An IMEI number can be used to determine the device make and model, and whether the device is locked or unlocked. If a device has been lost or stolen, the IMEI can also be used to block it from being used on most carrier networks, including T-Mobile's.
If available networks appear, the phone is probably unlocked. To make sure, choose one and try to make a call. If only one result comes back from the network search, or if the Search Networks option is unavailable in the Networks menu, then the phone is most likely locked to the carrier.
Your phone cannot be re-locked to different network. Any compatible SIM card can be inserted, and as long as you have an account and credit with that network, you'll be able to make calls, send SMS, and perhaps even get online.
The easiest way to check if your phone is unlocked is to use another SIM card. If you do not have a SIM card, you can check if your phone is unlocked using the Settings, but this may not be 100% accurate. You can also contact your carrier, but they may not be able to give you the information you need.
Because each sim has a distinctive ICCID number that is not trackable if not on a working device. So it isn't possible to track the sim without it on the phone. On the contrary, an IMEI number can be tracked down without a sim, and you can get this number from your phone or by dialling *#06#.
So, the general answer is no, your phone cannot be tracked when switched off.
The basic information that an IMEI number holds is all about the device. This is hard-coded in when the number is created, going into depth about the make, model and specifications of the device it refers to. From this, a carrier can take a look at what the device is supposed to be able to do.
If you have inserted a clean simcard on a device that is reported stolen the simcard will work for sometime but when the system detected that the simcard is being used on a stolen phone, the simcard will be suspended. When you transferred the simcard to the original phone the simcard will not work.
You can find out if your iPhone is locked by going to Settings > General > About. If "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock, your iPhone is unlocked.
Block Listing works by blocking your phone's unique identifier (IMEI number). When a phone is block listed because it has been lost or stolen, it cannot make or receive calls or use data.
If you have purchased a used phone, you may want to check its IMEI. This information may be blocked, leaving you without a SIM card or Internet connection. The only way to unlock a blocked IMEI is to contact the carrier. If the phone has been lost or stolen, it's highly likely to have been blocked.
Most people who discover that they possess blacklisted devices choose to contact their carrier, as it's absolutely free. Simply get in touch with the original carrier and find out the reason for the blacklisting of the phone in the first place. That means you can contact AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or T-Mobile.
What Does “No SIM Restrictions” Really Mean? If the "No SIM restrictions" display in About (under settings), it means that you can use SIM card from any service provider or you have unlocked the SIM restriction successfully.
Unlocking your iPhone is free of charge regardless of the Apple service store location. However, the process is so easy that you can do it yourself. iPhones often get disabled due to multiple wrong attempts to enter the screen-lock passcode.
Your iPhone is essentially useless without your Apple ID and password. Some thieves may make an attempt to get that information through phishing attempts like fake emails or messages, so it's best to be aware of this possibility should your iPhone be stolen.
To perform a SIM card hacking through a SIM card swap, a hacker will first call up your phone provider. They'll pretend to be you and ask for a replacement SIM card. They'll say they want to upgrade to a new device and, therefore, need a new SIM. If they are successful, the phone provider will send them the SIM.
Scammers can use your SIM card to make calls, send SMS messages, and post to social media accounts on your behalf. Hijacking your phone number may be the first step towards completely taking over your digital life.
Data that SIM cards contain include user identity, location and phone number, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists and stored text messages. SIM cards allow a mobile user to use this data and the features that come with them.
The SIM card lock has been on top budget Android phones for years, but many people are unaware of the feature. Once you enable SIM lock on your Android phone, you'll enter the same four-digit passcode after a device reboot or when you transfer the SIM to another phone.
Basically, inserting your SIM card into another Android phone would allow someone else to impersonate you. It's easy access to all of your personal information. Identity theft is a huge concern in these situations, whether you're dealing with one petty thief or a criminal ring.