specified SMS message will appear on the screen.
- After the iPhone has been found, disable the function Lost Mode.To do this, click on the function "Lost Mode"and click on the button Exit Lost Mode.
How to find an iPhone if it is turned off, empty?
Unfortunately, if at the time of loss your iPhone was turned off or discharged, then track by satellite using the function Find iPhone -will not work. Thus, you can only hope that your iPhone will be miraculously returned. Of course, you can try to write a statement to law enforcement agencies, but, as statistics show, there is very little sense in this.
However, you have the opportunity to try your luck. Thanks to the option "Last Geolocation"running on iOS 8 and above, the owner can track the last point of location of the lost device. But, this option must also be configured, go to the settings menu, click on the section ICloud and activate the option "Last geolocation".
How to find an Android phone through a google account?
Modern smartphones manufactured by Samsung, LG, HTC, Huawei, Lenovo work on operating system Android. Thus, each phone is tied to an email based on @ gmail.com,as a result, the owners have the opportunity to track the lost device through their google account.
Below we will tell detailed instructionshow to track a lost phone via google account from a computer, even if it is turned off:
- Go to gmail official website, and then log in to your profile.
- After successful authorization, your device will be displayed on the map if on mobile phone mobile data and GPS navigation included. When selecting the function "Call"the lost device will receive a call that will last for 5 minutes. By selecting the function "Configure blocking and deletion of data",the data will be completely erased from the memory of the lost device.
Video: How to Find a Lost or Stolen Phone | Tips for Android, Windows, or iOS devices
