You are here:
Cellular Phones/Phone lost
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
I lost my phone and I know the IMEI number. how to find which carrier he is using
Your carrier has your IMEI number, so it's okay if you don't know it unless you got the phone SIM unlocked and didn't provide this to your carrier. However, they can usually get this information from when you use it so likely have the IMEI in their systems if you call them. However, it doesn't matter if they have your IMEI or not because you will not be able to locate your phone that way. If you cancelled your number when the phone was lost (which you should have or at least had it moved to your new SIM card), then whomever has your phone will be using a different phone number. You cannot locate a phone by the IMEI number and if it's not SIM unlocked, that person would only be able to use your carrier. If SIM unlocked, they could be using any carrier with GSM service. Unfortunately, your phone is gone and unless a good citizen finds it and puts it in the mail to your carrier and your carrier receives it and contacts you because they located you by your IMEI in their database, there is no possible way for you to recover your phone. I'm sorry for the bad news, but hope it helps.
Related Articles
- Unlocked Cell Phones and Smartphones - How to Use an Unlocked Cell Phone
- Unlocked Cell Phones and Smartphones - How to Buy an Unlocked Cell Phone or Smartphone
- Cellular Phones - Buying GSM Phones for use in Europe
- Unlocked Cell Phones and Smartphones - What Is an Unlocked Cell Phone
- What is a SIM Card - Definition of SIM Card - SIM Card and iPhone
DebiN
Expertise
I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience
Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.
Organizations
I belong to several organizations
Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications
Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.