Methods and devices for uplink-based User Equipment (UE) tracking for UEs operating in a connected inactive operating state are provided. A transmit-receive point (TRP) transmits parameters to a UE that allow the UE to uniquely determine a UE-specific tracking sequence and assigned time-frequency (TF) resource that are independent of a TRP identifier associated with the TRP. The UE determines the UE-specific tracking sequence and assigned TF resource based at least in part on the parameters received from the TRP. While in the connected inactive operating state, the UE transmits a tracking signal that includes the UE-specific tracking sequence in accordance with the assigned TF resource. The TRP receives the tracking signal from the UE, detects the UE in accordance with the UE-specific tracking sequence to produce a UE detection status, and transmits a tracking response to the UE in accordance with the UE detection status.