How to Track a Lost or Stolen Phone in India (Android & iPhone)

Lost your phone, or think it has been stolen? Before you panic, there is a good chance you can see where it is, make it ring, or lock it, from any other phone or computer, as long as a few settings were switched on.

To track a lost phone in India, sign in to Google's Find Hub at google.com/android/find for Android, or Find My at icloud.com/find for iPhone, from another device. You can see its location, play a sound, lock it with a message, or erase it. You cannot track a phone yourself using only its IMEI; IMEI tracing is done by police through the CEIR system after you block it on Sanchar Saathi.

Android: Find Hub (earlier Find My Device)

1. On another phone or a computer, open google.com/android/find, or the Find Hub app on another Android phone, and sign in with the Google account used on the lost phone.
2. Choose the lost phone. You will see its location if it is on, connected and location is enabled. Newer Android phones can also be found through Google's offline finding network.
3. Play sound rings it at full volume for five minutes, even on silent. Use it if you think it is nearby.
4. Secure device locks it and shows a message and a contact number on the screen.
5. Factory reset device erases it. Only do this if you are sure you will not get it back, because afterwards you can no longer locate it.

Can't sign in because your 2-step codes go to the lost phone? On supported phones, android.com/lock lets you lock the phone with just your phone number and Google account details.

Samsung users can also use SmartThings Find with their Samsung account.

iPhone: Find My

1. Open icloud.com/find or the Find My app on another Apple device and sign in with your Apple Account.
2. Select the iPhone to see its location. Find My can locate iPhones even when offline, through other Apple devices nearby.
3. Play Sound if it is nearby.
4. Mark as Lost locks it, shows your message and number, and suspends Apple Pay cards on it.
5. Erase This Device only if you will not get it back. Activation Lock still stops anyone else setting it up.

What about tracking by IMEI?

Websites and apps that claim to "track your phone by IMEI" are not real and are often scams. In India, IMEI tracing is done through the government's CEIR system: once you file a police complaint and block the IMEI on Sanchar Saathi, the phone is blocked on all networks and can be traced if someone puts a SIM in it. That information goes to the police, not to you.

If the location shows a stranger's address

Do not go there yourself. Share the location and screenshots with the police along with your complaint. A phone is not worth the risk of a confrontation.

If tracking does not work

• The phone may be switched off or the SIM removed. Check again later: the last known location is often shown.
• Location or Find Hub / Find My may have been off. You can still block the phone on Sanchar Saathi.
• Either way, protect your money first: block the SIM and secure UPI and bank.

Set it up now, before you need it

• Android: check that Find Hub is on in your Google settings and location is enabled.
• iPhone: Settings, then your name, then Find My: turn on Find My iPhone, Find My network and Send Last Location.
• Save your IMEI numbers (dial *#06#) and see the full list in Phone Settings to Turn On Before Your Phone Is Stolen.

Frequently asked questions

How can I track my lost phone in India?

For Android, sign in at google.com/android/find (Find Hub). For iPhone, use icloud.com/find or the Find My app. You can see the location, play a sound, lock or erase the phone.

Can I track my phone using IMEI number?

Not by yourself. IMEI tracing in India is done by police through CEIR after you file a complaint and block the phone on Sanchar Saathi. Apps claiming IMEI tracking are usually scams.

Can I track a phone that is switched off?

You may see its last known location. Newer Android phones and iPhones can also be found through offline finding networks when nearby devices detect them.

What is Find Hub?

Google's service for finding lost Android phones and devices, earlier called Find My Device. Use it at google.com/android/find or in the Find Hub app.

Should I go to the location shown?

No. Share the location with the police along with your complaint instead of going there yourself.

The easiest phone to find is the one still on your wrist. See PHLOOP →

Related reads

• Phone Theft and Snatching in India: The Complete Guide
• How to Block a Stolen Phone with IMEI (CEIR)
• Phone Settings to Turn On Before Your Phone Is Stolen