Trace lost cell phone.

[etownguy]

Hi all,

Does anyone know if a cell phone can be traced?

I recently lost my mobile which uses a SIM card, I tried calling it but no luck

If I called my cell phone provided would they be able to trace it?

TIA.

[shadowpr]

Last time I checked, if you lost your cell phone, you should just get it cancelled and get a new one. Other then helping you with that, the cell phone provider can't do much.

Unless the times have changed, that's how it works.

[Lespaul20]

Why don't you trying calling them. I really doubt they will. I believe it's possible to track it down to a general area, I'm not sure how accurate cell GPS is. Anyway, if they did do it I would think a lot of people would be getting into trouble with stolen cell phones. The best thing they will probably do is cancel that phone.

[Dave21]

Yea just cancel it. Chances are that if they are a good samaritan, they would try to return it to you. What kind of cellphone was it? If its a new phone, you're probably not going to get it back.

[Dave21]

Also, you should try texting your phone pleading for it to be returned. My friend did it and got it back. Lol.

[doctorgonzo]

Theoretically, cell phones can be traced. But in reality, cell phone providers won't go through the hassle. Why would they? When you lose your phone, that means you have to buy a new one, which means more $$$ for the cell phone company. From their perspective, if you don't get your phone back it's a win for them.

As everybody else is saying, you should cancel your service now and cut your losses.

[etownguy]

I already canceled it.

Thanks for the opinions

[Hi Ho]

Why don't you trying calling them. I really doubt they will. I believe it's possible to track it down to a general area, I'm not sure how accurate cell GPS is. Anyway, if they did do it I would think a lot of people would be getting into trouble with stolen cell phones. The best thing they will probably do is cancel that phone.

The GPS receivers in many phones are quite accurate. 911 can use GPS to get your exact location. My Verizon phone offers navigation for driving and it is very accurate. It knows exactly where to turn.

[Lespaul20]

Originally Posted by Hi Ho The GPS receivers in many phones are quite accurate. 911 can use GPS to get your exact location. My Verizon phone offers navigation for driving and it is very accurate. It knows exactly where to turn.

I don't think my phone has that accurate of GPS. I think is just uses the towers to zero in on the phone if I dial 911. I have a cheap phone though.

[Hi Ho]

Your phone may not have a GPS chip at all. Your phone uses triangulation from the cell towers to locate itself. That is not GPS and it is not as accurate.