How to Track a Stolen Phone With the Serial Number

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Record your serial number
Image Credit: Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Record the serial number of every device you have—especially your cell phone. Your phone constantly transmits its serial number to the provider's network, enabling you to trace the phone in cases of theft.

Advertisement

Step 1

Report your stolen cell phone
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

Contact your cell phone provider and report the theft of your phone. Provide your serial number, which should allow your provider to trace the phone. At the very least, ask to have the phone deactivated, which will prevent it from making any calls at your expense.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Report the theft to the police
Image Credit: Darrin Klimek/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Contact the police or other law enforcement and provide the serial number. These agencies also have access to tools that can help track down your phone as well.

Advertisement

Step 3

Provide a description of your phone and its serial number to pawn shops
Image Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Provide a description of your phone and its serial number to pawn shops in the area where the theft occurred. If the thief tries to sell your phone, the pawnbroker will have recorded the serial number and have a record of who stole it as well.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references