In 2024, How to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini with IMEI Code?

How to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini with IMEI Code?

If you have a locked iPhone, we have different methods that entail how to unlock iPhone with IMEI code. Apart from this, we have two separate unlocking methods which usually confuse a good number of people. These methods are Sim Unlock and iCloud activation lock bypass. The difference between the two is that the Sim unlock method involves unlocking the sim lock while the iCloud activation revolves around unlocking the automatic iCloud activation security feature.

If you want to know how to unlock iPhone with IMEI number and how to bypass iCloud lock, I have with me two different methods that will unlock your locked iPhone in a span of days as long as you follow the required steps.

Part 1: What is IMEI code? How to find IMEI Code on iPhone?

Each and every phone comes with a unique 15-digit code that differentiates it from other devices. This unique code acts as determinant or a tracking number when you happen to lose your phone. For those with iPhones, you can retrieve this unique number in different ways. The following are some of them.

1.1 Dial *#06#

This is the primary method of checking your IMEI code on almost all devices. On your dial pad, dial *#06# and press the call icon. Your unique code will be displayed immediately.

1.2 The Sim Tray

Another way of retrieving your IMEI code is by removing your Sim Card tray. In most devices especially iPhone 4, this number is usually located on the Sim tray.

1.3 The Back of the Phone

If you are operating on an iPhone 5, 5C, SE, 6, or 6S, you can retrieve your unique code at the back of your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

Part 2: How to unlock iPhone SIM Card with IMEI Code?

DoctorSIM Unlock Service gives you the freedom to unlock your previously locked iPhone and render it useable for different network providers.

If you have a locked iPhone 7 and you want to unlock it, this is a detailed method on how to unlock iPhone 7 via its IMEI number using DoctorSIM Sim Unlocking services.

Step 1: Visit Site and Choose Phone Brand

Visit the official DoctorSIM Sim unlocking website and select your phone brand from the long list of brands supported by the unlocking service. You will be in a position to see the screenshot below.

Step 2: Select Phone Model and Network Carrier

A new web page will open up. From this new web page, scroll down the page and enter your phone model, country of origin, and your network provider. Once you are done, the amount of money to be charged for the services will be displayed on your right-hand side.

Step 3: Enter IMEI Number and Contact Details

Scroll down the page and enter your Apple iPhone 12 mini 7 IMEI number as well as your email address. Check the box next to the “T&Cs” and click on the “Add to Cart” option.

Step 4: Pay and Wait

Once you have made your payment, the code to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 7 will be generated within a period of 1-2 business days. You will be notified via email once this code has been generated. When you get this email, switch Sim cards and enter a new one from a different carrier. When prompted to enter a code, enter the one that was sent to you. As simple as it is, that’s how you can unlock iPhone 7 using its IMEI number.

Part 3: How to remove the SIM lock by yourself?

Unlock iPhone with IMEI is a free and official method. However, it may cost almost 7 days to get a response. For many users, they want to unlock SIM card lock as soon as possible. Luckily, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) could help unlock all kinds of network issues for iPhone. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) stands out as an advanced and user-friendly tool designed to unlock iOS devices seamlessly. With its intuitive interface and broad iPhone model support, it has become a preferred choice for users looking to remove their iPhone SIM lock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Fast SIM Unlock for iPhone

Supports almost all carriers, from Vodafone to Sprint.
Finish SIM unlock in just a few minutes
Provide detailed guides for users.
Support newly released models from iPhone 5S to iPhone X.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking SIM Lock on iPhone? [Any Carrier]

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM lock with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Install Dr.Fone program and launch Screen Unlock. Continue under Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to launch the tool on a new window.

Step 2: Within the ‘Screen Unlock’ feature, choose ‘Remove SIM Locked‘ to initiate the SIM unlocking process.

Step 3: Click Unlock Now to continue. Dr.Fone will guide you through the process with clear on-screen instructions. Follow the prompts to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini’s SIM card.

Step 4: With the unlocking process completed, you now have unrestricted access to your Apple iPhone 12 mini, and the SIM lock is successfully removed.

You must want to know more about our amazing services. Click on our iPhone SIM Unlock guide to learn more.

Conclusion

From the information gathered in this article, we can comfortably state that it’s easy to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini regardless of the model you are using. Whether you want to know how to unlock iPhone with IMEI number or to simply know how to unlock iPhone using IMEI code, the methods mentioned above will no doubt see you through each and every step when unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

How To Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini: Official Method to Unlock Your Apple iPhone 12 mini

Restriction on the use of a SIM card by a carrier often creates a lot of problems. The barrier that you can’t use another company’s SIM somehow makes you feel like you’re not the only owner of the phone. But you don’t need to worry anymore because you are in the right place to know about the way use to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

This article is about the official way to get your Apple iPhone 12 mini unlocked from your carrier. But we also have a solution if you want to avoid contacting your carrier.

Part 1: What Should You Do Before Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM Unlock?

Before unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 mini from the carrier, you should fulfill the following criteria.

1. No Due Before Unlocking

When iPhone users sign contracts with a giant cell phone company for a certain amount of time, they often get a discount on a device. Because of this, the Apple iPhone 12 mini device comes with a controller lock so customers can only use it on their network.

So, if you’ve paid off your contract or bought your Apple iPhone 12 mini without a subsidy, it’s perfectly legal to unlock it. But if you’re still paying off your contract, you still need to own the Apple iPhone 12 mini fully, so you should confirm with your carrier before unlocking it.

2. You Should Buy It for More Than the Time Limit in the Contract

You can leave without paying anything if your agreement with the company is over. If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower price upfront, you would have to wait until your contract ended (usually 24 months) or pay the remaining balance if you bought your phone on a payment plan.

Examples: Requirements of Sim Unlock of T-Mobile/EE/AT&T

T-Mobile, EE, and AT&T have common requirements before you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

It has to be legal. It means the Apple iPhone 12 mini device has not been reported as lost, stolen, or linked to a crime.
Your bank account shouldn’t have any debts.
If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower price upfront, you would have to wait until your contract was up (usually 24 months) or pay the remaining balance if you bought your phone on a payment plan.

Apart from the requirements mentioned above, each company has its way of unlocking.

T-Mobile

Following are the unlocking requirements of T-Mobile.

In the past year, fewer than two SIM unlock codes have been asked for on each individual.
The device had been connected to the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days before the request to unlock it was made.
You have a service contract and have paid for at least 18 months in a row, or you paid a fee for moving. Customer Service can tell you more about a few special situations if you need to.
The phone’s prepaid plan must have at least $50 worth of recharges paid for.
If you meet the above requirements, you can call customer service at 611 from the Apple iPhone 12 mini device you want to unlock to unlock an iPhone 11 or 12 that is locked to a T-Mobile network.
When you call about tips, make sure you have ALL of the following:

The main account holder’s phone number
Account Password
Account holder’s SSN’s last four digits
IMEI number. You can find this by navigating Settings > General > About or dialing *#06#.

AT&T

Following are the unlocking requirements of AT&T.

Customers can unlock up to five devices per year if their account is in great condition.
The full name of the person whose name is on the account.
The last four digits of the account holder’s social security number.
The AT&T passcode of the registered account owner if they have an online account.
The iPhone’s IMEI number is 11/12. The IMEI number is the same thing as the serial number. You can find it on the original packaging, under the battery, or on the back of some models by dialing #06 or going to Settings > General > About.

Following are the unlocking requirements of EE.

EE will only unlock pay-per-month phones after six months.
You need to call 150 from your EE phone. If you are still under contract, you will be charged £8.99. But if your contract is up, it’s free.
EE will unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini immediately; there is no waiting period. If you didn’t buy the phone from EE, you’d have to pay £8.99. If that’s the case, there’s no fee.

Part 2: 2 Ways to Remove SIM Lock on Apple iPhone 12 mini

Way 1: Contact Your Carrier for Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM Unlock

So, if you fulfill the above requirements, you can contact your carrier and request them to unlock your sim Lock restriction. Follow the steps below to contact your carrier.

Get the IMEI code on your phone.

First of all, get the IMEI code on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. The serial number and the IMEI number are the same things. You can find it on the original box, on the back of some models, under the battery, by dialing #06 or going to Settings > General > About.

Contact the service provider for unlock request.

Now you have to contact the service provider for an unlocking request. For this, Go to the official site of your service provider and send them an unlocking request or call on their helpline. They will ask you for the IMEI number of your Apple iPhone 12 mini and then guide you through the different processes. The unlocking request may take a few days.

If all goes well, you can get the unlock code.

After receiving the unlocking request, the company will pass the request through all the parameters. If everything goes according to company policy, the company will e-mail an unlock code. You will have to enter the code into your mobile.

Insert the SIM card from the new carrier and enter the unlock code

The unlock code may be 8 to 16 digits long. Follow the steps to enter unlock code.

Switch off your Apple iPhone 12 mini
Remove your existing sim card and insert the sim card of a network other than your carrier.
Turn on the mobile, and a window will pop up, asking you to enter the unlock code.
Enter the unlock code provided by the carrier company.
Now your Apple iPhone 12 mini x is officially unlocked, you are free to use any sim card on your device.

Way 2: Easy App for Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM Unlock

If you don’t want to call your carrier to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini, you should find an easy way to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini and run like a normal factory-unlocked iPhone. Your search will end here because I’ll tell you about Software that will help you unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini without losing any data.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini from any network in various scenarios

Unlock Face ID, Touch ID, Apple ID without password.
Bypass the iCloud activation lock without hassle.
Remove iPhone carrier restrictions for unlimited usage.
No tech knowledge required, Simple, click-through, process.

3,981,454 people have downloaded it

Step1: Download and install the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) from our website.

Step2: Run Wondershare Dr.Fone. In its interface, choose “Screen Unlock.” Don’t go to wrong branches.

Step3: In the following window, select “Remove SIM Locked” to unlock the network on your device.

Step4: When your iOS device is prepared to be SIM unlocked, tap “Start”.

Step5: After the connection between the 2 devices, you will see the information about your Apple iPhone 12 mini on the software screen. If all is right, you can go on the process with “Unlock Now”.

Step6: Dr.Fone gives a jailbreak guide and a video tutorial to finish the jailbreak step. Without jailbreak, it’s impossible to keep the removal process.

Step7: The instructions below are about how to put your SIM card out and reinsert it. Moreover, it’ll help you to modify the network settings.

Step8: This step will continue automatically. The only thing you should do is wait for the progress bar.

Step9: The device is no longer under the hands of the SIM carrier because it has been unlocked. To release the SIM card in your iOS device, select “Done.”

Final Comments

So, that’s all about unlocking Apple iPhone 12 mini by your carrier. You can easily request your carrier to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini if you perfectly fall on their criteria. However, in some situations, if you want to avoid contacting your carrier, you can still unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is one of the most reliable and easy Software that unlocks your device by following very easy steps.

What to do if your Apple iPhone 12 mini has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Many people have iPhones but don’t know what an IMEI number is or what a bad ESN represents. Understanding how to tackle this issue can save time, money, and a headache or two. In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through the basic mechanics of ESN and IMEI, how to check if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is blacklisted, and the detailed steps for unlocking a phone with a 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:

If you hear this term most probably you are trying to activate the Apple iPhone 12 mini device with a carrier, but that’s not possible due to some reasons.
It can mean that the previous owner of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device switched carriers.
The previous owner had an outstanding amount on their bill and cancelled the account without paying the bill first.
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.
The person that sold you the phone or someone else who was the actual owner of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device reported the Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 Apple iPhone 12 mini is blacklisted?

In order to check if an iPhone is blacklisted, you need to first retrieve your IMEI or ESN number to check if it’s blacklisted.

How to find the IMEI or ESN numbers

On the original box of the iPhone, usually around the barcode.
In Settings, if you go to General > About, you can find the IMEI or ESN.
On some iPhones, it’s in the SIM card tray when you pull it out.
Some iPhones have it engraved on the back of the case.
If you dial *#06# on your dial pad you will get the IMEI or ESN.

How to verify if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is blacklisted?

Checking if your Apple iPhone 12 mini has a blacklisted IMEI is the first step in addressing the issue. There are several methods to do this, either via the Apple website, the network carrier, or through third-party IMEI check services.

Apple’s Blacklist Status Tool: Operating directly from Apple’s official website, entering your IMEI number can provide instant clarity on its status.
Network Carrier Services: Another way is to contact the carrier that the Apple iPhone 12 mini was initially sold from. Finding out is easy, just look for a logo: on the box of the iPhone, on the back case of it and even on the screen of the Apple iPhone 12 mini as it boots up. Just look for any carrier, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. Contacting your network carrier can also yield a blacklist status. Bear in mind that not all network services are equally adept or willing to communicate this information, and turnaround times may vary.
Third-Party IMEI Check Services: Utilizing third-party IMEI checkers is often the quickest method. These can be found as online services or apps, but it’s important to choose reputable sources. This is a highly recommended source to check the status of your phone because it’s quick, reliable and offers no fuss. You just go to the page, enter the IMEI or ESN, enter your contact details, and you’ll soon receive all the information you need!

Part 3: What to do if your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 Apple iPhone 12 mini. However, in doing so you should be prepared for some possible irreparable damage.

Unlock it and then Sell it

After your unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 Apple iPhone 12 mini 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:

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.
Contact the Carrier: If the blacklisting issue has been resolved, contacting the carrier who blacklisted the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and the resolution of the reason for blacklisting.
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.
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.
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 Apple iPhone 12 mini 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 anonymous to carriers and no one will be able to tell you exactly.

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 will need to check the IMEI or ESN.

Q: I am the owner of the Apple iPhone 12 mini and I reported it as lost some time ago and I found it, can I cancel it?

Yes, you can but most carriers will ask you to go to a retail store with at least one valid ID.

Q: I dropped My Apple iPhone 12 mini and the screen cracked. Does it now have a bad ESN?

Hardware damage has no relation with an ESN. So your ESN status will remain unchanged.

Q: Is it Legal to Unlock a Phone with a Bad ESN or Blacklisted IMEI?

The legality of unlocking a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI varies from country to country and can be influenced by specific case laws. However, in cases where the user is the original owner and the phone is paid off, it’s typically legal to unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.

Q: Can You Use a Blacklisted Phone Internationally?

In some cases, a blacklisted phone can be used internationally. When a phone is blacklisted, it’s typically barred from the carrier network where the blacklist was applied. However, different countries have different national blacklists, so it’s possible that a phone blacklisted in one country will work in another. Unlocking the phone internationally can be an option here.

Q: Can IMEI Cleaning Really Work?

IMEI cleaning is the process by which the IMEI’s blacklisted status is removed. There are services that offer to clean your IMEI, and while some may work, it’s important to understand the legality and efficacy of such services, as it may involve fraudulent activity and your phone may still not be fully operational on some networks even after being cleaned.

Q: What Consequences Can I Face by Using a Blacklisted Phone?

Using a blacklisted phone can have various consequences. It’s unlikely to work on the network of the carrier where it was blacklisted, and the reliability of third-party carriers might be limited. Additionally, there may be legal implications, especially if the phone was blacklisted for being reported lost or stolen.

Q: Should I Buy a Phone with a Bad ESN or Blacklisted IMEI?

It’s generally not advisable to purchase a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI, as it would be difficult to use on most networks. Such devices are often sold at lower prices, but the risks and limitations associated with them might not be worth the discount.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI presents a unique set of challenges. The complexity of resolving the issue hinges on various factors including the reasons for blacklisting, the phone model, and the networks involved, among others. The best approach is often a mix of legal recourse, communication with carriers, and potentially seeking the assistance of professional technicians or legal counsel. Always research thoroughly and seek advice from reliable sources when taking the significant step of unlocking a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI.

So now you know everything there is to know about IMEI, bad ESN, and blacklisted iPhones. You also know how to check their status using the handy Dr.Fone webpage or through contacting your carrier. And in case your Apple iPhone 12 mini is erroneously locked and you can’t access it, we’ve also shown you how to unlock it using the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) service tool.

If you have any other questions not covered in our FAQ section, please feel free to leave us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you.