Since I wrote about Free Mobile Phone Tracking, I have been getting queries from a lot of users on “how to track a mobile phone by just having it’s number?” This can be either malicious or well intentioned. But before we go into the details about all those websites which claim to track cell phones by just inputing a number, I would like to discuss few things.
Ethics of Cell phone tracking
Tracking someone else’s phone constitutes a major invasion of privacy, no doubts about it. This is irrespective of your intention being good or bad. Think again if this is the only way out for you, before proceeding further.
Idea behind Tracking Cell Phones
Most cell phone tracking methods work on the premise that the cell phone often “pings” the nearest cell operator’s towers.
GPS-enabled cell phones don’t require cell towers, and may be located anywhere in the world by satellite triangulation in a similar manner. In some countries like US, cell companies are mandated to keep track of cell phones to an accuracy of 100 feet, so that help can be made available in case of emergency.
So far, so good. But is there a way to actually track or locate a mobile phone? Let us check the possible solutions-
Tracking Websites
So, what about all those free and paid websites claiming to track down any mobile phone on click of a button? The one’s where you just need to put in the cell phone number in order to track it? Can they really track a phone?
In simple words, the answer is a big NO. I am yet to come across a website which actually works as claimed. Sites like “Reverse Phone Detective” or “Track the number” never seem to provide accurate location information.
Google the Phone number
If you’re trying to figure out the general location of the owner of the number, as opposed to real time tracking, a good old fashioned Google search will probably do the trick. The person might have been un-paranoid (or unaware) enough to have it publicly posted on a social networking site, along with other potentially location-identifying information. Again, this is a small chance, and it won’t work in real time.
Cell Phone Hacks
Theoretically and logically speaking tracking a cell phone is quite possible. Experienced hackers won’t have any problems with any of this. It is perfectly possible to track a cell phone’s location – after all, the cell operators do it – even if you just know the number and have had no physical access to it, without the user having any indication of this happening. While this hasn’t reached epidemic levels, the possibility is there.
Cell Phone Tracking Software
The only guaranteed way to really track a cell phone is through some sort of installed software on the device itself. There are lots of free and paid solutions for smartphone like Apple iPhones (iPhone Tracking solutions) and Blackberries, and even for general phones like Nokia S60 based phones.
However, this generally requires physical access to the phone, and consent of the user, both of which might be difficult to get, and probably defeats the point of what you’re trying to do here.
So tracking a cell phone by just having its number is not practical, unless you are/hire an experienced hacker, which isn’t a good idea anyway.
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December 24th, 2009 at 5:15 am
I read the entire blog and at last find no way!!!!Anyway we should not be involved in anyone’s privacy.
December 24th, 2009 at 5:16 am
“So tracking a cell phone by just having its number is not practical, unless you are/hire an experienced hacker, which isn’t a good idea anyway.”
That seems to sum it up pretty well.
December 24th, 2009 at 5:26 am
Exactly! This should be an eye-opener for so many people who fall prey to scammers
December 28th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
its good to stay out of hacking as much as possible, also good to know that its not easily possible, atleast even in this technical world we still don’t lose our privacy easily
January 4th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I completely agree and tracking somebody’s cell phone is probably illegal.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:21 am
i have lost my cell phone.so is it possible to track it using the imei number??i have already lodged a complaint with the local police.plz i need some help here.
January 11th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
@Raju,
Yeah, technology has advantages & disadvantages like a coin having two faces.the biggest disadvantage is of CLONING.
On other side if mobile gets lost then official complain is not logged by Police but a note is taken & hence it creates a panic to the owner.a strong & serious steps is to be implemented.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Sir,
Our mobile was lost while travelling on a night,
Model -NOKIA N73
IMEI No – 353548025011280
Kindly track this mobile and kinldy let us know about its details.
Rgds – V.VENKATESH
MoB – 9840931129
January 26th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Sir,
my mobile is lost
Model – sony ericsson c510
IMEI No – 35204503825949-4-08
Kindly track this mobile and kinldy let us know about its details.
Rgds – V.rajendran
contact-0452-4225428
January 26th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
I am sorry. There is absolutely nothing we can do about this.
February 16th, 2010 at 3:09 am
i am very much disturb by un non no so is any way to track no and location pls let me no . Thank u.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Do you Mean that there is no way to track the phone thorugh IMEI number instantly .. like now!
I am pretty much sure there must be a way
February 20th, 2010 at 1:15 am
how would i know that the tracking f the phone is done???
how long does it stay???
what if they change the batteries???
and have a new number????
can i still track them???
March 1st, 2010 at 1:55 am
I have lost my E71 mobile can you track it due the the imei number if so please help me , by the way i live in lebanon – middle east . If there is a solution please send for me a mail how, because there is an important data on it added yo my pictures momories please help be to track my phone or even tell me how my imei number is 354208035510057 and i ve lost it at 27-02-2010. please email me at the mail mentioned up thank in advance…waiting please reply s soon as possible