https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/7710-changing-imei/8

A phone doesnt need a sim to connect to the network towers. Sim is only for billing. The network can see your imei and triangulate your location as long as your radio is on.

I have read this on https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/7710-changing-imei/8, but I’m bit confused. Does this mean our IMEI is identified by cell tower as long as the airplane mode is off? What exact setting is “Radio” referring to?

thanks a lot

thanks @[email protected] and @[email protected]

Short answer: Yes The network can see your IMEI and triangulate your location even though no SIM is installed. and theoretically with airplane mode off no radio is on

  • whyNotSquirrel@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    6·
    2 days ago

    In some countries you still can call emergency services without SIM cards, so your phone can still reach the network for this purpose

    Radio refers to the network, so yes for it to not connect only airplane mode works in my knowledge (you can activate WiFi after)