In 2024, What to do if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

What to do if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro device reported the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro is blacklisted?

Checking if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro. However, in doing so you should be prepared for some possible irreparable damage.

Click here

### Unlock it and then Sell it

After your unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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.

How to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 Pro Online? Here are 6 Easy Ways

Are you having trouble with your Apple iPhone 12 Pro’s SIM lock and can’t use any other network’s SIM card? You don’t have to worry because you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro with many online services. Some offer real solutions, while others need us to be more careful. You should learn as much as possible about the service you want to get to save money and time and find a real solution.

In this article, I’ll tell you about the 6 websites you can use to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro online. We’ll look at what they offer and how reliable they are. This article will help you find the right way to unlock your phone.

Apple iPhone Unlock

This website claims to offer services for unlocking iPhone and iPad devices. But after some research, I realized that this website has many negative customer reviews. This shows that this site could be more reliable. So, if you consider using their services to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro, please confirm its availability.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.8
User Reviews	Most of the customers said it was a scam.
Pricing Plans	Starting from £19.99
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

The remote unlocking
The permanent unlocking

Cons:

Hard to ensure its unlocking efficiency

iPhoneIMEI

This site offers iPhone IMEI unlocking services. This is an online service in which you must pay them in advance with your Apple iPhone 12 Pro’s IMEI number. Then they will provide you with the solution. However, there are mixed reviews about this site. Some customers called its SIM card activation service very good, while others complained about its services.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.2
User Reviews	Mixed reviews
Pricing Plans	Unlock service for 19$ or 29$
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

No need to jailbreak
Easy to manipulate

Cons:

Time-consuming
More expensive than other websites

DoctorsSIM

DoctorsSIM offers services for unlocking a cell phone. Apart from Apple, this site also offers the facility to unlock phones of many brands. Most of the customers are very happy with their services. So, this site has been able to win customers’ trust by delivering top-notch unlocking services.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.7
User Reviews	A lot of positive reviews
Pricing Plans	Depend upon the model of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

It supports unlocking almost all brands and some less well-known brands.
A strong and effective tool that can unlock all phones with a 99% success rate.

Cons:

device unlock can take up to seven days.

Unlock Phone SIM

This site says it can help you unlock your phone from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and many more. They say their service can unlock all iPhone, iPad, and watch models.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.2
User Reviews	Mixed reviews: some people appreciated their services while some said: it is a scam.
Pricing Plans	Depending on the model of your device, the price to unlock iCloud ranges from $175 to $301. From $24.00, you can pre-order a service to check your suitability.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

This service has a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot.

Cons:

A large number of negative reviews.

Cellunlocker

On the Cellunlocker website, you can purchase unlock codes and services for locked mobiles. If your Apple iPhone 12 Pro is locked to a carrier or your Apple iPhone 12 Pro’s activation lock is turned on, this website may assist you in removing those locks.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.6
User Reviews	They are legit and have a remarkable number of satisfied customers.
Pricing Plans	Depend on the model of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device.
Supported iOS Versions	All versions: upto iOS 16

Pros:

Structures for ordering and paying are made much easier.
Customers from more than 180 countries are served.
The website is easy for anyone to use.
The unlock codes they give are correct 95.5% of the time.

Cons:

It can’t unlock phones bought in the USA after January 2013.
The refund rules are strict; they may even ask you to send a video of the unlocking procedure as evidence.

Official SIM Unlock

Official Sim Unlock is an online unlocking service. The company claims to provide you with unlocking solutions using the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device’s IMEI code and then using it with a new sim card. But, when I researched in detail if found that this company sometimes offers failed service.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.7
User Reviews	Negative
Pricing Plans	They demand the money according to the brand and model of device
Supported iOS Versions	Company claims to support all versions: up to iOS 16

Pros:

Remote unlocking service
Fast unlocking process

Cons:

Not all carriers are supported

Bonus Tips: Easy App for iPhone SIM Unlock

Dr.Fone is a tool that can fix Android and iOS problems with more than 10 features. To remove the SIM lock on iPhone, Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is a strongly recommended option in the market now.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step1: Download Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) on your computer.

Step2: Install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, and then run it. Select “Screen Unlock”

Step3: Choose “Remove SIM Locked” in the next window if you want to remove the network lock on your device.

Step4: Tap “Start,” and Dr.Fone will lead you to remove the SIM lock on your device.

Step5: When Dr.Fone detects your connected device, it will show you all information. Please confirm if they are correct, and click “Unlock Now” with all right details.

Step6: Jailbreak is a key step for the next steps. Don’t panic, Dr.Fone gives you a jailbreak guide and a video tutorial to help you to finish this step.

Step7: Next, please go with the indications below for your SIM card and network settings. If the 3 steps are correctly finished, click “Continue” to go to the new image.

Step8: This step is completely automatic. You only need to wait for a phone to support the SIM card you like.

Step9: Now that the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device is unlocked, the SIM carrier has no more control over it. Tap “Done” to free up the SIM card.

How to Check iPhone SIM Lock Status?

Before you try any other solution, you should check the nature of the Lock on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro. Once you know the problem, you can move on to the right solution.

1. Contact your service provider

Well, this is not a quick solution. You must contact your service provider to determine the sim lock status. Generally, you have to submit a request to the company and the IMEI number. The company will later inform you about the Sim lock status of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro through E-mail or any other channel.

2. Check it via “Carrier Lock” in “Settings.”

Navigate to Settings > General > About.

Apple has added a new Network Provider Lock section to iOS 14 that immediately tells you the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device’s status.

Scroll down to find the section called “Network Provider Lock.” If the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is unlocked, it should say “No SIM restrictions” on the screen. If you see something different, it means the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is locked.

3. Check it via your IMEI code

If you know the IMEI number of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro, you can get one of those online IMEI-checking tools to see if the phone it belongs to is locked. Most of these services ask for money, which is a problem but generally, they ask for a very minimal amount.

Conclusion

So, these were the ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro online. Knowing about online unlocking services, you must have realized that you should trust them sparingly. Instead, you should go for a real solution. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the best way to unlock iPhones locked to a carrier (iOS). If you don’t want to contact your carrier, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can open any SIM-lock. This software works with iOS 12.0 to iOS 14.8.1 on iPhone 5S to iPhone X.

How to Unlock Verizon Apple iPhone 12 Pro

However, Doctor SIM requires your IMEI code which is complicated and slow. For most users, they hope the SIM unlock service could be fast and effective. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock must be the best choice for you. The SIM unlock service can remove your SIM lock just in a few minutes without any data loss. Now, I will show you the steps.

Part 3: How to unlock Verizon iPhone with iPhoneIMEI.net

Another one of the best online iPhone unlock service is iPhoneIMEI.net . It claims that it unlocks iPhone via an official method, which means your Apple iPhone 12 Pro will never be relocked no matter you upgrade iOS, or sync the phone with iTunes. Currently it supports to unlock Apple iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6 (plus), iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4.

Steps to unlock iPhone with iPhoneIMEI.net

Step 1. Go to iPhoneIMEI.net official website. Select your Apple iPhone 12 Pro model and the network your phone is locked to, then click on Unlock.

Step 2. On the new window, follow the instruction to find the IMEI number. Then enter the IMEI number and click on Unlock Now. It will direct you to finish the payment process.

Step 3. Once the payment is successful, the system will send your IMEI number to the network provider and whitelist it from Apple’s database. The process usually takes about 1-5 days. Then you will receive a confirmation email that your phone is unlocked successfully.

Part 4: How to unlock Verizon iPhone via Verizon

This is an alternative means by which you can unlock Verizon iPhone 5. However, before we show you how to unlock Verizon iPhone, we should probably answer some frequently asked questions about this.

Can Verizon iPhones be unlocked?

The long and short of this is: YES, Verizon iPhones can be unlocked.

Will Verizon Unlock my Phone?

Now here’s the kicker. Verizon is actually one of the most relaxed carriers out there and they don’t generally lock their devices to begin with. However, YES, if your device is locked, Verizon does offer the service to unlock your phone if you contact them.

How to unlock Verizon iPhone via Verizon

As mentioned above, Verizon is surprisingly lax when it comes to locking phones, especially iPhones. In fact all Verizon 4G LTE devices are never locked to begin with, you can directly use them with any other carriers. So, if you want to shift Carriers, they just have a bunch of requirements that you need to meet first:

1. If the phone was purchased on a 2 year contract then your contract needs to be complete with all 24 months paid for.

2. If the purchase of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device was financed by Verizon Edge, or a two-year device payment plan, in that case you need to have paid off all overdue bills before you shift.

3. The device shouldn’t currently be reported as lost or stolen. Furthermore, if the Apple iPhone 12 Pro device has ever been associated with any form of fraudulent activity then you aren’t eligible.

4. And if your phone still seems locked for none of the stated reasons you just contact them directly and they’ll take care of it. There is no complicated means of doing this.

If you meet these requirements then you don’t need to bother unlocking it, you can simply use another carrier.

If this seems too good to be true, or you have trouble believing us, then head on over to their Unlocking Policies and read it for yourself, just follow this link: http://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy

Here’s a little screenshot for you:

Part 5: How to check your Verizon iPhone unlock status

If you’re not sure whether you’re still within the 2 year contract period or aren’t sure whether your phone model is eligible for automatic unlock, then you can simply verify that via DoctorSIM with an easy 3-step process. You should avail of this before going through any official channels to unlock Verizon iPhone 5. All you have to do is go to this link here and then follow the given steps.

Check your Verizon iPhone unlock status

Step 1: Retrieve IMEI Code

You can type #06# onto your Apple iPhone 12 Pro keypad, and thus access the IMEI Code.

Step 2: Request Form

In the request form fill in the first 15 digits of the IMEI number, followed by your email address.

Step 3: Receive Unlock Status

Within the guaranteed period you’ll receive the Unlock Status of your Verizon iPhone.

Verizon is one of the most relaxed carriers out there and they don’t really lock your phones to begin with, but even so you have to serve out their contract period. This is the base requirement for unlocking any device from any carrier directly.

However, if you use a third party service like DoctorSIM - SIM Unlock Service then you don’t have to bother about the requirements and don’t have to bother verifying whether you’re eligible, and you don’t have to wait for 2 whole years before you can avail of your fundamental right to use whatever service you damn well please! DoctorSIM helps you take that agency onto your own hands and change your carrier whenever you want, and its an additional bonus that the process is ridiculously easy to follow, permanent, and doesn’t lapse your warranty either.