You're ready to leave for work in the morning, having spent some time looking for your things to start the day. Suddenly, you realize that your cell phone has disappeared. You search your pockets but can't find it. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps you've misplaced it, but it's also possible that someone has stolen it. In that case, you'll need to trace your phone number.
Geolocation is a method that lets you track a phone number virtually, whether your device is lost or stolen, so you can monitor the movements of a loved one or your child, or simply use it for security purposes. This article serves as a guide to help you understand the different methods you can use to trace a phone number, whether it's an iPhone or an Android. It will also cover the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as tips on how to protect your privacy.
Methods for tracing a telephone number
Here are the most common ways to trace a phone number:
Integrated phone tracking applications
Between the applications you can download onto your phone, it's important to know the difference between those that are integrated into your device and those that are not.
Locate My Device
For example, Android smartphones use Locate My Device, an integrated application from Google. It's presented as a standard application. If you can't find it, you can download it from Google Play. In fact, if you've added a Google account to your device, the application will be activated by default, along with the setting "With this network in high-traffic areas."
The latter allows you to keep recent locations encrypted with Google and to trace the phone number more easily when your mobile is offline. To secure an Android device by tracking it, you need to pay attention to these points:
- The unit is switched on.
- The device is connected to a mobile data or Wi-Fi network.
- The device is connected to a Google account.
- The Locate My Device application is activated.
- The device can be viewed on Google Play.
What are the advantages?
If the phone satisfies these points, all you have to do is check your account and view your device on GoogleMaps. Apart from the simplicity of tracking an Android phone number, Google's other advantage is that you can use it on any device—iOS devices included. However, this qualifies it as a non-integrated application on an iPhone.
What are the drawbacks?
- If your smartphone uses two-step validation, the above procedure becomes a little more difficult to follow. Please visit the workarounds for this problem.
- When you find your smartphone, but the data has been erased, you'll need your Google account password to use it again. To protect your device, you can add a Google account to it, then set up the screen lock.
Find my iPhone
Apple iPhones use Localize as an integrated application. It's an iOS tool that uses a dedicated Apple Map to track a phone number. To do this, you'll need to have your iOS account connected to iCloud.
What are the advantages?
Localiser works easily with Apple devices, whether it's an iPhone, an Apple Watch, or your AirPods with AirTag, which is a small tracking device for finding lost objects.
Like Google, Apple lets you use third-party accessories compatible with the Locate app to track objects. You can:
- Make your phone ring.
- Initialize lost mode to save and protect your data, and lock activation so that the device cannot be resold.
- You can also share and pinpoint the precise location of AirTag-equipped objects, and you can share your position with friends and family.
- Send and receive departure and arrival notifications when someone leaves or arrives at a location.
- You can share your position via satellite, even when out of range of cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
- A new feature is that objects compatible with Locate can be tracked with the application.
- You ensure that your location data is private and under the user's control. Without consent, you won't have access to someone else's device, and vice versa.
What are the disadvantages?
- Pricing. AirTag and other Apple products are rather expensive. That's why the AirTag idea is a good one in principle, but using one to find your keys instead of being a little more careful can be an expensive solution.
- Compatibility with other devices. While Localize and iCloud can serve as a bridge between Google and Apple, both can only be accessed on a computer, while you can use your Google account on any Apple device to track a phone number.
Good to know:
To use non-integrated applications such as WhatsApp to locate a phone, find out more about the real-time location sharing process. These options are excellent for reassuring your loved ones of your safety and vice versa. By opening a conversation with them and clicking on the share icon, you gain access to the location.
Trace a phone number with your mobile operator
If you are in possession of your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), you can contact your mobile operator's support team for help in tracing your lost or stolen mobile. They have access to powerful tools for finding the device. In case you don't have your IMEI on you, providing your phone number and some additional information may be enough to locate your smartphone. Alternatively, they can advise you on the steps to take.
The downside is slow, laborious tracking. While a geolocation app or third-party service offers to locate your phone in seconds, tracking your device with the help of your mobile operator can take days.
Track a phone number with Geoloc.be
Geoloc.be is a third-party geolocation service. A practical solution that's simple and effective, this platform offers a range of features that let you quickly locate a cell phone, whether iPhone or Android. Here's an overview of what Geoloc.be has to offer:
How Geoloc.be works
- Location request: simply enter the phone number you wish to locate in the dedicated field on the Geoloc.be website.
- Geolocation: once the request has been submitted, Geoloc.be sends a notification to the person whose phone you want to locate, asking them to share their location.
- Location display: once the person has clicked on the tracking link, you receive a notification and are directed to a page containing a map with the phone's precise location.
The benefits of Geoloc.be
- Geoloc.be works on all types of cell phones. Whether you're looking to locate an iPhone, Samsung, Nokia, or any other type of cell phone, Geoloc.be is compatible with all makes and models.
- Works on all networks. There is no need to know the operator of the number you want to locate. Geoloc.be works with all mobile operators, so you can locate any phone on any network.
- Secure geolocation. All the information collected by Geoloc.be is 100% secure and confidential. No information about you will be passed on to the person you wish to locate.
- Works on all devices. Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you can access Geoloc.be from any interface worldwide.
How can I protect my privacy?
- Limit personal information on social networks. Don't share your phone number or address on public platforms, and customize your privacy settings to limit access to your posts.
- Disable the location function on applications when not required. Go to your smartphone settings and manage access to your location for each application.
- Don't share your phone number with untrustworthy people. Protect your number by only giving it to people you trust, and avoid publishing it on public websites.
- Be aware of the risks associated with geolocation and act accordingly. Use technology responsibly and respect people's privacy.
Tracing a telephone number: what you need to know
Losing or having your phone stolen is a stressful experience. But with location tracking, you never have to worry about seeing your lost or stolen phone again. Whether you're using an Android or iOS device, built-in options such as Locate My Device for Android or Locate for iOS, as well as third-party services like Geoloc.be, offer efficient ways to locate a phone number.
By understanding the different location methods, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of each, and taking steps to protect your privacy, you can use geolocation responsibly and effectively to find a lost phone while preserving your security and privacy.
