Is My iPhone Blacklisted? Here's How to Find Out If iPhone Is Blacklisted Using IMEI Number

Disclaimer: You can sell blacklisted iPhones as long as you’re the legal owner. For example, if you bought the iPhone from a store or a person and it’s not found or stolen, you can sell it. If you’re unsure, check with the store you choose, and they will guide you.

Do you have concerns about purchasing a used phone that might be on a blacklist? You might be looking to sell your iPhone device but want to make sure it’s free of any issues before completing the sale.

The ownership of a blacklisted iPhone represents a serious problem for users. These devices have been reported lost or stolen and possess unpaid bills which render them useless for cellular service.

Here’s the problem:

A blacklisted iPhone becomes unable to connect to any carrier network which drastically reduces its operational capabilities and market value. You end up with a costly iPod Touch which charges you for minimal service.

And that’s not all…

A lot of sellers fail to reveal this information since they either lack knowledge or choose to conceal it on purpose. Once you realize the problem with your device it’s frequently too late because you’ve already spent money on a device that is blocked.

When an iPhone appears in a carrier’s blacklist database it means the carrier has marked the device as banned from connecting to any cellular networks worldwide.

A blacklisted iPhone represents a mobile device that telecom companies have marked in a mutual database which blocks it from accessing cellular networks globally.

The common reasons that lead to an iPhone being added to the blacklist database include

This means:

Think about it:

Do you want a thief with your stolen iPhone to have full access to its functions? The blacklist system was created by carriers to prevent phone theft by rendering stolen phones inoperable and to assist owners in reclaiming their lost devices.

To check if an iPhone is blacklisted you need its IMEI number which acts as a unique 15-digit identifier for the device.

You must locate the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number before you can determine if an iPhone is blacklisted. The IMEI number serves as a unique 15-digit code that links to your personal device while verifying its condition.

Here’s how to find the IMEI:

This guide demonstrates four methods to determine if a used iPhone has been blacklisted before completing your purchase.

After obtaining the IMEI number you can utilize these methods to determine if the iPhone is blacklisted or blocked.

The IMEI verification services available on certain trustworthy websites enable users to check used phone status without any fees.

How to use them:

The advantage of this method:

But here’s the truth:

Free services often provide only basic information. Their global carrier data might not always stay current in their database.

You can have the carrier who owns the device check their own blacklist records to find out if your iPhone is blocked.

Here’s how to do it:

What makes this method reliable:

The most effective use of this method requires prior knowledge of the carrier that previously activated the iPhone. Device unblocking requires the original reporting carrier to perform the necessary actions.

Disclaimer: You can sell blacklisted iPhones as long as you’re the legal owner. For example, if you bought the iPhone from a store or a person and it’s not found or stolen, you can sell it. If you’re unsure, check with the store you choose, and they will guide you.

Paid IMEI check services deliver thorough reports on stolen or lost phones to gain more comprehensive information.

Popular services include:

These services typically tell you:

These services cost just $1-5 but deliver peace of mind through detailed reports which is essential for buyers of expensive iPhones. This minimal fee protects you from purchasing a phone that cannot make calls.

The most straightforward method to check involves testing if the iPhone establishes a connection with cellular networks to deliver service.

Here’s how:

As long as the iPhone connects to cellular networks and makes calls successfully it means the device is not blacklisted. The iPhone could be blacklisted if it displays messages such as “No Service” or “SIM Not Valid,” though alternate problems like carrier locks or activation locks are also possible.

Here are warning signs that may indicate an iPhone is blacklisted or stolen.

Identify these warning signs when buying a used iPhone to prevent buying a blacklisted phone.

But here’s the truth:

A number of trustworthy sellers exhibit these same behaviors when selling their phones. Verifying the IMEI number before buying a used phone remains the most reliable method to ensure its legitimacy.

Found out your iPhone is blacklisted? BankMyCell helps users compare replacement device prices from trusted sources.

Take these steps when you realize your purchased iPhone has been blacklisted.

Your possible actions will vary based on your situation when you discover that your iPhone is blacklisted.

Disclaimer: You can sell blacklisted iPhones as long as you’re the legal owner. For example, if you bought the iPhone from a store or a person and it’s not found or stolen, you can sell it. If you’re unsure, check with the store you choose, and they will guide you.

Performing a blacklist check on an iPhone is a simple process that takes just a couple of minutes but can prevent serious loss of money and aggravation. We recommend you always verify the IMEI status before buying or selling an iPhone.

With the help of the above methods, you can:

Don’t forget that the most reliable way to verify an iPhone’s blacklisting is always through its IMEI number with several different verification methods. If in doubt, you can also contact the carrier directly to learn the most accurate information about a lost or blocked phone.

Have you ever come across a blacklisted iPhone? Let us know your experience in the comments!