Can your phone’s IMEI number really be used to track you like in a spy movie? Could your jealous ex or your employer be secretly following your whereabouts in their free time? This question pops up often on tech forums, so it’s time to clear things up once and for all. Let’s separate facts from fiction and discover the real uses of an IMEI number.
What Is an IMEI?
Let’s start with the basics - what exactly is an IMEI number? IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s not just a random string of digits - it’s a structured, 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device. Each part of the IMEI has a purpose:
- The first 8 digits make up the TAC (Type Allocation Code), which identifies the brand, model, and manufacturer of the device.
- The next 6 digits represent the unique serial number of that specific unit.
- The last digit is a check digit, used to verify that the IMEI is valid and free of errors.
Can IMEI Be Used to Track Your Location?
Fact: Your mobile operator can determine your device’s location using the IMEI number.
Yes, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Mobile network providers can see which cell towers a device connects to, and with that data, they can approximate its location in real time, but only under specific conditions.
This type of location tracking is typically only available to:
- law enforcement agencies,
- in the case of a theft report,
- or through a court order.
Myth: Anyone who knows your IMEI can track you.
False. This is a complete myth. The IMEI is simply a device identifier - it does not grant access to GPS or your real-time location.
What Can Someone Actually Learn From Your IMEI?
A lot more than you’d think - but nothing about your personal life. Here's what can be revealed:
- Device brand and model
- Region of origin or distribution
- Whether the device is original
- If the phone has been reported as stolen or lost
- Whether it’s been blacklisted by a carrier (usually due to unpaid bills or fraud)
- Warranty status
- Usage history—Was it previously activated, refurbished, or repaired
Want to check these details for your own phone? Just run a quick IMEI check using a reliable online tool - it’s simple, fast, and gives you all the key info you need.
How to Find IMEI Number?
There are a few simple ways:
- Dial *#06# on your phone the IMEI will pop up
- Look in your phone’s settings: Settings > General/About Phone > About/Status
- Check the original box or SIM tray: that number is often printed there.
- Look under the battery: if your phone has a removable one.
Legal Methods of Location Tracking
The easiest and completely legal way to check the location of a phone is by using official location services provided by device manufacturers:
- Google Find My Device — for Android smartphones
- Apple Find My iPhone — for iPhone users
To use these services, you must have access to the Google or Apple ID account associated with the device.
In addition, many popular apps allow for voluntary location sharing with others:
- Messenger – lets you send your location in a chat, including real-time tracking
- WhatsApp – offers live location sharing for a set period of time
- Google Maps – allows for both permanent and temporary location sharing with selected contacts.
Most importantly, all of these methods are fully legal only if both parties give their consent.
Beware of Fake IMEI Tracking Websites
The internet is full of websites claiming they can track a phone using just its IMEI number. Don’t fall for it - these are scams and clickbait traps. Many of them are designed to steal your personal information, install malware on your device, or trick you into paying for a service that simply doesn’t work.
Never, ever enter your IMEI on suspicious websites!
Top comments (0)