What to do if your iPhone has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Part 1: Basic information about IMEI number and ESN

What is IMEI number?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): IMEI numbers are unique to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network mobile phones. Unlike ESN, an IMEI number is 15 digits long. It serves as an anti-theft measure, meaning a blacklisted IMEI can result from a device being reported lost or stolen or a breach of the consumer agreement.

What is an ESN?

Electronic Serial Number (ESN): Previously utilized by CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks, an ESN was a unique identifier for cellular devices. With technological progression, most carriers have shifted their focus to the IMEI system, but knowing your ESN’s history is still crucial, especially if you're dealing with older devices.

What is a Bad ESN?

A Bad ESN can mean a lot of things, let’s check out some examples:

1. If you hear this term most probably you are trying to activate the device with a carrier, but that’s not possible due to some reasons.
2. It can mean that the previous owner of the device switched carriers.
3. The previous owner had an outstanding amount on their bill and cancelled the account without paying the bill first.
4. The previous owner didn’t have a bill when they cancelled the account but they were still under a contract and if you cancel sooner than the due date for the contract, an "early termination fee" is created based on the remaining period of the contract and they hadn’t paid that amount.
5. The person that sold you the phone or someone else who was the actual owner of the device reported the device as lost or stolen.

What is a blacklisted IMEI?

Blacklisted IMEI is basically the same thing as Bad ESN but for devices that work on CDMA networks, like Verizon or Sprint. In short, the main reason that a device has a Blacklisted IMEI is so that you as the owner or someone else cannot activate the device on any carrier, not even the original one, thus avoiding selling or stealing the phone.

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Part 2: How to check if your iPhone is blacklisted?

To check if your iPhone is blacklisted, you first need to retrieve your IMEI or ESN number. Once you have it, you can quickly verify its status using various methods.

How to find the IMEI or ESN numbers:

1. On the original box of the iPhone, usually around the barcode.
2. In Settings: go to General > About to find the IMEI or ESN.
3. On some iPhones, it's printed in the SIM card tray.
4. Some iPhones have it engraved on the back of the case.
5. If you dial *#06# on your phone, the IMEI or ESN will appear.

How to verify if your iPhone is blacklisted?

Checking your iPhone’s blacklist status is the first step in addressing any ESN or carrier restrictions. Here are your main options:

1. Apple’s Blacklist Status Tool: Enter your IMEI on Apple’s official website to see its status directly.
2. Network Carrier Services: Contact the carrier the iPhone was originally sold from. Logos appear on the box, back case, or boot screen. Note that response times and service quality vary.
3. Third-Party IMEI Check Services: We recommend Dr.Fone Unlock Online – a free, ad-free IMEI checker supporting both Apple and Android devices. It provides comprehensive info including:
   • Blacklist & Activation Lock status
   • iCloud & MDM lock status
   • Carrier lock, warranty info, and advanced Apple device info
   • Android device checks like Samsung KNOX Guard, Xiaomi Activation Lock, Huawei & Honor info, Motorola & OPPO warranty, and more

It’s simple and fast – results are returned in 1–60 seconds, supports devices worldwide, and works directly on your phone or desktop. See our step-by-step guide for more details.

Tip: Using Dr.Fone Unlock Online ensures you get reliable, comprehensive IMEI status checks without annoying ads – perfect for anyone buying or selling an iPhone.

Part 3: What to do if your iPhone has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

A bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI is serious business. It can result in a device being unusable on most of the surrounding networks. If your IMEI is blacklisted, there are steps for potential resolution:

Ask the seller for a refund

If you bought the device with the bad ESN newly from a retailer or online shop, you might be in luck as they can provide you with a refund or at least a replacement, depending on their policy. For example, Amazon and eBay have refund policies. Unfortunately, if you got the phone from someone you found on the street, or from a seller over sources like Craigslist, this might not be possible. But there are still other things you can do.

Use it as a gaming console or iPod

Smartphones have a whole lot of functionality besides being able to place calls. You can install a bunch of different video games in it, you can use it to surf the internet, watch videos over YouTube, download music and videos to it. You could even use it as an iPod. The possibilities are really endless. You can even install apps like Skype and use Skype call as an alternative to a phone call.

Report of the Issue to the Police

If you suspect fraud or a theft may have been involved, filing a report can be necessary.

Get the IMEI or ESN Cleaned

Depending on your carrier, you can see if they entertain requests to remove your IMEI from the blacklist. IMEI cleaning services exist, offering to remove the blacklisted status. However, proceed with caution, as this is often in a gray legal area.

Swap the Logic Board

The thing about a blacklisted IMEI is that it’s only blacklisted in a particular country. An unlocked AT&T iPhone blacklisted in the US would still function in Australia on another network. As such you can try and change the chips of your iPhone. However, in doing so you should be prepared for some possible irreparable damage.

Unlock it and then Sell it

After your unlock your iPhone you can sell it to foreigners at a lowered rate. You can find out how to unlock in the next steps. But why would foreigners buy a blacklisted phone, you might ask? That’s because they won’t be on US soil long, and the IMEI is only blacklisted locally. So foreigners and tourists might be persuaded to buy your iPhone if you throw in a big enough discount.

Take it apart and sell the spare parts

You can dismember the logic board, screen, dock connector and back casing, and sell them separately. These may be used to help out other broken iPhones.

Sell internationally

As mentioned earlier, you can unlock the phone with the blacklisted IMEI. However, since it’s only blacklisted locally, you can sell it internationally where it would still have value.

Flash phone to another carrier

This is an ideal option for those who don’t mind changing carriers. You can flash the phone to another carrier, as long as they accept it, and pretty soon you’ll have a functional phone! However, in some cases, you might land with a 3G connection instead of a 4G.

Determine Hybrid GSM/CDMA Phones

If your phone cannot activate on a CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint, the IMEI can still be used on a GSM network. Most phones manufactured these days come with a GSM standard nano or micro sim card slot and have GSM radio enabling for a GSM network. Most of them also come factory unlocked as well.

Having a phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI is naturally a headache, however, all hope isn’t lost. You can do any of the things mentioned in the previous steps, and you can read on to find out how to unlock the phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI.

Part 4: How to unlock a phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Unlocking a phone with bad ESN or a blacklisted IMEI is not a single-step process. It involves both technological and legal maneuvering. It's important to note that unlocking a blacklisted phone might not make it fully operational, but it can help in using it with carriers outside the country where it was blacklisted.

Understanding Lock Status

Before proceeding, ensure you understand the lock status of your phone. If the phone is network locked, it only works with a specific carrier. If it is blacklisted, it’s barred from most network use. An unlocked phone, on the other hand, is a blank slate ready to work with any carrier that supports the device's technological specifications.

Steps to Unlock

Here's a comprehensive overview of the steps to unlock a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI:

1. Ascertain Legality: Ensure unlocking your phone is within the bounds of the law, both locally and globally. Legal provisions such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in the US and similar laws elsewhere define the circumstances under which phone unlocking is legal.
2. Contact the Carrier: If the blacklisting issue has been resolved, contacting the carrier who blacklisted the device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the device and the resolution of the reason for blacklisting.
3. Consider Third-Party Services: If your phone was blacklisted from a carrier in a different country where unlocking might be a common practice, third-party services can assist. Verify that they are reputable and have a solid track record, as well as a range of positive reviews from previous customers.
4. IMEI Repair and Unlock Tools: Some advanced users may consider IMEI repair software or unlock tools. However, utilizing these services could be illegal or fraudulent unless you are a certified technician who can verify the legitimacy of the software being used and the legality of the method in your region.
5. Seek Professional Repair Centers: If all else fails, there are mobile repair shops that specialize in this type of work. It’s important to vet these services thoroughly, and ensure they are trained in such repairs and have a history of success.

Considerations and Warnings

• Device Warranty: Unlocking a phone could void its warranty. Consider the cost-benefit of unlocking versus keeping the device under warranty.
• Legal Ramifications: Unauthorized unlocking can have legal repercussions. It’s important to research and ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
• Financial Risks: Some services come at a high cost, and there are scams in the market. Be cautious and only deal with recognized and trusted entities.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I find out if this iPhone is reported as lost or stolen? I mean which one is it?

This information is generally anonymous to carriers, so no one can tell you exactly. However, you can check the iPhone’s IMEI status using Dr.Fone Unlock Online’s free IMEI Check to see if it’s blacklisted or has activation issues.

Q: I have a friend who wants to sell me an iPhone, how do I check if it has a bad ESN or if it’s lost or stolen before I buy it?

You should check the IMEI or ESN first. The fastest and easiest way is to use Dr.Fone Unlock Online Free IMEI Check. It’s free, ad-free, and provides detailed info including blacklist status, iCloud lock, MDM lock, and more for Apple devices.

Q: I am the owner of the iPhone and I reported it as lost some time ago and I found it, can I cancel it?

Yes, most carriers allow you to cancel the lost report, but they may require you to visit a retail store with at least one valid ID.

Q: I dropped my phone and the screen cracked. Does it now have a bad ESN?

Hardware damage does not affect an ESN. Your ESN status remains unchanged.

Q: Is it legal to unlock a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Legality varies by country and case law. Generally, if you are the original owner and the device is fully paid off, unlocking it is legal. Always verify local regulations before using unlocking services.

Q: Can you use a blacklisted phone internationally?

A blacklisted phone may not work on the carrier network where it was blacklisted, but could work in another country. Unlocking the phone internationally might be an option. For a quick status check, use Dr.Fone Unlock Online.

Q: Can IMEI cleaning really work?

IMEI cleaning attempts to remove the blacklist status. Some services claim to do this, but their legality and effectiveness vary. It’s important to understand the risks, as the phone may still not work on all networks. Using legitimate IMEI checks first is recommended.

Q: What consequences can I face by using a blacklisted phone?

Blacklisted phones typically cannot use the network where they were blacklisted. Third-party carriers may offer limited service, and there could be legal implications if the phone was reported lost or stolen.

Q: Should I buy a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

It’s generally not recommended, as such phones are difficult to use on most networks. If you still want to check before buying, Dr.Fone Unlock Online allows you to quickly verify IMEI/ESN status for free.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI can bring a range of challenges. Resolving these issues depends on factors like the reason for blacklisting, the phone model, and the carrier network involved. The safest approach usually combines legal recourse, communication with carriers, and, if necessary, assistance from trusted professionals.

Now you know how to check the status of your iPhone or other devices. The fastest and most comprehensive way is to use Dr.Fone Unlock Online’s free IMEI Check, which provides full details including blacklist status, activation lock, iCloud lock, MDM lock, warranty info, and more for both Apple and Android devices. It’s ad-free, fast, and works worldwide, even on mobile.

If your iPhone is locked or restricted, you can also use the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) tool to regain access safely and efficiently.

For any other questions not covered in our FAQ, feel free to leave a comment. We’re happy to help!