Cell Phone Tracking

The cluster discusses how cellular networks, carriers, Stingrays, and protocols like SS7 enable pervasive tracking of mobile phones via cell towers, IMEI, and location triangulation, even without SIM cards or data usage.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Security
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#6013
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Keywords

US WSJ SF MEID SMS SIM HLR thehill.com SS7 OTA phone cell network cell phone phones track carrier location towers tower

Sample Comments

noja Mar 22, 2022 View on HN

Doesn't SS7 allow this too? (if you have the right level of access to any mobile carrier in the world)

white-flame Aug 25, 2017 View on HN

This phone's software may not track you, but the cellular network itself still does.

FullMtlAlcoholc Nov 30, 2016 View on HN

Does anyone know how to detect if your phone has been intercepted by a device like a Stingray

darod Oct 27, 2015 View on HN

how would this circumvent the issue? you'd still have to get a plan with a carrier. they can still track your location and your habits through the data that you're sending through their network.

saagarjha Dec 20, 2018 View on HN

Cell carriers can track iPhones as well through triangulation, etc. There’s not much you can do to prevent this.

jqpabc123 Jan 22, 2021 View on HN

Surprise! Your phone is really a tracking device.

late2part Jul 7, 2014 View on HN

Could it be that this is all part of a dragnet to track ESN/MEID of people's devices?

supernova87a Apr 28, 2020 View on HN

I'm not sure how any of these are not already searchable / discoverable by someone abusing the cellular system that already knows phone locations all the time?

fulafel Nov 6, 2025 View on HN

Isn't the network still tracking you via the modem's IMEI in that case?

throwaway11460 May 5, 2024 View on HN

Cell phones announce unique device ID to all nearby radio towers, even without a SIM - and I wouldn't trust a modern phone without a replaceable battery to stay silent when turned off. Never bring your phone if you need to cover your tracks.