---
title: "Can a stolen IMEI phone be cracked?"  
description: "Can a stolen IMEI phone be cracked?"  
author: "Lily Chitlangiya"  
published: 2021-12-15  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94583/can-a-stolen-imei-phone-be-cracked  
category: "troubleshooting"  
tags: ["iphone", "troubleshooting"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# Can a stolen IMEI phone be cracked?

Can a stolen IMEI phone be cracked?

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## Answers

### Answer by Hitesh Vohra

- The major flaw in this system, according to the experts, is that a phone's **International Mobile Equipment Identity ([IMEI](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94797/can-imei-be-tracked-through-wifi)) -** a unique number assigned to each device – may be easily changed with for a small fee. While repairing a broken or malfunctioning phone, the IMEI might also be changed.
- Unless we get it serviced from an authorised centre, if you alter the PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) of a device, the IMEI will change automatically.
- When a user makes a call, a record of the phone number and the IMEI of the handset used to make the call is established, which aids in device tracking. While a different SIM card can be used to replace a phone number, only a technical person with particular equipment can alter the IMEI.

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**Read More: [My phone is lost how will I find the person who has stolen it?](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94584/my-phone-is-lost-how-will-i-find-the-person-who-has-stolen-it)**


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94583/can-a-stolen-imei-phone-be-cracked

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