If your Android smartphone got lost or stolen recently, not all hope is lost. There are a couple of universal ways to track any Android phone, irrespective of the manufacturer. In case your tracking attempts are unsuccessful, you can still use these methods to remotely block your phone and erase all personal data from it. Here are the two universal ways to find a lost or stolen Android phone.
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Find your Android phone using its IMEI number
Every phone, be it Android or otherwise, has a unique IMEI number that it uses to connect with nearby cellular towers. By tracking the IMEI number of your lost or stolen Android phone, you can triangulate its position with the help of the cellular tower it uses to make a call. If no call is made using the smartphone, then the IMEI number alone cannot determine its position. Another thing to note here is that only the police have the appropriate tools to track a phone by its IMEI number. So in case your phone is stolen, you will need to file an FIR of the incident and then submit a request to get your phone located.
You can also use the IMEI number to block your device in case it gets lost or stolen. You can do this yourself by using the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) portal launched by the GoI. Here’s how.
Step 1: File a report of the missing device with the police and keep a copy of the report.
Step 2: Get a duplicate SIM card for the lost number from your telecom service provider. A duplicate SIM card is necessary since CEIR requires it to send an OTP while accepting the IMEI blocking request.
Step 3: Keep the police report ready, along with proof of identity. The mobile purchase invoice is also a valid document.
Step 4: Go to the CEIR Portal and fill out the request form to block the IMEI number.
Step 5: After submission of the request form, you will be given a Request ID. This ID can be used to track the status of the request form and unblock the IMEI if your device gets recovered in future.
Use Google’s Find My Device
Using Google’s Find My Device service is the quickest and easiest way to find the live location of your device. If your device is switched off or not connected to the Internet, Find My Device will show you the last recorded location of your smartphone. In order to track your smartphone using this service go to the Find My Device webpage and log in using your Google Account. Make sure this is the same Google Account that is logged into your lost phone. Find my Device will show you the live or last known location of your device, depending on its connection status. You can also remotely erase all the data on your smartphone using this service.
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Conclusion
These are the two quick ways to find your lost or stolen Android phone. Depending on the manufacturer, your smartphone may have a native tracking service. Samsung smartphones come with a ‘Find My Mobile’ option that can be accessed from the ‘Biometrics and Security’ section of the Settings. Once turned on, you can use this feature to track your Samsung smartphone in case it gets lost or stolen.
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