Here's how you can track lost Android phone by IMEI number

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If you have ever lost your android phone or it has got stolen, you are definitely aware of the panic that is caused. Not only are mobile phones one of the basic requirements for today's life but it contains almost all of our crucial information that is very difficult to get back once lost. Therefore, one can clearly understand that losing your cell phone can be a complete mishap and utter chaos. More than the loss of a device, what we palpitate for is the leakage of personal information.

However, there are numerous processes through which one can track their lost Android phones. According to iStaunch, if your android device has a Google Account associated with it, then it is very easy to track down the lost device. You can find the device's location with the help go Find My Device feature of Google Account.

To use this feature, one has to keep the mobile phone in switch-on condition, and the location of the device must be turned on. Only then it is possible to trace the device. The most important factor is, the device should be connected to WIFI or has mobile data that enables to track it via the web or any app. In case the "Find My Device" option is not working out properly, or there are certain restrictions on it, you can try to find out the device by using the IMEI number.

What is the IMEI number?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. This is a unique number composed of 15 digits. This number is a unique code of identification for any mobile phone. Every time you get a new device, this number will be provided. Either it is written on the mobile package, or it can be found in the Settings Functionality section. For any mobile phone owner, it is always recommended to keep this number safe and secure. The best way is to write it down somewhere and keep it secured for future use. One has to take special precautions that this number is not lost or misplaced.

Whenever your mobile phone gets lost, the central departments, through this number, can track your device and trace its location. The nearest cell phone tower of the lost device is identified through the IMEI number. Usually, calls are made from different phone numbers to the lost device, and the device is located. Since this number is unique for each phone, there is no chance of mistakes or cross-connections.

However, there are certain drawbacks of using the IMEI number to trace a device. In case any device has been stolen, the thieves can manipulate and change this IMEI number. This is possible through the use of another device known as "Flasher". By using a flasher, the thieves can connect the mobile to certain computer software and change the IMEI number. If they are successful in doing this, it becomes impossible to track the device by using an IMEI number.

How Can You Track Lost Android Device by Using IMEI Number?
Using the IMEI number, you can find out the trace of your lost device through the interface of the Central Equipment Identity Register or CEIR. This is a government website and has been created to help Indian citizens find out the trace of their lost devices and also to help users stay protected from data theft and personal information leakage.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) and Center for Development Telematics (CDOT) are also essential organizations that have played a role in this interface. If all the options have failed and you simply cannot get any trace of your lost Android device, you can also use third-party IMEI Tracker tools.

Is it Possible to Locate a Mobile Phone that is Turned Off?
Yes. It is possible to find the location of a mobile phone even when it is turned off. This is possible through the tracing of something called Google Location History, what is often referred to as "Timeline". But the phone must be associated with a Google Account and have the mobile data turned on before it is switched off. Otherwise, this method won't work.

Final Words
You can also lock your device through the use of the "Find My Device" feature. This way, you can ensure that no one will get hold of your personal data even if the device falls into wrong hands. So, the trick is to enable "Find My Phone" on your Android Device. If that is enabled, you can easily perform a host of actions to track your phone and prevent any theft of information from it.