IMEI-only “trackers” you see online are almost always snake oil. Here’s the deal in real life:
- No magic internet database – Unless a service is hooked directly into a carrier or law-enforcement database (and they’re not selling that access to Joe Public), giving them your IMEI just gets you a “maybe we can help” email. They can’t ping cell towers, extract GPS, or override network security on demand.
- What actually works
• Carrier support: Your mobile provider can blacklist the IMEI, watch for it on their network, and sometimes share tower-triangulation hits with police.
• Built-in finds: Google’s Find My Device and Apple’s Find My iPhone (if you’d switched them on before losing the phone) remain your fastest, free options.
• Preinstalled apps: If you’d installed a security/anti-theft app in advance (Cerberus, Prey, etc.), they’ll show you maps, snap photos, trigger alarms—actual tracking.
Bottom line: don’t waste money on standalone “IMEI locators.” Call your carrier, report to police, and lean on Find My Device/iPhone. If you’re worried about future losses, set up one of the legit anti-theft apps or just use Google/Apple’s built-in tools. Keeps things simple and actually gets your phone back.