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

What to do if your Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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.

Click here

### 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 SE device with a carrier, but that’s not possible due to some reasons.
It can mean that the previous owner of the Apple iPhone SE 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 SE device reported the Apple iPhone SE 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 SE device on any carrier, not even the original one, thus avoiding selling or stealing the phone.

You Might Be Interested In:

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

Checking if your Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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.

Click here

### 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 SE. 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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 SE 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.

All About Apple iPhone SE Unlock Chip You Need to Know

Have you purchased an iPhone from a cellular company or through a contract? So, it’s clear that you aren’t free to use your Apple iPhone SE. The most common barrier is that you can’t use a SIM card from another network. The good news is that you can set up your Apple iPhone SE to connect to any network you want in several ways.

In this article, we’ll talk about the Apple iPhone SE unlock chip and special software that can remove SIM restrictions from your Apple iPhone SE. After reading this article, I hope your Apple iPhone SE’s network settings will continue you from doing what you want.

What is iPhone Unlock Chip?

iPhone unlock chip is a microchip that unlocks the iPhones and makes them able to run on any network worldwide. When you buy an iPhone, it is either locked (unable to accept carrier) or factory unlocked (can accept any carrier). These unlock chips can bypass the carrier locks in iPhones and enable locked devices to work with any SIM.

An unlock chip is an easy and cheap way to get an Apple iPhone SE to work with a different SIM card Using iPhone unlock chip enables the locked Apple iPhone SE to call and send SMS using the local network sim card, just like a factory-unlocked phone does. There have been different unlocking chips available with different names and brands, but they all do the same thing.

How does it work

An unlock chip is typically a slim SIM card, a memory interface chip that can be put in along with your regular SIM card. It goes on top of your Apple iPhone SE’s normal SIM card and removes the network lock so you can use any sim.

The factory lock is removed quickly when an unlock chip is put into your Apple iPhone SE. An iPhone Unlock Chip fools your Apple iPhone SE into thinking it only uses a Cricket SIM card. The Apple iPhone SE Unlock Chip has the structure to fake the iPhone’s IMEI number and the authentication key, which allows it to work with any GSM Service.

Putting an iPhone Unlock Chip around your regular SIM card changes how your Apple iPhone SE and SIM card talk to each other. So, the unlock chip’s controller fakes the IMSI number, which allows you to use other mobile networks.

Unfortunately, many iPhone unlock chips require a jailbroken iPhone before being used. Even if your Apple iPhone SE isn’t jailbroken, you can still use an iPhone unlock chip to access some of its features.

There are several places to find information about jailbreaking an iPhone. After selecting, you can program your Apple iPhone SE’s unlock chip by following the on-screen instructions.

Pros and Cons of iPhone Unlock Chip

If you use an unofficial method for any task, it gets the benefit for a short time, but some losses are also associated with it.

Pros:

Unlock chip SIM card doesn’t cost much.
It’s a simple way to get into your Apple iPhone SE.
It works with almost every kind of iPhone.
It works with many carriers in many different countries.

Cons:

It can unlock iPhones and iPads only. It doesn’t work with Android
It reduces your battery life
It could cause problems with the SIM card slot and your regular SIM card.
Taking out the unlock chip from your Apple iPhone SE will lock it again.

Best iPhone Unlock Chip

An R-SIM card is a 0.2mm-thick memory interface chip that can work with your regular SIM card. On top of your Apple iPhone SE’s regular SIM card, it breaks the network lock, so you can use any network you want.

R-SIM works with many carriers in different countries and lets you make calls, send messages, and do other things, just like a factory-unlocked device. There have been different versions of R-SIM, with R-SIM 16 being the most recent. R-SIM also comes in various types and brands. Here are some of them:

GPP
GEVEY
SUPREME SIM
SMARTSIM
HEARD HEIM

You have to put the unlock chip sim card in your Apple iPhone SE along Sim card

Turn off your Apple iPhone SE and take out the sim tray.
Please take out the SIM card and put it around the SIM unlock chip.

After inserting and turning on your mobile, a pop-up screen will enable you to change your ICCID/SIM number. Enter the ICCID number printed on the back of your Turbo SIM card into the “ICCID/SIM Number” section.
After entering the correct ICCID number, your Apple iPhone SE will enable the use of a different SIM card. Now you can use your Apple iPhone SE with a sim of any network.

Bonus Tips: Easy App for iPhone SIM Unlock

With the SIM-unlock feature in Dr.Fone, the unlocking process will be much easier for all users. Moreover, if you have some other iPhone device issues, Dr.Fone can also give you a great answer.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step1: In the first step, Download and install the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step2: After installing Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, start it up. Go to the home page and choose “Screen Unlock” from the list of options.

Step3: In the next window, if you want to remove the network use restriction on your device, you need to choose “Remove SIM Locked.”

Step4: When your iOS device is ready to be SIM unlocked, tap “Start” to begin the procedure.

Step5: After that, the software finds the connected iPhone and gives a list of information about it. Check that all the information is correct, then click “Unlock Now.”

Step6: You must jailbreak your Apple iPhone SE before moving on with the process. This process works with iOS 12.0 to iOS 14.8.1 on iPhone 5S to iPhone X. So, if you need to learn about technology, the guide and the video can help you greatly.

Step7: In the next image, you need to do 3 small tasks on your Apple iPhone SE. Take out the SIM card and go to “Settings” on the Apple iPhone SE device. Go to the “WLAN” category and tap “Forget This Network” on every connection you’ve made. Now you should turn “WLAN” off your iOS device and insert the SIM card again. To continue the process, click “Continue” on the screen.

Step8: The SIM unlocking process starts, and the status bar shows how far along it is.

Step9: All of the barriers from the SIM carrier are taken away. To finish the process of unlocking the SIM lock on your iOS device, tap “Done.”

Great! You are free to choose your ideal carrier!

How Can I Buy iPhone Unlock Chip?

An unlocked chip can be easily purchased online. These chips are available on sites like Amazon, Ali Express, eBay, etc. Besides, you can also buy them in the offline market.

But if you want to buy online, you should verify the seller’s positive feedback ratings to be sure you’re purchasing a genuine item. Moreover, carefully read and understand the product description, and see the pictures and videos (if available) before placing your order.

Average prices of iPhone Unlock Chip

In both online and offline markets, you can buy iPhone unlock chips. These chips are available in different types and different brand names. Their prices may vary with the type and brand. However, the average price of an iPhone Unlock chip is $14. You will find different brands of chips at a higher or lower price than this.

The Bottom Line

So you can easily eliminate the carrier locked issue of your Apple iPhone SE. Unlocking the network restrictions with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is a very safe way to do it. Because there are some problems with using the Apple iPhone SE unlock chip. Using this chip could affect your Apple iPhone SE’s battery life. Also, it might damage the SIM card slot and even your regular SIM card.

3 Ways to Unlock Your Apple iPhone SE for Free

Is your Apple iPhone SE locked to your SIM card? Well, there’s nothing to worry about. You can unlock your Apple iPhone SE in several ways. Your Apple iPhone SE’s lock may work differently. So, you can either unlock it by making small changes to the “Settings” or using third-party software.

In this article, I’ll talk about some popular ways to unlock your Apple iPhone SE without going online and a bonus tip that will help you unlock your Apple iPhone SE if none of the other methods work. This article will help you find free ways to unlock your Apple iPhone SE.

3 Free Ways to Unlock iPhone Offline

Following are some free ways to unlock your Apple iPhone SE Offline. You can unlock your Apple iPhone SE by making small changes in the settings of your Apple iPhone SE.

Unlock iPhone SIM card via phone app

Call any number from the Phone app or contact to display the “SIM Locked” pop-up window and unlock your Apple iPhone SE. The SIM PIN entry window will pop up again, ready for you to type in your code. Enter any fake number instead of dialing a real number like “333” and press the green button.

Unlock your Apple iPhone SE SIM card via “Settings”

The “Settings” app is another way to bring up the unlock notification. Go to the “Cellular” tab and choose “SIM PIN” as the last option. The SIM card should now ask you to unlock your Apple iPhone SE.

Unlock it via IMEI code

Contacting your carrier to unlock the sim lock on your Apple iPhone SE is legit and straightway. But before contacting your carrier, you must fulfill the following conditions.

The device must be legal, which means the Apple iPhone SE device has not been reported as lost, stolen, or connected to a crime.
You shouldn’t have any debts in your bank account.
If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower upfront price, you would have to wait until your contract expires (typically 24 months) or pay the remaining amount if you purchased your phone on a payment plan.

If you meet the above conditions, you can get the phone unlocked from your carrier. You have to provide them IMEI number of your device. However, the rest of the unlocking process is different for each company.

Bonus Tip: Efficient App for iPhone SIM Unlock

Do you want to solve your problem on your Apple iPhone SE or Android devices? And you have no professional skills? So, you should never miss Dr.Fone. And Screen-Unlock is a highly efficient tool to remove the SIM-lock on your Apple iPhone SE.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Unlock iPhone Carrier Simply and Quickly

Remove Apple ID/iCloud Account efficiently.
Save your Apple iPhone SE quickly from the disabled state.
Free your sim out of any carrier worldwide.
Bypass iCloud activation lock and enjoy all iCloud services
Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

How to Unlock Your Apple iPhone SE for Any Carrier with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)?

Step 1: Download Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) and install it on your computer. After you’ve put Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, run it. Go to the toolbox and choose “Screen Unlock” from the list of options.

safe & secure

Step 2: To remove the network lock on your device, please select “Remove SIM Locked” in the next window.

Step 3: When your iOS device is ready to be SIM unlocked, tap “Start” to get going.

Step 4: When the Apple iPhone SE is connected, the software finds it and gives a list of information about it. Make sure everything is in order, and click “Unlock Now”.

Note: Jailbreaking your Apple iPhone SE is necessary to keep the process. This method works with iOS versions 12.0 to 14.8.1 on iPhones 5S to X. But you don’t need to worry about how complex it is; we offer a jailbreak guide and a video for you.

Step 5: According to the screen on this step, please follow the simple instructions. When all tasks here are over, you can continue by tapping the button “Continue”.

Step 6: If the progress bar reaches 100%, the SIM lock will disappear from your device.

Step 7: The device is now unlocked, and the SIM carrier can’t limit how you use your device. Tap “Done” to unlock your iOS device’s SIM card.

Now, any SIM plan from any network can be used.

The bottom Line

So, these were the ways to unlock your Apple iPhone SE. You can adopt any of them depending on the nature of the lock on your Apple iPhone SE. Further, you can unlock your Apple iPhone SE by making small changes in the setting or directly contacting your carrier.

However, if you don’t want to contact your carrier, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) can solve your problem. This software is one of the most reliable and easy software that unlocks your device by following very easy steps.

Sim Unlock