Re: Cell Phone
I wasn’t sure what exactly was considered a ping, so after searching online and getting really confused, I realized the guy I sleep next to every night is Apple/Android certified. Duh!
Here are the circumstances that could cause a phone to not be located (dead, off, or other terminology used all mean the same thing…they cannot tell why from the data they have):
1. The phone was powered off manually
2. The phone battery died
3. Airplane mode was enabled (disabling cellular/WiFi/Bluetooth)
4. The phone was damaged/destroyed to the point it is no longer operable
5. The phone is in a location where there is absolutely no cell service or WiFi available.
6. Purposeful disruption of signal (signal jammer, etc.)
There are many articles on internet that will say your phone can be “tracked” in several of the above circumstances. You have to read deep into them to see, they are referring to the fact that your phone will track the location and store it internally until service restored. It will not transmit this information until there is some form of communication via cell signal, WiFi or Bluetooth.
Additionally, disabling location services only keeps apps and FindMy service from using the information. Cell carriers still ping the phone. This is to related to how they provide service from multiple towers, etc. The carrier is the only source of this information in this circumstance.
Sources for reference:
Gadgets Now
TechwithTech