What to do if your Apple iPhone 8 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 8 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:

1. If you hear this term most probably you are trying to activate the Apple iPhone 8 device with a carrier, but that’s not possible due to some reasons.
2. It can mean that the previous owner of the Apple iPhone 8 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 Apple iPhone 8 device reported the Apple iPhone 8 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 8 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 8 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

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

How to verify if your Apple iPhone 8 is blacklisted?

Checking if your Apple iPhone 8 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.

1. Apple’s Blacklist Status Tool: Operating directly from Apple’s official website, entering your IMEI number can provide instant clarity on its status.
2. Network Carrier Services: Another way is to contact the carrier that the Apple iPhone 8 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 8 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.
3. 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 8 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 8 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 8. 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 Apple iPhone 8 device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 8 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 Apple iPhone 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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.

Tips And Tricks To Tell if Your Apple iPhone 8 Is Unlocked

Are you wondering how to confirm if your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked? Many iPhones are locked to a specific network. It limits their usability and can even decrease their value for a potential buyer.

The article explores how you can tell if an iPhone is unlocked. A few methods exist to verify, ranging from checking settings to inserting a different SIM card. Let’s dive into the steps to check to see if the Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked. Ensure you’re getting the most out of your device. Explore the page to learn more.

Part I. 4 Ways To Check if Apple iPhone 8 Is Unlocked

Are you unsure whether your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked or not? Here are four different methods to check to see if your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked.

Way 1: Check if Your Apple iPhone 8 Is Unlocked in Settings

The first method involves checking your Apple iPhone 8’s settings to see if it’s unlocked. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Apple iPhone 8. Scroll down and tap on General >About.

• Step 2: Look for an option labeled Carrier Lock. It should say No SIM Restrictions. If it displays a different info, then your Apple iPhone 8 is locked.

Way 2: Check if Your Apple iPhone 8 Is Unlocked Using a Different SIM Card

Another way to check to see if your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked is using a different SIM card. Here’s what you need to do:

• Step 1: Power off your Apple iPhone 8 by pressing and holding the power button. Use a SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to remove your current SIM card.

• Step 2: Insert a SIM card from another carrier into the SIM card tray. Power on your Apple iPhone 8 and wait for it to detect the new SIM card. Your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked if you can make calls or access mobile data with the new SIM card.

Way 3: Check if Your Apple iPhone 8 Is Unlocked Online

You can also check to see if your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked using online tools provided by some carriers or third-party services. Follow the steps:

• Step 1: Visit your carrier’s website or a reputable third-party unlocking service.
• Step 2: Enter your Apple iPhone 8’s IMEI number, which you can find by dialing *#06# or in the Settings app under General > About. Follow the instructions provided to check your Apple iPhone 8’s unlock status.

Way 4: Contact Your Carrier

You can always contact your carrier if you’re still unsure about your Apple iPhone 8’s unlock status. Here’s what you should do:

• Step 1: Locate the customer support number for your carrier or visit their website.
• Step 2: Call the customer support line or initiate a live chat session. Provide your Apple iPhone 8’s IMEI number and ask the representative to check if your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked.

By following these four methods, you can verify if your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked or not.

Part 2. Is It Safe or Legal To Unlock Your Apple iPhone 8?

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 8 is both safe and legal. This is due to laws such as the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act.

• The Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act

This legislation, passed in 2014, legalized unlocking cell phones, including iPhones, in the United States. It enables consumers to unlock their devices to switch between carriers or use international SIM cards. The Act reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the importance of consumer rights and competition in the wireless industry.

• Promoting C onsumer Rights

Unlocking iPhones aligns with fundamental consumer rights, including the right to choose how to use one’s purchased device. By allowing users to unlock their iPhones, consumers have greater control over their devices. They can make informed choices about their wireless service providers.

• Encouraging Device Versatility

Unlocking iPhones encourages device versatility by using them with various carriers. Users can take advantage of better coverage, pricing, or features without being restricted by carrier locks.

Part 3. How To Unlock an iPhone To Use a Different Carrier

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 8 to use it with a different carrier opens up a world of possibilities. There are several methods to unlock your Apple iPhone 8. Here are three popular methods:

Method 1: Contact Your Carrier

The simplest way to unlock your Apple iPhone 8 is by contacting your carrier. Most carriers offer unlocking services if you’ve fulfilled your contract or paid off your device. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Call your carrier’s customer service or visit their website. Request an unlock for your Apple iPhone 8.
• Step 2: Provide the necessary information, such as your IMEI number. Follow any additional instructions provided by your carrier.

Method 2: Use a Dedicated iPhone Unlock Tool

Another effective method is using a dedicated iPhone unlock tool like Wondershare Dr.Fone . This software offers a straightforward solution to unlock your Apple iPhone 8 so you can use it with any carrier. Here are the key strengths of the platform:

• Unlock the SIM lock on any iPhone and any carrier. Dr.Fone supports unlocking SIM locks on various iPhone models and works with all carriers worldwide.
• **Compatible with the latest iOS.**It stays updated with the latest iOS versions, ensuring compatibility with the newest iPhone models.
• **High-success rate.**Fone boasts a high success rate in unlocking iPhones, making it a reliable choice for users.

How To Unlock an iPhone Using Dr.Fone

Now, let’s walk through the steps of using Dr.Fone to unlock your Apple iPhone 8:

• Step 1: Download Dr.Fone and install it on your computer. Launch the application. Click Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to start the process. From the next window, click on the Remove SIM Locked option.

• Step 2: You will be redirected to another window. Follow the on-screen instructions and click on Unlock Now. Once clicked, a bar will display on the interface, showing the progress of the unlocking process.

• Step 3: Wait for the unlocking process to finish. Click the Done button when the app has successfully removed the SIM lock. If you encounter any issues, click the contact us for help button to get redirected to support.

Method 3: Use an Online Carrier Unlocking Service

While many online carrier unlocking services are available, they come with advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Wide compatibility. Online services often support a wide range of iPhone models and carriers.
• You can unlock your Apple iPhone 8 from the comfort of your home without additional software or tools.
• Speed. Some online services offer fast turnaround times, allowing you to unlock your Apple iPhone 8 quickly.

Disadvantages

• Reliability concerns. Not all online services are reliable, and there’s a risk of encountering scams or unreliable providers.
• Security risk. Sharing your IMEI number and other personal information with online services can pose a security risk.
• **Limited success rate.**Some online services may not be able to unlock all iPhone models or carriers, leading to a limited success rate.

Conclusion

Knowing how to tell if your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked is essential for maximizing its potential. The article discussed various methods to verify its unlock status. These include checking settings, using different SIM cards, and contacting your carrier. It has also explored three methods to unlock iPhones.

All methods work with varying degrees of success, but Dr.Fone is the most reliable option. With Dr. Fone’s high success rate, you can easily unlock your Apple iPhone 8. If you’ve Googled the question “**How can I tell if my iPhone is unlocked,**” Dr.Fone ensures your Apple iPhone 8 is ready for any carrier.

Tips: Are you searching for a powerful Screen Unlock tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

How to Unlock AT&T Apple iPhone 8 with 3 Methods

You might have heard talk of unlocking an iPhone or breaking the carrier lock of an iPhone. This means that you take an iPhone which is locked into a specific carrier and unlock it so that it can be accessed by other carriers as well. It is beneficial to unlock iPhone AT&T as you can then have wider accessibility. Doing so often has the phone dubbed as a SIM-free or contract-free phone. That basically sums it up because an AT&T iPhone unlock can be liberating.

However, without a proper guide the process for AT&T iPhone unlock may get somewhat harrowing, or even end up with bad ESN on your Apple iPhone 8. As such, this article makes that process easy for you by detailing how to unlock AT&T iPhone by AT&T and without SIM card as well.

Part 1: How to Unlock AT&T iPhone without SIM Card

If you want to unlock iPhone AT&T without a SIM card then a great tool that you can make use of is DoctorSIM - SIM Unlock Service . The truly unique and great thing about this tool is its ease of use and convenience relative to the other approaches available in the market at the moment. It is safe, legal, hassle-free and most importantly, it can be done independently over a simple 3-step process. Furthermore, it is also a permanent solution, which means once broken the carrier lock, you never have to do so again. It’s liberated for life.

Read on to find out how to unlock iPhone AT&T without a SIM card via DoctorSIM. However, it might be helpful to first check whether your Apple iPhone 8 is already unlocked (if you’re not sure.)

How to unlock AT&T iPhone without SIM card

Once you’ve verified that your Apple iPhone 8 really is locked, you can follow the next steps.

Step 1: Select your Phone brand logo and name from a display list

Step 2: Select the Relevant Information

You’ll be asked to provide the Phone Model, Country and Network Provider details.

Step 3: Retrieve the IMEI Code

This is similar to the steps you followed to check your status. Retrieve your IMEI number by pressing #06#

Enter the first 15 digits, and then also add your email address so you may receive the unlock code.

Step 4: Email Confirmation

You’ve just got to wait a while. Within the guaranteed period you’ll receive a mail with further instructions and the unlock code.

Step 5: Enter Code

You’ve just got to enter the unlock code to your phone to AT&T unlock iPhone.

Part 2: How to unlock AT&T iPhone using iPhoneIMEI.net

iPhoneIMEI.net is a great iPhone Unlock Service by which you can factory unlock pretty much any iPhone working on any OS at all, all without jailbreaking. One of the many unique and cool features about this is that you no longer have to worry about iOS upgrade or syncing it to iTunes, because your Apple iPhone 8 will never be relocked.Also, your warranty remains intact with this. Here’s how you can go about making use of this iPhone unlock service.

On iPhoneIMEI.net official website, just select your Apple iPhone 8 model and the network carrier your iphone is locked to, it will direct you to another page. Once you have followed the page instruction to finish the order, iPhone IMEI will submit your Apple iPhone 8 IMEI to the carrier provider and whitelist your device from Apple database. It usually takes 1-5 days. After it’s unlocked, you will receive an email notification.

This is an alternative means by which you can AT&T unlock iPhone. It is a tad more cumbersome and may take a little more time, but is another legitimate means you could opt for should you wish to do so. This is done by directly getting in contact with your Carrier. If you already know that your carrier is AT&T, you can contact them directly and get your Apple iPhone 8 unlocked as follows:

Step 1: Go to their Site and Contact them

1. Go to https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/?#/ first. This is the official location whereby you can contact them.

2. The page will list out certain eligibility requirements. You have to read and agree to them before clicking ‘Continue.’

3. Next, you have to fill up the Request Form, including details about your Wireless number.

Step 2: Email confirmation

1. You’ll receive the unlock request number via email.

2. You need to click on the provided link within 24 hours in order for your unlock request to be officially accepted.

Step 3: Response

1. You should hear back from AT&T within 2 days.

2. If your request has been successful, they’ll send you further instructions about how to unlock your Apple iPhone 8.

Requirements

However, AT&T has the right to dismiss anyone’s request based on several requirements and criteria, so your application may yet be either rejected or you may have to go through further steps. It is a good idea to go through their requirements before you fill their form.

1. The obvious requirement is that your Apple iPhone 8 must be locked to AT&T, else you should go to the relevant carrier page.

2. You iPhone couldn’t have been reported as either lost or stolen.

3. No record of it having been linked to any criminal or fraudulent activities.

4. All termination fees have been paid in full, and all the other iPhone installment plans, etc, have been completed.

5. After upgrading iPhone you must wait 14 days before you’re eligible for unlock.

Finding out how to unlock AT&T iPhone can be harrowing if you don’t know where to look, especially because performing the unlock can be so crucial for many people in order to access other carriers.

Both the options mentioned above offer a legitimate means by which you can AT&T unlock your Apple iPhone 8, whether done without a SIM card or by contacting the AT&T carrier.

However, going by personal experience the DoctorSIM alternative offers a much smoother, efficient and quicker alternative to contacting the AT&T carriers. It is also more secure because if you are going via the carrier without a SIM card then you’ll need to back up your Apple iPhone 8, then delete and restore it as well (for security measures). This isn’t just a time consuming process, but it can also prove to be risky. Furthermore, AT&T has a lot of checks and requisites in place which can keep your Apple iPhone 8 from being unlocked, and even if you do pass the requisites it’s still a time-consuming process which may still be rejected as AT&T has final say. As such, going via DoctorSIM gives you complete agency and conveniently AT&T unlocks iPhone without any data loss, through a simple 3 step process.