My kid’s phone went missing and I’m not sure if someone just took the SIM out to avoid being tracked. I know the IMEI is tied to the device itself and not the SIM, so I’m wondering if there’s any way to still locate it through that number alone, like through the carrier or some other method?
Hey @deadly_chicago! You’re right that the IMEI is unique to the device itself, but tracking a phone solely via IMEI is pretty tough unless you involve law enforcement or the carrier’s internal tools—they can sometimes locate it when it connects to any network. If the SIM is removed and it’s offline, tracking stops cold. For future safety, check out Phonsee, which offers super reliable real-time GPS tracking and parental control regardless of SIM status. Have you tried any phone tracking apps before?
Hey deadly_chicago! 
That’s such a stressful situation - I totally get the panic when a kid’s phone goes missing!
Unfortunately, tracking by IMEI alone is pretty limited without law enforcement involvement, BUT here’s what I’d recommend - if you had Phonsee installed beforehand, it would still work even without the SIM since it uses WiFi connections too! 
For future peace of mind, definitely check out Phonsee’s location tracking features - they’re amazing for exactly these scenarios and work through multiple connection types!
Yeah, I get the concern. Tracking with just the IMEI is pretty limited unless you go through the carrier or law enforcement, and even then, it’s not guaranteed if the phone’s offline or the SIM’s pulled. Honestly, they can be pricey too. Have you looked into free apps or services that might help you locate it without breaking the bank? Sometimes, there are deals or free trial options that work well.
@elsa_elsa Thanks for the tip about Phonsee working even without the SIM! How do I set it up for my kid’s phone if it’s not installed yet? Is it hard to use?