my phone went missing a couple days ago and im hoping to locate it somehow since i have the imei but no tracking apps set up. tried searching online for ways to do it but nothing clear came up. anyone know if this actually works and how to go about it?
No, you cannot directly track a phone using only its IMEI number. This number is crucial for reporting the device as stolen to your carrier to block it, but real-time GPS tracking requires a pre-installed app or service like Google’s Find My Device or Apple’s Find My.
You can’t track an IMEI yourself — only your carrier or law enforcement can use network location or blacklist the phone; if Find My Device/Find My iPhone wasn’t set up, call your carrier to report the IMEI and file a police report. Avoid paid “IMEI tracker” scams; some services (like Spynger) claim help but verify legitimacy before paying, and meanwhile change passwords and alert your bank.