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.
Raju PP is the founder-editor of Technically Personal, which is one of the most widely read technology blogs on the web. He holds an Engineering degree in Electronics & Communication, and has previously worked as a Technical Specialist in Banking Software domain.
I read the entire blog and at last find no way!!!!Anyway we should not be involved in anyone’s privacy.
Exactly! This should be an eye-opener for so many people who fall prey to scammers
@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.
well, why put “how to track…” if you do not describe the way to actually do it and think it’s not a good idea… what a waste of time for people who are looking for a valid answer to that question you stated as a topic of your article! Stupid
@papa Otherwise readers wouldn’t care to read this post and eventually get cheated by loads of scam services out there.
Y did u look it up and my brother send my this link to see if its real and yes for hackers they is i should know i did it 17 time.
how do u track a cell phone with just a number i think my wife is lying to me and i need to no how to
“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.
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
I completely agree and tracking somebody’s cell phone is probably illegal.
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.
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
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
I am sorry. There is absolutely nothing we can do about this.
i am very much disturb by un non no so is any way to track no and location pls let me no . Thank u.
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
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???
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
I am getting UNKNOWN call on my mobile phone for past 8 month, twice in a day as average. I guess it is the work of a person who is working in a mobile operating company and he tracks my position by contacting me on my IMEI number or by calling me on my mobile number. I have no doubt over the fact that he is tracking my position otherwise what will he get by calling me for last 8 months? I tried complaining with my mobile operator but they said that there is no record of any unknown calls. What should I do to stop such a big nusence.
get a new phone or number, duhhhhhhhhh……WINNING!!
Is it possible to track any cell phone via imei no
hi is it possible to track my lost phone wiht just the imei number ?
IVE LOST MY PHONE< I NEED TO FIND IT. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO TRACK IT, OBVIOUSLY WITHOUT PHYSICLY HAVING IT WITH ME??? IT IS A SAUMSUNG IMPRESSION, NOT AN IPHONE OR EVEN SMARTPHONE. PLEASE REPLY
i have much reason to believe that somebody i know is tracking my location using my cell phone… i haven’t given any permission or consent to do so, I find this a MAJOR invasion of my privacy and it is driving me nuts. I am not on anyone else’s plan. I pay my own bill.. and i have Metro PCS… I didn’t even know it was possible to do such a thing. please let me know how I can find out how he is tracking my phone and how I can put an end to it without changing my number… thank you
why stole my phone, how can i trace my phone and get it back???????????????
please
Dear shuggahunnyicet, your problem is easy to solve, I have a metro phone too.
In your phone there’s an option you can choose from between “location On” and “911 only”.
The phone usually is set on “location on” when you first buy it, it is up to you to go to your settings and select “911 only” to block others from tracking your phone unless it’s an emergency thus 911 only.
Follow the instructions below .
To adjust the setting.
On your phone options press “SETTINGS” Choose “NETWORK” from the 6 available options which will prompt you to 7 other options, you then press
on “LOCATION” from the 7 which will prompt you to choose between :LOCATION ON” & “911 only”. You press the 2nd (911 only) and you’re done.
Note: you might feel you’re note done after highlighting your selection since the phone doesn’t suggest to press ENTER or SAVE but you’re done once you indicate your choice. I hope this helps, I’d appreciate a reply, good luck !
This is the worst article ever. I was hoping to find how to track a number, not some bullshit waste of words. Reverse phone tracker is a scam? No shit.
go ahead an dump your hard earned money and check for yourself if its a scam or not.
I love how everyone retard features a stupid iphone. Apple customers have no clue how completely clueless they really are.
try making sense yourself before criticizing others. thanks
I REALLY HOPE THIS WILL WORK,AND BE FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
‘im tracking myself and now just turned off my phone and cant find my way home.
Too easy man. I can track all my ipod, ipad and iphone anytime anywhere.
Yes.. By having mobile me.
Hi Raju, I would like learn ethical hacking, is there anyone who teaches it.
ethical hacking…….hhhhmmnnnn……well yes, there is someone highly ethical that might help U in this matter. How well would you trust the CIA.
…….aahhhhh, come on now “RAJU”, i like ur site. whats the problemo postin’?
A unknown no. is disturbng me continuously. Can anyone give a idea to know to location of the persn? I know his no. only.
I’ve lost touch with a friend, now that I’m trying to reach her the number has been changed, all I know it’s a no contract cell phone.
SIR I HAVE LOST MY CELL PHONE RIGHT NOW. WHAT SHOULD I DO. PLZZZ HELP…….NOW IT SEEM TO BE SWITCH OFF
I have lost samsung fit a gps enabled smartphone I could use it only for 15 days, I could not install any third party software for tracking, how can I get it back… is it possible or not…….
Well I read the whole article but the problem for me is that I lost my sisters iPhone around the house and could not find that iPhone anywhere I know I didn’t bring the cell phone out of the house and I’ve been trying to look for a specific site that tracks numbers well my sim is in there so Im not actually going through someones privacy even though it’s my sim