How To Track a Cell Phone

In this day and age, it is possible to track a cell phone number or its location.  With the help of GPS, short for Global Positioning System, and various software programs, tracing a cell phone location is more of a cakewalk. You can go online or use a phone to trace another cell phone number, taking the assistance of a GPS tracking or mobile tracking software.  It is important to know that it is a breach of someone’s privacy, when you decide to snoop in on his or her cell phone location.

Although, unethical to do so, cell phone tracking becomes an absolute necessity on certain occasions.If you need to find someone in an emergency, mobile tracking or GPS tracking is understandable. Government agencies use it all the time to nab criminals. You may want to track a phone that is lost or stolen, or you may want to keep tabs on your children. There are times when you need to get to a prank caller and have him reported to the authorities. These are some of the unavoidable circumstances when you cannot do without tracing a mobile number.

Tracking a cell phone number is pretty easy.  The Reverse Phone Detective service available online can give you the owner’s name and address and other relevant information.

Most cell phones are equipped with GPS, making it simple to track cell phone numbers. For phones that are not GPS enabled mobile tracking is done using a ping to the nearest tower from your mobile. GPS mobiles, on the other hand, do not require you to ping a cell tower.  GPS works through triangulation of satellite information, and tracking is an easy exercise.

The methods summarized below are some of the ways you can track a cell phone location.

Use a GPS Enabled Cell Phone

This is by far the easiest method because buying a phone equipped with GPS enables you to use options for tracking phone calls. Most cell phone companies have incorporated GPS tracking technology, in accordance with the requirement of the Federal Communications Commission.  There are specific plans available for especially employers and parents that can take you a step closer to tracking a cell phone.

Many newer phones contain GPS chips. Some older phones do not have the chip installed. Find out from the manufacturer if there is an option for chip installation on such phones.  Merely having GPS chips on your phone is not enough for you to track a cell phone number.  You need to have your cell phone GPS tracking enabled

Go Online

There is a bevy of cell phone tracking services available online.  One among them is, of course, Google Latitude’s mapping program which uses cell phone tower signals to send the location of a cell phone to another phone or computer of approved contacts. Other similar mapping services come from Mologogo, BuddyWay and InstaMapper. Mologogo offers free cell phone tracking for GPS enables phones.

You can find where your friends are or display traffic and weather information. BuddyWay is a free GPS tracker that makes it possible real-time tracking of any cell phone, or PDA with built-in GPS. InstaMapper is another free online service that allows you to trace the location of a GPS-enabled cell phone in real-time.

If you own a BlackBerry, there are a few free BlackBerry Tracker applications. MooseTrax is one of the free BlackBerry tracking applications. There are also paid services, like Berry Locater that lets you track a phone from your computer.

Use the IMEI Number

If your cell phone is misplaced or stolen, you can track it down using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.  This is a unique 16-digit code allotted to your phone.

To make a note of the IMEI number, simply dial *#06#, and you will be able to use the code to track your mobile or disable it by passing the information to your mobile carrier.

Install Mobile Tracking Software

There are paid software programs, such as MobileSpy, available online for download, if you wish to go ahead and install one of those on your computer or cell phone. These software programs can help you track a cell phone from your own phone, PDA or computer.

Take Help From The Service Provider

Check with your service provider to find out whether they provide cell phone tracking service.

Hire a Private Detective

Hiring a private detective may cost you some serious money and may be a lengthy process, but you can get a detailed report and a professional service.

Whatever your intentions are of tracking a cell phone, you should be aware of the risks involved and the privacy policies in place before deciding to track a phone.