What is a Cell Phone Tracker?
Cell phone tracking involves different methods, from utilizing the unit’s IMEI number to installing tracking software and applications. Cell phone trackers are necessary in tracing the location of phones that are lost or stolen from owners. If the cell phone is registered or equipped with tracking software or a cell phone tracker application, there is still the possibility of retrieving the unit. The tracking process works even when the thief has thrown away the old SIM and changed into a new one.
Cell phone tracking involves identifying the current location of a stolen or lost cell phone. Pinpointing the exact location of a cell phone may be done via network-based system, IMEI number, and GPS or positioning systems which involves triangulation of signals emitted from the cell phone. The hybrid positioning system utilizes both GPS and network-based technology to trace the location of the cell phone. Network-based tracking relies on the service provider for tracing phone and user locations.
IMEI Tracker
An IMEI Tracker is designed specifically to help locate a lost or stolen cell phone. The tracker uses the IMEI number of the cell phone to trace the location of the unit. International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) refers to the set of numbers assigned as an identifier for cell phones. IMEI consists of 15 numbers that are uniquely identified for each cell phone. The IMEI number can be found inside the phone or in the manufacturer’s packaging.
It is important for owners to copy the IMEI number for records and safekeeping purposes. In case the cell phone is lost or stolen, the IMEI number can be reported to the service provider and used to track the cell phone. The IMEI blacklist consists of stolen cell phone numbers indicated in an Equipment Identity Register (EIR). Phones that are listed in the EIR are barred from accessing the cell phone network. An IMEI validation check is important to ensure that the number has not been replicated or used by other individuals. There are software programs available to help validate the uniqueness of a cell phone’s IMEI number.
Cell Phone Tracker Software and Applications
There is cell phone tracker software and applications available for users of Android phones and iPhones. Google Latitude is a free app specifically designed for smart phones that allow users to locate their friends or family via Google Maps. The mobile app has customizable settings, enabling the user to filter the amount of information posted in the map. Any smart phone equipped with Google Maps can access Latitude.
Tracking software and apps may be installed for business or personal purposes. These cell phone tracking apps are downloaded into the cell phone and paired with an online user profile so phone owners can log on whenever they need to keep track of a lost or stolen phone. Cell phone tracker software for smart phones often includes features that allow users to back-up their addresses, appointments, and other phone data. More sophisticated software programs automatically notify the phone owner when a new SIM card has been installed into the unit.
