If you've been the victim of a theft or lost your iPhone, don't worry because you're not the only person this has happened to. Unfortunately, thousands of people a day go through the same trance as you, and it is known that at least 1,600,000 mobile phones were reported stolen or lost last year around the world. After the terrible event, what really matters to you is that the person who stole it or who found it cannot access all the information you kept there or snoop all the personal and private data, since this could be a great danger.
Well, the first thing you should understand is that the person who gets it will not be able to delete it or use it from scratch, since the device is linked to your account and therefore, it will only be activated with the password that you have installed . . In fact, it doesn't matter if you delete it completely, since in order to use it, you need the key and without it you won't be able to do anything at all. Which will surely give you more confidence to locate it.
Now, in case you can't locate it for anything in the world, the only thing that comes to mind is to block it to avoid greater inconveniences. The option to restrict it by IMEI is the most common , therefore, you will want to know if this alternative is recommended or not, and here we will inform you about it.
IMEI number is a one-of-a-kind number that Apple company assigns to your iPhone and you can use this number to block your iPhone by getting in touch with your carrier services. So, to block it, call your Carrier helpline, give your IMEI number, and that is it. In any case, is it the main thing you want to do? or are there a few different steps that you might be able to follow? Find out in this article.
What is the IMEI Number?
On the off chance that you have any familiarity with IMEI numbers, you can avoid this segment, yet if you need more clarification, then, at that point, continue to peruse because I will enlighten you regarding IMEI numbers.
IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identity is the unique number given to the gadgets that utilize the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). This number contains information about the Origin, Model, and Serial Number of the gadget (for your situation, the iPhone), thus making it more straightforward for law enforcements to recognize and track down your gadget.
What's the contrast between IMEI and Serial Number on iPhone?
IMEI is a number assigned globally, and Apple doesn't control it. Notwithstanding, Serial Number is the one-of-a-kind number Apple gives to the gadgets to recognize them uniquely. In this way, the two numbers are very distinct and unique.
How to Track down IMEI Number?
In a situation where your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can observe the IMEI number utilizing the box or Apple ID without much of a stretch.
Mentioned below is how you can find the number on your iPhone Box.
- Track down the Official Box of your iPhone
- Next, take a look at the back, and there you will observe the IMEI number and Serial Number.
Discussed below is how you can get your IMEI number with the help of your Apple ID.
- Go to the Appleid.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Track down the Lost iPhone and click on it.
- You should see the IMEI Number and different details.
How to Block a stolen or lost iPhone with an IMEI Number?
In the case that your iPhone has been stolen, you can continue blocking your iPhone with an IMEI Number. You can do it by reaching your carrier. Below mentioned are the ways you can make it happen.
- The initial step is to observe the IMEI Number of your gadget.
- When you observe the IMEI number, you should contact your carrier.
- Your carrier might request that you give the IMEI number, and there are chances that they, as of now, have the IMEI number, so you might be approached to verify your identity.
- When you verify your identity, the carrier will place the IMEI on the blacklist, and that iPhone will not have the option to access the carrier network.
Yet, is it the main thing you want to do with your iPhone? No, if you imagine that you will not be getting your iPhone at any point shortly, then, at that point, you can continue to erase your data. On the off chance that you are intrigued, continue to peruse because, in the following segment, I will show you how you can make it happen.
How to erase data from the stolen or lost iPhone?
In the event that you are confident that you will not get your iPhone back, then, at that point, you can utilize this choice. Notwithstanding, before we continue to discuss the process, you should realize what happens when you utilize this feature.
Whenever you erase the data from your gadget, the iPhone erases the entirety of your information, including your photographs, recordings, credit cards, debit cards, and all the other things. It will likewise remove your gadget from the iCloud, and you will not have the option to track it, and it will likewise switch off the activation lock.
Now that you know what this feature will do let me clarify how you can utilize it.
- Open the iCloud.com official site.
- Enter your login details
- Next, select "All devices" and find your stolen iPhone
- Here is how you will track down various choices. Select "Erase iPhone," and afterward, you can continue the entire process of erasing.
- Likewise, you will find the "Lost Mode" in this panel. Assuming you lost your iPhone, the lost mode is very beneficial. You can utilize this mode to find the iPhone, and it will likewise disable Apple Pay.
How might I track my iPhone utilizing the IMEI Number?
You can't track the IMEI Numbers straightforwardly, yet the law enforcement agencies can track the IMEI number. The authorities can follow your IMEI with the assistance of your network carrier.At whatever point the stolen iPhone will do any activities like informing, calling, information use, or SIM change, the network carrier will know the place of the iPhone with the assistance of an adjacent cell tower. Then, at that point, this data will be passed to law enforcement agencies, which they will utilize to track the stolen gadget.
Frequently asked questions and their answers on How to Lock a Lost iPhone Using IMEI number
Can Apple track a stolen iPhone with the IMEI number?
It is not possible to track or locate a lost or stolen iPhone via IMEI or serial number. Find My iPhone is the only way you can track or locate a lost or stolen iPhone: If Find My iPhone was not enabled on your iPhone before it was lost or stolen, then there is no way for you to locate it.
How do the police track IMEI numbers?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number on every phone. It is used by the police to track cell phones. The IMEI number helps the police trace any cell phone back to the exact tower at the time a call is made, even if a different SIM card is used.
How can I track my phone using IMEI number online?
Now finding your lost phone without GPS location, SIM card and internet access is not an impossible task. You can surely track your lost mobile phone using IMEI number through CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Registry) website: https://ceir.gov.in/Home/index.jsp.
How do I deactivate my iPhone?
How do I deactivate an Apple device? To deactivate an Apple device, go to Settings > General > scroll down and tap “Device Management” > under “DEVICE MANAGEMENT” find the device you want to deactivate and tap it > under “DEVICE INFO” find “DEACTIVATE DEVICE” and play it
Can I lock my iPhone remotely?
Apple has updated MobileMe's Find My iPhone service for iPhone OS 3.1 to include a feature aptly named Remote Lock. The new feature provides another way to protect data on a lost or stolen iPhone. Remote Lock allows you to add a passcode or change the existing one, locking your lost iPhone screen from afar.
How to block a stolen phone?
Ask your service provider for the IMEI number (serial number) of your cell phone. Report the theft to the police. Ask the police to provide you with a case number. Contact your service provider again and provide them with the case number and IMEI number and request that they blacklist your cell phone.
What happens when the IMEI is blocked?
The blacklist works by blocking your phone's unique identifier (IMEI number). When a phone is blacklisted because it's lost or stolen, you can't make or receive calls or use data.
How can I lock a phone?
Go to Settings > Messages and turn on Filter unknown senders. To block a number that called you, open the Phone app and tap Recents. Find the number and tap the information icon (it looks like a lowercase “i” in a circle). Scroll down and tap Block this caller.
What should I do if someone steals my iPhone?
- Find your device on a map.
- Mark as lost.
- Report your lost device to the local police.
- File a claim for theft and loss.
- Remotely wipe your device.
- Contact your wireless service provider.
- Remove the lost device from your account.
What do thieves do with stolen iPhones?
That's where the stolen iPhones come on. Thieves who realize they can't use the stolen iPhone will break the device into several parts and sell them to repair shops or shady stores for money. These kind of stores need various iPhone parts like screen to fix someone else broken iPhone at a cheap price.
Can I track my lost phone by IMEI number?
To track your lost Android phone with IMEI number, you need to download a third-party IMEI tracker app like IMEI Tracker-Find My Device. However, we recommend using this method as a last resort. Google's Find My Device is often the best way to find a lost Android phone.
Can the police track your phone if it's turned off?
The phone does not have to be actively participating in a call to connect to the cells, but it must be turned on; phones in the “off” position or those without batteries do not register with the cellular operator's network and cannot be tracked.
Can the police track your phone if it's stolen?
Yes, the police can trace a stolen phone using your phone number or the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the phone. Whether or not the police prioritize searching for your stolen phone is another question.
Can the police track your iPhone?
Police can track people's location through their mobile phone and SIM card location, and your unique phone and SIM combination can now be used to locate you. The SD card contains photos and other media; could contain chat logs and other user-generated content.
What to do when your phone is stolen?
- Check that you haven't just lost it. Someone stole your phone.
- File a police report.
- Lock (and maybe wipe) your phone remotely.
- Call your cell phone provider.
- Change your passwords.
- Call your bank.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Write down the serial number of your device.
What happens when you turn off the iPhone?
Whether you're selling your iPhone, sending it in for repair, or trying to find it, deactivation ensures that information stored and use remains personal and restricted. You can disable an iPhone directly using iOS and iTunes and remotely through iCloud.
Can Apple help find a lost iPhone?
The Find My app makes it easy to keep track of your Apple devices. Locate the items you've attached the AirTag to. And keep up with friends and family. It works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, even if the missing devices are offline.
How can I change my IMEI number?
- Visit your phone's settings.
- Scroll down to find the Backup & Reset option and click on it.
- In the next tab, Factory data reset option will be available.
What code can I use to block a number?
To block a number: press #, dial the 10-digit number you want to add, and press # to confirm. To unblock a number: Press *, dial the 10-digit number you want to remove, and press * to confirm. Enter *67 and then the number you want to block from seeing your caller ID information.
What happens if the iPhone IMEI is locked?
Blacklisted iPhones cannot access other carriers and therefore will not activate until a carrier removes them from the list. Since blacklist reports are monitored and tracked internationally, iPhones that are blacklisted cannot bypass foreign trading systems.
How long does it take to lock the IMEI?
Once submitted, a request to block or unblock an IMEI number can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Can a blacklisted phone be tracked?
Once you report it as stolen, the IMEI number is blacklisted across the country. If a blacklisted IMEI device is used to make a call, the police will find out immediately. There is a chance that the phone will be tracked if it goes on sale or is reset.
Is *67 still working?
Use *67 to hide your phone number This trick works for smartphones and landlines. Open your phone keypad and dial * – 6 – 7, followed by the number you are trying to call. The free process hides your number, which will appear on the other end as “Private” or “Blocked” when read on caller ID.
Where are my blocked numbers on my iPhone?
-
- On your iPhone's home screen, tap the Settings menu to open it.
- Scroll down and tap “Phone”.
- In the “Call Muting and Blocked Contacts” list, touch “Blocked Contacts” to see which contacts appear in the list.
Is Star 69 still working?
In the US, dialing *69 as a number prefix will hide your phone number from the recipient. This is a free service, but can only be used for outgoing calls to businesses and individuals. It will not work for toll-free numbers or emergency services.
Can a stolen iPhone be tracked?
Find a lost iPhone. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can quickly track it through iCloud.com or by using the Find My iPhone app on another iOS device (yours or someone else's). In both cases, the process is essentially the same, although it may look a bit different.
Can thieves change the IMEI number?
The government has made tampering with IMEI numbers a punishable offence. However, thieves change the IMEI number of stolen mobiles using a 'flasher'. A flasher is a small device that helps connect the phone to a computer and allows the user to modify the IMEI number.
Can a SIM-free iPhone be tracked?
Yes, it is possible to track an iPhone if the SIM card is removed. The device only needs to be connected to the Internet. You are immediately online; sends your GPS coordinates to Apple servers. Therefore, the previous owner can see the location on the map once they log in to their account.
Can Apple ID be traced?
No. Apple WILL NOT help. Apple can NOT track the location of the device. The only way to track it is with Find My iPhone, which YOU must have set up with YOUR iCloud account on the device before deciding you need/want to track it.
Can an iPhone be tracked after factory reset?
iOS 15: Find My Network can still find your iPhone when it's turned off or factory reset. With iOS 15, your iPhone can still be tracked through the Find My network, even when the device is turned off.
Conclusion
Blocking or blacklisting your IMEI is one of the main things you ought to do to prevent your iPhone from being utilized for any criminal behavior. Additionally, it would help if you removed Apple Pay from the lost iPhone. In this article composed the complete guide on how you can make it happen.I hope you won't have any inquiries regarding the topic discussed in this article. I trust this guide assisted you with tracking down replies to your inquiries. Additionally, to peruse additional intriguing aides on iPhones and other related themes, then, at that point, you can look at our site.
MA student of the TransAtlantic Masters program at UNC-Chapel Hill. Political Science with a focus on European Studies. Expressed ideas are open to revision. He not only covers Technical articles but also has skills in the fields of SEO, graphics, web development and coding. .