You're on Street and you search your pockets in desperation. Streetis a big place to lose a phone. How could it occur? You had it just before you boarded that crowded subway car. Then it hits you. You've become jacked. You shuffle sadly back to your friend's residence. Maybe he'll know what to do. He asks a simple query: "What's your IMEI?" You reply, "My what?"
1. WHAT IS AN IMEI?
The IMEI, or International Cell Station Equipment Identity, is a 15-digit number that is hardwired into every phone. This number, because it's unique to each phone, means it can be used to track your lost or stolen device.
All you need is the number, which is in your phone… which you no longer have. But if you have not yet lost your phone, this is the point where you write down your IMEI quantity and keep it in a safe place.
How to Find Your IMEI Number
There are a few ways to find your IMEI number, but we'll cover the three most common ones. All are straightforward.
The 2-Step Process
Dial *#06#. Your 15-digit IMEI quantity will automatically appear on your own phone. There isn't even a need to hit the call button. Write your IMEI number down and put it in a safe place in case you ever need it.
The 5-Step Process (for iPhone)
Go to Settings Go to General Go to About Scroll down to IMEI Write your IMEI number down and put it in a safe place in case you ever need it.
The 5-Step Process (for Android phones)
Turn off your cell phone. Remove the battery cover. Remove the battery. Get your IMEI quantity from the label on the relative back of your phone.
Write your IMEI number down and put it in a safe place in case you ever need it.
Things have changed a lot -- back in 2012, all four major US wifi carriers launched a joint database to track stolen cell phones using IMEI numbers.
Tracking Your Phone
Now that you have your IMEI number, you could be inclined to try to track down and recover the phone yourself. This isn't a good idea. Indeed, this point can't be overstated: It's very dangerous to attempt to recover a phone on your own.
Leave tracking to the experts. Notify both the police and your service provider (such as Verizon, AT&T, etc), and give them your IMEI quantity. Cellular carriers have the ability to blacklist IMEI numbers, making them unusable. They can also track them using a cell tower triangulation method. Basically, the carrier narrows down the location of your cell phone by measuring the angles to it from nearby cell tower antennas.
Can Thieves Modification Your IMEI Number?
Remember how we said at the beginning that the IMEI quantity was unique and hard-wired into your phone? Sort of. Here's the bad news. It's actually possible to change it. Once your IMEI has become changed, efforts to track your phone shall be thwarted. So waste no time in alerting your service provider and police so they can get right on it.
Read How to Track IMEI Number and Track Mobile by IMEI for more information.
The best advice we can give you is be prepared. Shop your IMEI quantity safe somewhere.