Government Launches National Version of Lost Mobile Phone Tracking and Recovery Website
In a bid to address the rising number of lost or stolen mobile phones in India, the government has launched a national version of its website that helps users track and recover their missing devices.
Previously available only in select states and Union territories, the website will now be accessible across the country. It provides users with a platform to report and track lost or stolen mobile phones, along with other features such as blocking SIM cards and retrieving backup data.
The website, named ‘CEIR’ or the Central Equipment Identity Register, was first launched in 2019 under the Department of Telecommunications. It aims to build a database of all mobile devices in the country and curb the use of counterfeit and unauthorised devices.
The Government estimates that up to 30 million mobile phones are lost or stolen in India every year. With the launch of the national version of CEIR, users can avail the services from anywhere in the country, making it easier to track and recover their lost devices.
How the CEIR website works
The process to report and track a lost mobile phone on the CEIR website is simple and user-friendly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
Step 1: Visit the CEIR website (https://ceir.gov.in/)
Step 2: Click on the ‘Report Lost/Stolen Mobile’ option on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter your mobile number, and an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Step 4: Enter the OTP and click ‘submit’.
Step 5: Once the OTP is verified, you will be redirected to a new page where you will be required to fill in some personal information and details of your missing device, such as the IMEI number.
Step 6: After submitting the details, you will receive a confirmation message with your complaint’s reference number.
Step 7: You can then track the status of your complaint using the reference number on the ‘Track Complaint Status’ option on the homepage.
The website also offers the option of blocking your SIM card to prevent unauthorised use and retrieving backup data from your lost device.
Why is the CEIR website important?
With CEIR’s database of mobile devices, the government can keep track of the mobile devices in the country, reducing the use of counterfeit devices and unauthorised imports. The website also acts as a deterrent to mobile theft as users can easily track and recover their lost devices.
Moreover, the website also provides an efficient way to block stolen devices and prevent them from being used for criminal activities. By enabling a user to block their stolen phone, they can prevent the unauthorised use of the device, which can be a serious threat to their privacy.
In conclusion, the launch of the national version of the CEIR website is a significant step in curbing the use of counterfeit mobile devices and addressing the problem of lost or stolen phones in India. The user-friendly platform will help users from every corner of the country to report and track their lost or stolen devices with ease. It is expected that the platform will act as a deterrent to the theft of mobiles and contribute to making India a safer place for its citizens.