Yes, it can be tracked after a factory reset. However, this does not necessarily mean that your data can still be recovered; depending on the extent of the
Yes, there are ways to track a stolen laptop, but only if it's connected to the internet. You must first register the device with the laptop's manufacturer (like Apple or Microsoft) if they offer a tracking feature. There may also be third-party laptop tracking services you can sign up for.
It's important to clear all computer data before selling your system. It's not enough just to clean your cache and delete your files, however. Even a standard wipe of your hard drive may not be enough. Forensic software is getting better all the time and can recover data even on a computer that has been cleared.
Though the police won't launch a manhunt to track down the person who has your stolen laptop or phone, having a record of the theft and hopefully a serial number or IMEI (if you took it down before having the device stolen) will certainly help the police return any recovered property to the rightful owner.
Any time you attempt to locate the device, users using the device will see a notification in the notification area. This setting works for any Windows device, such as a PC, laptop, Surface, or Surface Pen. It needs to be turned on before you can use it.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the serial number is hardly trackable, there are no elements as to getting it tracked that way, Find My Device goes a long way in helping you and I recommend you turn it on in all of your devices for the foreseeable future.
Victims of laptop theft can lose hardware, software, and essential data that has not been backed up. Thieves also may have access to sensitive data and personal information.
Police, in particular, often use this feature for tracking criminals and gathering evidence for ongoing or future investigations. So, If you're wondering if the police can track your phone numbers and IP addresses, the answer is - yes, they can.
Factory reset a Windows laptop
Go to Settings > System > Recovery. At the top of the window, you'll see Reset this PC. Click on Get Started and select Remove Everything from the box that appears. From there, you can select to reinstall Windows from the local drive or download it from the cloud.
For Windows 11, click Start > Settings > System > Recovery > and then click Reset This PC. You'll then follow the onscreen instructions. For Windows 10, go to the Start Menu and click on Settings. Then navigate to Update & Security, and find the Recovery menu.
Factory reset is good enough to wipe the phone. The reason why data is found on used phones is because many users just delete the apps they installed and the files that they created and don't do the reset. This will leave personal data on the phone, but doing the reset will write over all the data.
Because they are small, valuable, can be removed quickly, are easily hidden, and there is a market for them. A thief can sell a stolen laptop, MP3 player, or other device to an unsuspecting used computer store or pawnshop, and easily receive up to half its value in cash.
An IP address can also identify your computer if someone steals it. There are several software programs that detect when the thief has used your computer to go online, but tracking the computer over the Internet is easier than finding the computer's real-world location.
The ISP issues a location-specific IP address when a computer accesses the Internet. If the owner of a stolen laptop discovers an IP address assigned to her computer since the theft, then the police can track its location.
Over 97% of stolen laptops are never recovered.
Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to track down an unopened, packaged laptop. If you had registered the laptop, there might have been a slight glimmer of hope.
Ask for the device's serial number and track it
Serial numbers are like IDs for electronic devices. They are unique for each laptop. Consequently, they can be used to track and determine if a device has been reported as stolen. You can do that by contacting your local police or visiting the manufacturers' website.
Could someone use your laptop's serial number fraudulently? It's unlikely, but there's a small risk that they could use it to get repairs under warranty or receive a replacement laptop. Then when you try to file a claim, you may not be able to receive repairs or a replacement.
The serial number is a unique identification number of a character string, numeric digits, and/or typographic symbols that the original equipment manufacturer assigns to PCs and laptops. Manufacturers use a laptop's serial number to provide technical support and warranty.
Find my device helps you track your device if it has been lost or stolen and allows you to prevent non-authorized users from accessing your device. Only someone with the associated Google account or screen lock information can use the device.
So, the general answer is no, your phone cannot be tracked when switched off. But this has been called into question numerous times. There have been talks of certain authorities still being able to track your phone when turned off.
If you want to remove a hardwired GPS tracker from a car, the best option is to ask your local auto repair mechanic to help you out. They will ensure that the tracker is uninstalled properly and is viable for further use.