You might have been used to the unique 15 - digit number on the back case of your phone. Some manufacturers don't display the code externally, but for all devices you can view this code by dialing *606#.



This code is called IMEI which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity.

The code is important to a certain degree in tracking lost phones. It is used by authorities to prevent the use of these stolen phone and possible track them.





How does the code come into all these?


The plain truth is that every time you use a phone with any network in it to make or receive a call, send or receive a message, its IMEI number is automatically emitted to the network provider.

In the event of the changing the network/ sim, the same would be observed by the telecom provider. There are certain phones that come with dual Sim ports; these devices possess dual IMEI digits. Same also goes with ones that has triple ports.

The port in which a particular network is inserted has it's unique IMEI and that's what would be transmitted upon initiation of calls or sms.



The IMEI is very important as you could see, and to find back your lost phone through it's IMEI, it is compulsory that you had written down those digit.

If your phone has double ports (as it's common these days) write down their different IMEI's.

How to tract a phone with it's IMEI

Having known the basics of IMEI in phone tracking, now to the tracking proper.


In advanced countries where technology are implemented rather than flawed, the first step would have been to report to the law enforcement agencies.

There are certain apps that proposes to help, however their legitimacy isn't confirmed. The law enforcement would then try tracking the device with their tracking hardware. Their aim is to pen down the location inwhich the thief is emitting signal.


If you wish to close connectivity uses in the stolen device, the appropriate authority can help you shut that down on the phone. Thank your God if the device is one of these new expensive wonder phones of the day of which you could track it your ownself using methods set aside by their manufacturers.


For the less expensive ones, their owners need find alternate methods.



There are certain hinderances to IMEI tracking of phones in that it really works with a particular IMEI digits. IMEI of phones could be changed, that is if the lost phone enters the hand of a tech geek.


With a cultured hand and a working head, the original IMEI of the phone would be swapped with a self-generated one.

Tracking the device is useless at this point as signal of the new IMEI would now be sent while the other would be lost unfortunately forever. If you had shut down connectivity use on the phone, once the IMEI has been changed the network connection returns.



To prevent against theft, you should be careful of where you place your phone. Recommended would have been certain apps but their effectiveness would depend on data connection and other things which a Nigerian won't likely fancy.


As always, to keep a phone from theft, you really need to keep it away from theives. Learn more on how to keep your car safe from theft aswell!