How Do I Track a Stolen Phone?

There are a few ways to track a stolen phone

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. They take pictures, play our music and, of course, allow us to call friends and family. That's why, when our cell phone is stolen, our lives are thrown out of whack. Thankfully, all is not lost. With improvements in technology, and some good old fashioned phonework, you can get your phone, and your life, back together again.

Things You'll Need

• Web browser and Internet connection
• Mobile or land phone

Instructions

How to track a stolen phone

1. Use the GPS (global positioning system) service that came with your phone, if you have one. Most companies have a website that you can log in to check the current location of the phone.

2. Report the phone stolen to your cell service. They will cut off the phone and you will avoid incurring any phone charges. Other services that they might be willing to do would be to check the nearest tower for the signal from the phone and/or see if someone else has activated the phones IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identify) recently. Neither of these last two options are part of most standard service plans, but the company might be willing to take these extra steps if you have an account in good standing with them and you inform them that the phone has been stolen.

3. File a police report. In some cases, the police might be able to issue a subpoena which could uncover records showing the last number dialed and the nearest tower to your stolen phone.

4. Use your provider's online tracking system. Some phone models, such as the Blackberry and Symbian, allow users to track their phones in real time through the use of tower location. This doesn't require GPS to be enabled on the phones.

5. Call the phone. Tell the person who answers that you know the phone has been stolen and that you will be reporting them to the police. If you've got any acting skills, pretend to be a friend of the thief and get their name and current location.

Tips & Warnings

• Some companies now offer cell phone tracking regardless of whether your phone has GPS or not. These require you to install some software on your phone before the tracking is enabled.

• If the thief answers when you call the phone and agrees to meet you, do not meet them. Phone the police and tell them what is happening so they can intervene.

References

• Washington Post - Tracking cell phones
• Cell phone tracking

Resources

• Blackberry tracking
• Google Maps of cell phone towers