It is always advisable to keep a track of your belongings, especially gadgets, and other valuables. In case of theft or loss, this would help you immensely in tracing and retrieving them. In this article, we will tell you how you can use the serial number of your lost or stolen laptop to track it down.
Every laptop has a unique serial number assigned to it by the manufacturer. This number is generally printed on the bottom of the laptop or on its label. In case your laptop has got stolen, you can contact the police and provide them with this number. The police will then contact the manufacturer and try to trace the owner of the laptop using this number.
Apart from the police, there are various online websites and services that can help you trace a stolen laptop using its serial number. These websites maintain databases of all lost or stolen laptops and other gadgets and can help you track down your device if it is present in their records.
Also Read: How to Make a Stolen Laptop Untraceable?
Things You Need to Consider to Ensure the Safety of Your Gadgets
While taking measures to protect your belongings is always a good idea, it is also important to take some precautions to ensure that your devices do not get lost or stolen in the first place. Here are some things you can do:
- Keep your gadgets with you at all times and do not leave them unattended in public places.
- Do not store your gadgets in your car, as this makes them an easy target for thieves.
- Keep a record of the serial numbers of all your gadgets and valuables and keep them in a safe place. This will come in handy if any of your belongings get lost or stolen.
- Be extra careful when traveling, especially if you are going to a crowded or unfamiliar place. Stay alert and keep your belongings close by at all times.
With these tips in mind, you can take steps to protect your gadgets and minimize the chances of theft or loss. And in case of any unfortunate event, you will be well prepared to take action and track down your stolen laptop using its serial number.
Enable the Device’s Default Tracking Features
Most laptops and other gadgets come with built-in tracking features that can be activated in case of loss or theft. These features make use of the device’s GPS capabilities to track its location and send the information to a designated server.
To activate these features, you will need to create an account with the service provider and provide them with the serial number of your device. Once the account is set up, you can activate the tracking features from the settings menu of your laptop or gadget.
Different Ways to Track Your Stolen Laptop
Using Your Laptop Serial Number
The first and most obvious way to track your stolen laptop is by using its serial number. As we mentioned earlier, every laptop has a unique serial number assigned to it by the manufacturer. This number is generally printed on the bottom of the laptop or on its label.
By using the already Installed Tracking Software
In addition to the serial number, many laptops and other devices are also equipped with built-in tracking software or apps such as PREY that can be used to track down a lost device. These apps make use of the device’s GPS capabilities and work in conjunction with servers maintained by the service provider.
By using the Default Features
In addition to the tracking apps, many laptops, and other gadgets also come with a “Find my device” feature that can be used to track down your lost or stolen device. This feature is usually activated by creating an account on the manufacturer’s website and entering the serial number of your device. Once enabled, the features use the GPS capabilities of your device to track its location and send the information to a designated server.
By the Mac or IP Address of your Laptop
If your laptop gets stolen, you may also be able to track it down using the Mac or IP address of your device. This can be done by checking your Mac or IP address from the settings menu of your laptop and then entering the information into a special website or app designed to track lost devices.
By signing into your Laptop with another Device
If you have a second device, such as a smartphone or tablet, you can also sign in to your stolen laptop using that device. This will allow you to track down its location and take other actions, such as locking the device or wiping the data.
Can I track my stolen laptop if it’s been factory reset?
It is possible to track a stolen laptop even if it has been factory reset. If you have the serial number of your device, you can use this to activate the default tracking features and monitor its location using GPS or other tracking technologies. In addition, some manufacturers offer special recovery software that can be installed on your laptop to help you find and recover it in case of theft or loss.
How to find the serial number of my laptop?
The serial number of your laptop is generally printed on the bottom of the device or on its label. You can also find it in the settings menu of your laptop. To access the settings menu, simply press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. Once you are in the settings menu, select the “System” option and then click on “About”. The serial number of your device will be listed under the “Device specifications” section.
Conclusion
If your laptop has been stolen or lost, there are several ways that you can use to track and recover it. One of the most effective methods is to use the serial number of your device, which is unique to each individual laptop. In addition, many laptops also come with built-in tracking software or apps that can be used to locate a lost or stolen device.
