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Can a Phone Be Tracked After a Factory Reset?

Published in Mobile Security 2 mins read

Generally, no, a phone cannot be tracked after a factory reset. A factory reset erases all data and settings on the phone, including any tracking software or apps.

However, there are some exceptions:

  • Previous tracking: If the phone was previously tracked by a third-party app or service, the data might be stored on a remote server and could still be accessed even after the reset.
  • IMEI tracking: Law enforcement agencies can track a phone using its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which is a unique identifier for every phone. This tracking can be done even after a factory reset.
  • Cloud backups: If the phone was backed up to a cloud service before the reset, the tracking information might be restored when the phone is set up again.
  • Remote access: Some manufacturers or carriers might have remote access capabilities that allow them to track a phone even after a factory reset.

In conclusion, while a factory reset is generally effective in removing tracking software and data, there are some scenarios where tracking might still be possible.

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