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View Full Version : How do I locate a cell phone, trace?


jnpmp5
Aug 21, 2008, 05:52 AM
I lost my cell and don't know where I lost it... anyway I can trace it and see where it is?

CHRISSYS-ANGEL
Aug 21, 2008, 05:56 AM
Have you tried to call it and see if anyone answers it? If that doesn't work, call the phone company and they might be able to locate it using the location feature on your phone, unless you have that feature blocked on your phone. Good luck!

ScottGem
Aug 21, 2008, 06:00 AM
A cell phone is not a missing PERSON so I've move this thread from the Missing Persons forum.

If your phone is equipped with a GPS locator, yhern your carrier may be able to locate it if its been turned on. As suggested the first thing to try is to call it. Then call your carrier.

StaticFX
Aug 21, 2008, 06:20 AM
This is a common misconception. The gps locator is not a "locator" like you are thinking. It is for software like vz navigator.. it is not a location tool because it receives the gps data only, it does not send it out . The closest they can get is about the general area... a ping is sent from a cell phone and recorded by the closest tower... the carrier records this. A cell tower can have a large coverage area... so, that's the "area" your phone is.
The only people that can pinpoint you down to a few feet is 911 and that is when you are on the phone with them.

Yes, I know you hear about phones like disney where you can track the user. But you phone must have certain software installed in it and it must be enabled for it to work. -

Best bet is to call it and hope its close enough to hear it.
Good luck