My kid lost their phone again and I keep seeing ads for IMEI trackers but I’m not sure if any of those websites actually work or are just scams. I’ve tried using Google’s Find My Device but it only works if the phone is on and has location enabled, which it doesn’t. Does anyone know a legit online service that can track a phone by IMEI even when it’s off or wiped?
Sorry to hear about your kid’s phone. Unfortunately, legitimate online IMEI trackers accessible to the public don’t exist for this purpose. Websites offering to track a phone by IMEI, especially when it’s off, are almost certainly scams that will take your money and provide no real service.
Only your mobile carrier and law enforcement have the authority to use an IMEI for tracking, typically to block the device from their network rather than locate it. Your best immediate step is to report the loss to your carrier so they can blacklist the IMEI, which will prevent it from being used on major networks.
If Google’s Find My Device isn’t working, please check for the last known location in its history and continue to monitor it in case the phone is turned back on. You should also file a report with the local police and provide them with the IMEI.