Ever had a mysterious call from a random number and wondered who was on the other end? Maybe you’re curious about where they’re calling from and why. Whatever the reason, we’ve rounded up a few ways to track a phone number here in the UK.

How to track a phone number for free

You can track a phone number using a few different free methods. An online reverse phone lookup tool is a quick, easy, and legal way of doing it. With sites like Who Called Me? and Truecaller, just type in a phone number and you might get some details back about who owns it.

But you won’t always get the answers you’re looking for with these online tools for phone number tracking. After all, there are literally millions of UK phone numbers out there! But people can add comments to specific numbers if they’re dodgy — giving you a heads up on who to ignore or block.

Who Called Me? also have a free caller ID and spam-blocking mobile app for Android and iOS called Wotcha! This gives you instant access to their huge database — making sure you're always in the know. It’ll help you immediately recognise unknown numbers, spam calls, and call centres. So, you won’t have to waste any time picking up the phone.

Can I track a mobile phone with just a number?

Who Called Me? have a special search tool for mobile phone numbers. You won’t get super detailed info back about the caller using this, but you’ll get the mobile phone network’s name at least. And if you’ve had an annoying spam call or keep getting harassed by the same number — you can fight back. Just report any nuisance calls to British Telecom, your network provider, or contact the police in extreme cases.

And don’t forget, even a simple Google search might do the trick. It can help if the number belongs to a public company or organisation. Or if lots of people have been affected by a scammer using the same number, internet forums can be a big help. They can give you some good advice on whether it’s legit or not.

How to track a lost phone with a phone number

Misplaced your mobile? Don’t panic, just start with the basics first. If you reckon it’s slipped down the back of the sofa, use someone else’s phone to call your number. But if you think you’ve left your phone out and about — like on a train or in a library — get someone to text it. This message can include your contact info, so if anyone finds your phone they might see the it and get in touch.

Other than that, there isn’t a way to legally track a lost phone with just its phone number. But luckily, there are a few other methods you can rely on…

How to track a lost phone without a phone number

iPhone and Android phones have built-in tech to help you find your lost or stolen phone. Google’s Find My Device feature is installed on all Android gadgets and uses your Google account to show you where they are on a map.

You can also remotely control things on your lost mobile, like setting a new password, making your mobile ring, or even completely wiping its data. Got a Samsung phone? Check out our how to find a lost or stolen Samsung phone guide for a couple more methods.

You can use Find My app on one of your other Apple devices to track down your lost iPhone. It uses a combination of GPS, phone towers, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signals to locate it. You can also sign into your iCloud account on a computer and click on the ‘Find iPhone’ icon to see it on a map. And like Google’s Find My Device, you can do things like display a message for someone who finds it or erase its data remotely.

Legal aspects of phone number tracking

You can only trace a UK number legally by matching it with public records. Reverse phone number lookups — like Who Called Me? — are not illegal because all the info you get from these is public. Only the authorities can actually trace numbers in the UK. So, please don’t use any sites that offer free phone tracing services. They’re probably scams!

FAQs

Can you track a phone that is turned off?

No. That’s because when a phone is turned off, it’ll stop sending out signals that might help you find it. But your network or internet provider can assist by sharing your phone’s last location and any activity before it got switched off.

Can a lost phone be tracked by an IMEI number?

Yes, you can use a phone’s IMEI number to track it down. All mobile phones have an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which is your device's unique 15-digit serial code. You can get your phone’s IMEI number by typing *#06# on your keypad.

If you’ve lost your phone, then the police can help you find it using confidential IMEI tracking software. They’ll just type in your phone’s IMEI number and it’ll give them the device’s exact location.

How to track iPhone location by phone number

You can’t track an iPhone’s location by just its phone number — unless it’s nearby and you get someone to call it. Instead, use the Find My app on another Apple gadget to find your iPhone if you’ve lost it. Or use your iCloud account to do it from a computer’s web browser.

You can also use the Find My app to share your location with friends, family, and contacts. And with iOS 15, you can even share your Live Location so they can see where you’re going in real time.

Any other questions?

There you have it. Now you know some easy (and legal) ways to trace phone calls or find your lost phone. Why not learn how to record a phone call too? Or if you want to make your iPhone data even safer, learn how to update an iPhone.