So can you track a phone that is turned off? Generally, filing a police report may increase your odds of finding it. It only works through GPS services or physically matches the IMEI reported stolen. Find my iPhone, Find My Device, or similar services use the last known phone location to help you.įinally, you can use IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers to trace a phone. When there is no connection, Bluetooth services help track a phone offline as long as it is switched on. It uses the cell site mast information to map the location more accurately when satellite coverage is poor. Phones also use A-GPS or assisted GPS when connected to Wi-Fi or data connections. It uses satellite signals to ping the phone and provide a location. It is the most accurate monitoring form and can be shown in real-time. Using multiple masts, triangulates a position to narrow it down.Īnother phone tracking method is GPS services. When that phone moves, it will ping from a different mast. This service works by monitoring which mast you are connected to. Triangulation is one such method and works on the locations of cell towers or mobile network masts. Part 1: Can You Track a Phone That Is Turned off?īefore answering the question, let's first talk about how location tracking works.

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