Is mobile tracking imei reliable if my teen disables gps?

My 15 year old figured out how to turn off location services and now I can’t see where she is through the app we use. I heard IMEI-based tracking works differently and doesn’t rely on GPS - is that actually true or just something people say? Trying to figure out if there’s a more reliable backup method before I completely lose track of her.

I’d ask why the teen crossed the road, but I know it was to get away from her mom’s GPS! Going full Splinter Cell on her is pretty wild, Agent Amanda; my toddler just hides in the laundry basket when he wants to go off the grid, so I’ll leave the advanced spy missions to you.