Why can't I find my phone?

[WPCentral Question]

why i can't find my phone?

Hi! My Lumia 630 was stolen 10 days ago. I have already tried locating my phone, blocking it and wiping it, but the thief has already removed the SIM from my phone and/or has powered it off. I have already contacted my operator but all they can do is lock the SIM card. I'm going to the police tomorrow with the IMEI number, maybe they can locate it.

What else can I do and what are my chances of getting it back? Also, I don't really understand how "Find my phone" works. Is it going to work if the thief inserts another SIM card? Does it need a data connection?

 

[ven07]

Re: why i can't find my phone?

Yes the phone would need an active data connection. The find my phone option will only save the location of your phone periodically if you had set that option and even then an active data conn is required, I think. If the thief has wiped your phone then chances of finding it again are slim

 

[T Moore]

Re: why i can't find my phone?

Everything except 'find on a map' work by push notification or SMS messaging.
This means the phone has to be on, with your SIM installed before the functions like erasing will work.