How to find a lost mobile with the IMEI: tips and advice

If your phone is lost or stolen, you need to act fast to increase your chances of recovering it. Not only is it important to find it because of its high price, but your device probably contains your personal data, such as contacts and messages, photos and videos, as well as your calendar and bank cards. If so, you lose not only your device, but also your money. Fortunately, thanks to a unique number called IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), you have a chance of finding your lost or stolen phone. This exploratory article will help you navigate between the solutions offered by the five largest French-speaking telephone operators, as well as third-party alternatives such as Geoloc.be, while answering the key question: how do you find a lost cell phone using the IMEI?

How to find a lost cell phone with the IMEI: your telephone operator

How can I locate a cell phone using its IMEI?

Telephone operators play an essential role when it comes to finding a lost smartphone, not least thanks to the IMEI number. This 15-digit code uniquely identifies each cell phone. If you lose your device, contacting your operator is often one of the first steps to take, as the IMEI is mainly the responsibility of telephone operators. Here's what the major operators offer:

• Orange: This operator offers an IMEI-based phone blocking service, preventing anyone from using the device on any network. However, tracking via IMEI is more complicated and often requires intervention by the authorities.
• SFR: Like Orange, SFR allows you to block your phone with the IMEI in the event of theft or loss. The customer must report the loss to the police and provide the IMEI for the phone to be blocked. SFR does not offer direct IMEI location services.
• Bouygues Telecom: Bouygues also offers IMEI blocking, but to locate the phone, they suggest using tools like Google Localiser mon appareil or Apple Localiser, which we'll talk about later.
• Free: Free allows the phone to be blocked via the IMEI after the theft has been reported. To do this, the customer must provide Free with a copy of the complaint to trigger the process.
• Vodafone: This international operator offers a similar service. In the event of loss, you can block the device via the IMEI, making it impossible to use your smartphone on their network.

While these operators are effective at blocking access to your phone with the IMEI, tracking is more complex. In general, only the police or other competent authorities can locate a device via its IMEI.

Where can I find a stolen IMEI?

The IMEI number can usually be found in the phone settings under "About the device". If you no longer have your phone, you can find it on the original box or purchase invoice. Another tip: if you have an iPhone, log in to your iCloud account, and the IMEI will be visible in your device information. Here are the major phone brands and how to access the IMEI:

• Samsung: Go to Settings > About Phone to find the IMEI, or type *#06# in the phone application.
• Huawei: In Settings > About Phone, or by dialing *#06#.
• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Information to see the IMEI, or look on the SIM card drawer and box.
• Xiaomi: Go to Settings > About Phone > Status to find the IMEI, or enter *#06#.
• Oppo: The IMEI is available in Settings > About Phone, or by dialing *#06#.

Who can block a phone with IMEI?

Unfortunately, you cannot block a phone with IMEI. Your question, How to find a lost cell phone with IMEI, has as answer to use any help available. In this case, only telephone operators or the relevant authorities can block a phone with IMEI. To do this, it is often necessary to report the loss or theft to the police, who will contact the operator to block the device. With your IMEI and the operator, that's all you can do, but it may be enough to protect your personal data, as this block prevents any use of the phone on mobile networks, even if the SIM card is replaced.

How to find a lost cell phone using the IMEI: other solutions

Can I locate my stolen phone myself?

Beyond the services provided by operators, there are several other options open to you if you decide to stop relying on your operator. How to find a lost cell phone with the IMEI is a question that's easier to solve with specific location tools, certain online services and applications built into the phone. Unfortunately, as a private individual, you can't locate your phone yourself, only with your IMEI. Use the services below to increase your chances of finding your phone.

Geoloc.be

One of the most effective location services available worldwide is Geoloc.be. This platform makes it possible to locate a cell phone remotely using phone number geolocation technology, without necessarily needing the IMEI.

Here's how it works:

1. Enter the phone number on the Geoloc.be website.
2. The service sends an SMS containing a link to the phone owner.
3. By clicking on this link, the phone's location is automatically shared.

Geoloc.be stands out for its simplicity and speed. You don't need to contact your operator or have any specific technical skills. It's an ideal option for those looking for an immediate solution before going through more complex procedures. What's more, it doesn't matter which make, model or telephone operator you use, because Geoloc.be is available worldwide.

Can Google track an IMEI number?

Google doesn't directly allow you to track a phone by IMEI, but it does offer a very effective service for locating a lost smartphone: Google Locate My Device. If you activated this service before the loss, you can locate your phone via your Google account on any device connected to the Internet. Here's how to do it:

1. Sign in to your Google Account.
2. Open Google Locate my device.
3. You'll see a map with the approximate location of your phone.

This service doesn't depend on the IMEI, but on logging into your Google account, making it a fast and convenient solution.

If you're an iPhone user, Apple offers a similar service: Apple Locate (via iCloud). If you activated this function before the loss, you can follow the steps below to locate your iPhone:

1. Log in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID.
2. Click on Locate and select your device from the list.

Not only can you locate the device, but you can also lock it remotely, make it ring or even erase its contents to protect your data.

Finally, some messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger or Telegram also offer real-time location sharing functions. If you activated this function with a loved one before losing your phone, it's possible that they can help you find your smartphone using the shared location information.

How to find a lost cell phone using the IMEI: what you need to know

How to find a lost cell phone with the IMEI quickly? The key lies in responsiveness and the use of the right tools. Telephone operators can block a lost phone thanks to its IMEI, while services like Geoloc.be offer immediate location solutions. In addition, applications such as Google Locate My Device and Apple Locate allow you to find your phone without needing the IMEI. While the IMEI is useful for preventing your device from being reused, geolocation services offer more immediate results for finding a lost phone.

How to find a lost cell phone using the IMEI : FAQ

How can the police locate a phone?

Police can use the IMEI to locate a phone via mobile operators, who can triangulate the device's position based on the cell towers to which it is connected.

How can I track a stolen phone with an IMEI number?

Tracking a stolen phone with an IMEI number is possible, but requires the intervention of the authorities. They will contact the operator to try to locate the device via its IMEI.

How can I track my iPhone's location using the IMEI number?

You can't track an iPhone directly with its IMEI. However, you can use the Apple Locate service via iCloud to find your device.

Is it possible to locate a phone using its number?

Yes, with services like Geoloc.be, you can locate a phone using just its number.