FAQs
In 2024, while NordVPN provides robust protection for your online activities by encrypting your internet connection and shielding your IP address, it does not have the capability to hide or alter your phone's IMEI number.
Can a VPN hide your device ID? ›
While a VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, it does not hide the type of device you are using. Websites can still gather device-specific information (including operating system, screen resolution and browser type) through methods like browser fingerprinting.
Does VPN hide cell phone location? ›
A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address. As a result, it also hides your location, browsing history, searches, downloads, and any other activities, such as gaming or streaming. A VPN hides this information from bad actors, ISPs, websites, and even oppressive governments.
Can you block your phone using IMEI? ›
Call up your mobile network provider's customer service line. Inform them that your phone has been lost or stolen and provide them with the IMEI number. They can then proceed to block your phone, ensuring that the device cannot be used on any network with any SIM card.
Should IMEI be kept secret? ›
Yes, it is extremely important that you always keep your IMEI number safe, because it could be used for hacking. One of the most common ways to use IMEI for hacking is known as SIM card cloning. In this process, hackers will create a duplicate version of your smartphone and use it to hack into your original device.
Does a VPN hide my IMEI? ›
Limitation of VPN Services: VPNs like NordVPN encrypt internet traffic and mask IP addresses. However, they do not have the capability to change or hide hardware identifiers like the IMEI, which are directly communicated between your device and your mobile network provider.
Does a VPN hide my phone number? ›
Your identity on social media is tied to the information you've shared about yourself (such as your name, email, or phone number). Using social media while connected to a VPN means you're generally safer online — but a VPN doesn't hide your identity from the social media provider or other users.
Do VPNs actually hide your identity? ›
No, a VPN does not make you anonymous. In fact, no internet privacy tool can completely hide your online presence. A VPN can encrypt your data, shield your IP address, and even protect you from online trackers, but full anonymity isn't possible.
Can VPN hide mobile data? ›
A VPN gains access to the internet through your ISP (aka your mobile carrier or telecom), which provides you with mobile data. So, when using a VPN, your ISP will still be able to monitor your mobile data usage. This means that a VPN won't help bypass data caps or grant you unlimited mobile data.
Can a cell phone with VPN be tracked? ›
A VPN hides the demographic data sent with your internet activity, so you can't be tracked.
1> Reported as Stolen or Lost: If a phone is reported stolen or lost to the carrier, they may blacklist its IMEI to prevent it from being used on their network or any other network.
Does IMEI blocking actually work? ›
Blocking the IMEI number essentially renders the phone unusable as a communication device. When you decide to block the IMEI number, it gets added to a blacklist shared by carriers. If anyone tries to use the device with a SIM card from any carrier that references this list, the device won't register on the network.
How long does it take to block IMEI? ›
You don't need to know your IMEI number to request blocking, but you may need it to get the handset unblocked. See the advice below. Once lodged, a request to block or unblock an IMEI Number may take up to 24 hours to complete. If your SIM cannot be recovered, you'll need to request a replacement SIM.
Does changing the IMEI number make a phone untraceable? ›
"The changed IMEI mobile gets virtually a new identity, making it impossible to detect.
What does IMEI reveal? ›
The IMEI number reveals details about a phone without having to physically have it, including the brand and model, year of release, and other specifications. For this reason, your insurance company or new phone provider may want to know your IMEI number to create an insurance policy.
What is *#06 used for? ›
Dialing *#06# on a mobile device prompts the device to display the IMEI number on the screen. It's a standard MMI (Man Machine Interface) code that's implemented on all phones everywhere. It's part of a list of USSD/MMI codes that are standardised internationally.
Does using a VPN hide your identity? ›
No, a VPN does not make you anonymous. In fact, no internet privacy tool can completely hide your online presence. A VPN can encrypt your data, shield your IP address, and even protect you from online trackers, but full anonymity isn't possible.
How do you hide your device ID? ›
Use a proxy server to hide your IP address
Like a VPN, a proxy server acts as a middleman between your device and the Internet. Websites and apps see the proxy server's IP address rather than your real IP address. In fact, a VPN is technically a type of proxy.
Does Tor hide device ID? ›
VPNs and Tor both give anonymity by shielding the connected device's true IP address given by their internet service provider through encryption. This means that when the user browses websites or services that track device data, tracking tools are unable to pinpoint their actual IP.
Can your device be tracked if you use VPN? ›
You can't be tracked using a VPN because it encrypts your data. As a result, your ISP or bad actors can't get any information out of your traffic. They only see the VPN server's IP address (e.g. if you're connected to a US server, the US IP address is visible), while your real IP and online activities stay hidden.