Unfortunately, despite there being some misleading information online, it is NOT possible to track your Mac using the serial number alone – your Mac MUST have ‘Find my Mac’ switched on, or you must be using an active tracking app.
Likewise, can Apple track stolen MacBook with serial number? According to Apple, Apple cannot track any stolen item using its serial number. Because serial numbers are meant for the identification of devices and not for tracking. If Find My Mac/iPhone was enabled on that MacBook/iPhone, it can be located. But if it wasn’t set up, you cannot locate it.
Amazingly, can you trace a stolen MacBook Pro? You can still track your device’s location while it’s locked as long as it’s connected to the internet. If it’s offline, the actions take effect the next time your Mac is online. Report your lost or stolen Mac to local law enforcement. Law enforcement might request the serial number of your Mac.
Beside the above, can Apple track stolen products by serial number? However, Apple does not maintain a serial number database in order to report a stolen device. They will provide some information to local police if requested under subpoena.
Also know, how can I Find My stolen MacBook serial number?
- Go to appleid.apple.com and Sign In.
- Scroll down to the Devices section and click on your Mac.
- Your Mac serial number will show up in the dropdown.
Unfortunately, despite there being some misleading information online, it is NOT possible to track your Mac using the serial number alone – your Mac MUST have ‘Find my Mac’ switched on, or you must be using an active tracking app.
Can a sealed MacBook be tracked?
Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to track down an unopened, packaged laptop. If you had registered the laptop, there might have been a slight glimmer of hope. If you had installed a tracking app or device (like Lo-Jack GPS locator), there would have been a little more hope.
Can police track a stolen laptop?
Police track laptops through the installation of hardware or software that will help identify and locate the laptop if it is stolen. These components, which might include GPS tracking chips or monitoring software, are installed on the laptop before purchase.
Can Apple block stolen MacBook?
Can Apple Block A Stolen MacBook Pro? Apple cannot block any of its devices or users. There are chances that Apple keeps a list of the serial numbers of stolen devices. But it never blocks any stolen MacBooks or phones.
Can I find a device by serial number?
Record the serial number of every device you have—especially your cell phone. Your phone constantly transmits its serial number to the provider’s network, enabling you to trace the phone in cases of theft.
Can a serial number be traced?
Serial numbers and lot numbers are tracked using barcode technology and software. With barcoding, lot numbers can be recognized when received, shipped or both, enabling products to be tracked & traced throughout the supply chain.
Can I track a device with serial number?
The IMEI or MEID, together with the serial number, won’t help directly track the device. The same thing goes for apps that claim they can get a phone location by number only. Without direct access or connection to the cell phone at hand, the phone number won’t be useful at all.
Can I Find My MacBook serial number online?
- On the surface of your product.
- On a Mac, by choosing About This Mac from the Apple menu.
- On an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, iPod, or Apple Watch, in Settings > General > About.
- In the Finder or iTunes, if your product syncs with your computer.
Do MacBook Pros have tracking devices?
SIMPLE ANSWER: mac laptops don’t have a GPS chip. They can be located through wifi networks.
What happens to stolen Macbooks?
Immediately sold to the highest bidder Once your laptop gets stolen, thieves will want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. They might sell it right out on the street to anybody willing to pay—money and the risk—for a suspiciously cheap laptop.
Can you track a laptop after factory reset?
Unfortunately, no. If the thief erases your hard drive, or restores your computer to factory settings (using the manufacturer’s factory restore procedure,) your computer can no longer be located.
How do police track serial numbers?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives operates an electronic tracing system, often called eTrace, that is used to find the person who first legally purchased a recovered weapon. The ATF, using the make, model and serial number of the weapon, tracks down the original manufacturer.
What happens if someone steals your laptop?
File a report with local law enforcement, who may request your laptop’s serial number (more on that in a minute). Both ASUS and Dell will open stolen device cases. A police report may also be required if you want to submit an insurance claim.
How can I track my IMEI location?
To track your lost Android phone with the IMEI number, you need to download a third-party IMEI tracking app, such as IMEI Tracker-Find My Device. However, we recommend using this method as your last resort. Google’s Find My Device is usually the best way to find a missing Android phone.
Is IMEI same as serial number?
Like most electronics, mobile devices have serial numbers assigned to them at the factory. In addition, mobile phones also have IMEI numbers (short for “International Mobile Station Equipment Identity”) that can be used to identify an individual handset.
Is device ID same as serial number?
Device IDs are stored on the mobile device and are separate from hardware serial numbers.
How can I check if a serial number is stolen?
Step 1. Contact your local police department. Tell them you’re suspicious that someone may be selling stolen property. Provide the officer with the serial number so that he can check the stolen property database for a match.
What can a serial number tell you?
Serial numbers identify otherwise identical individual units with many, obvious uses. Serial numbers are a deterrent against theft and counterfeit products, as they can be recorded, and stolen or otherwise irregular goods can be identified. Some items with serial numbers are automobiles, electronics, and appliances.
Can Apple track a stolen iPad by serial number?
Helpful answers. You cannot track the device with the IMEI or the serial number. If you did not have Find My iPad active before the device was lost/stolen, then you will not be able to track it. Find My iPad is the only method to track the device.
Can Apple Find My Lost iPhone with serial number?
It is not possible for you to track or locate a lost or stolen iPhone via the IMEI or serial number. Find My iPhone is the only way you can track or locate a lost or stolen iPhone: If Find My iPhone was not enabled on your iPhone before it was lost or stolen, then there is no way for you to locate it.
Can Apple Store track stolen iPhone?
Apple cannot track your iPhone, nor can your cell carrier except in extreme emergencies.