My teenager lost their phone at the park yesterday and it’s totally dead, so the regular location sharing apps aren’t working. I kept the original box and have the 15-digit serial code written down, but I have no idea how ordinary people are supposed to use it to locate a device. Has anyone here actually had success finding a missing cell this way, or do I have to somehow get the service provider or police involved to ping it?
IMEI tracking is complicated; usually, only service providers or authorities can ping a phone using it. Keep in touch with your carrier for advice.