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.