Track a SIM Card in Another Phone

TL;DR

Generally, you can’t directly track a SIM card once it’s moved to another phone without the cooperation of your mobile network operator. However, there are ways to locate a lost or stolen device (and therefore the SIM) using pre-configured services like Find My iPhone/Android Device Manager. Tracking *without* permission is illegal.

How Tracking Works (and Doesn’t Work)

A SIM card itself doesn’t have GPS tracking capabilities. It identifies your subscription to a mobile network, but it doesn’t broadcast its location. Location is determined by the phone it’s inserted into and the nearby cell towers.

Steps to Locate a Device with a SIM Card

1. Check Your Mobile Provider’s Services: Most major mobile networks offer services to help locate lost or stolen phones. These often require you to have pre-registered your device and enabled the service *before* it was lost/stolen.
   • EE: My EE app, track a lost or stolen phone feature.
   • Vodafone: Vodafone Locator.
   • O2: O2 Track.
   • Three: Device Manager.
2. Use Find My iPhone (Apple): If the SIM card is in an iPhone and ‘Find My’ was enabled:
   1. Sign into iCloud with the Apple ID associated with the iPhone: https://www.icloud.com/find
   2. Select the device from the list.
   3. View its approximate location on a map. You can also play a sound to help locate it nearby.
3. Use Find My Device (Android): If the SIM card is in an Android phone and ‘Find My Device’ was enabled:
   1. Sign into your Google Account: https://www.google.com/android/find
   2. Select the device from the list.
   3. View its approximate location on a map. You can also play a sound, lock the device, or erase it remotely.
4. Contact Your Mobile Network Operator: They may be able to assist with locating the device, particularly if it’s been reported stolen. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership.
5. Report to the Police: If you believe your phone has been stolen, report it to the police immediately. Provide them with the IMEI number (see step 6).

What You *Can’t* Do

1. SIM Card Tracking Apps: There are many apps claiming to track SIM cards directly. Most of these are scams or don’t work as advertised. They often require root access to the phone, which voids warranties and poses security risks.
2. Directly Accessing Network Data: You cannot independently access mobile network location data without a court order and cooperation from your provider. This is due to privacy regulations.

Important Information You’ll Need

1. IMEI Number: The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number uniquely identifies the phone itself, not the SIM card. You can find it:
   • On the original packaging of your phone.
   • By dialing *#06# on the phone (if it’s still accessible).
   • In your mobile network account details (sometimes).
2. SIM Card Number: While not directly used for tracking, having this number can be helpful when reporting to your provider. It’s usually printed on the SIM card itself.

Legal Considerations

Tracking someone’s location without their consent is illegal in most jurisdictions. The information provided here is intended for locating *your own* lost or stolen device.