In an era characterized by technology, the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number serves as a biometric for your smartphone, serving as a distinctive identifier for mobile devices.
The 15-digit IMEI number is typically located on the device’s packaging by pressing *#06# on the phone’s keys. It is necessary to keep an eye on and handle mobile devices.
A device’s IMEI number is mostly used to identify it, but many people may be wondering if it is possible to find the owner of a phone using that number. It is the purpose of this piece to thoroughly explore the pros and cons of using IMEI numbers to track down the owners of mobile devices. Let’s get going!
How to Find Out Who Owns a Phone by Its IMEI Number?
People can feel upset and uncomfortable when they lose their phone. There is a lost gadget that seems to have photos, contacts, and important information safely inside. In these kinds of situations, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers can give you hope.
That being said, can it tell who owns the phone, or is it just a technology trick? Before you start trying to find the owner of a phone, you need to know what the IMEI number means and how important it is.
An IMEI number is assigned to each mobile device. This number acts as a digital fingerprint for that phone. It is used to find and keep an eye on mobile devices by network companies, law officers, and device makers.
There are several parts to the IMEI number, and each one has unique details about the gadget. The first eight numbers of the Type Allocation Code (TAC) show what company made the gadget and what type it is.
The six numbers that follow are used to identify device serial numbers. The last digit is a proof digit that is used to make sure the whole IMEI number is correct. Even though the IMEI number is a powerful tool for tracking and identifying mobile devices, it is important to know what the legal consequences are of trying to find the owner of a phone using their IMEI number.
In many places, breaking privacy rules means getting access to someone’s private information without their permission. Because of this, it is very important to use this knowledge legally and responsibly.
Contrary to what most people think, it is not easy for anyone to find the owner of a phone just by looking at the IMEI number. Mobile network providers, law enforcement, and device makers are the main groups that legally use IMEI numbers for things like tracking down lost or stolen devices.
As a result of their legal status and infrastructure, these groups can access records that match IMEI numbers to the owners of those numbers. On the other hand, the normal person can’t easily figure out who owns a phone by its IMEI number.
IMEI tracking services are advertised on some services and websites, but users should be careful when they use them. An awful lot of these services are either fake or do illegal things that could put your personal information at risk.
Legal ways to find out who owns a phone by its IMEI number
Even though most people might not be able to directly contact the phone owner using their IMEI number, there are legal and acceptable ways to look into it:
Talk to law enforcement
Calling the police is a good idea if you think the phone in question has been stolen or is being used for illegal things. They are allowed to look into it and use the IMEI number to keep an eye on the gadget.
Going to the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) with reports
The companies that run mobile networks keep track of the IMEI numbers that are linked to specific phone numbers and user accounts. If you have a good reason, like reporting a lost or stolen gadget, calling the right MNO might help you find the owner.
Help for Manufacturers
Under some conditions, the company that made the device might be able to help. Depending on whether the device was registered or reported lost or stolen, they might know who the original owner was.