In 2024, What to do if your iPhone 13 Pro has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

What to do if your Apple iPhone 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 Pro device reported the Apple iPhone 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 Pro is blacklisted?

Checking if your Apple iPhone 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 Pro. 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 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 Pro device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 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 13 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.

3 Ways to Unlock Your Apple iPhone 13 Pro for Free

Is your Apple iPhone 13 Pro locked to your SIM card? Well, there’s nothing to worry about. You can unlock your Apple iPhone 13 Pro in several ways. Your Apple iPhone 13 Pro’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 13 Pro without going online and a bonus tip that will help you unlock your Apple iPhone 13 Pro if none of the other methods work. This article will help you find free ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 13 Pro.

3 Free Ways to Unlock iPhone Offline

Following are some free ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 13 Pro Offline. You can unlock your Apple iPhone 13 Pro by making small changes in the settings of your Apple iPhone 13 Pro.

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 13 Pro. 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 13 Pro 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 13 Pro.

Unlock it via IMEI code

Contacting your carrier to unlock the sim lock on your Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 13 Pro 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 13 Pro 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 13 Pro.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Unlock iPhone Carrier Simply and Quickly

Remove Apple ID/iCloud Account efficiently.
Save your Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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.

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How to Unlock Your Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 13 Pro 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 13 Pro 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 13 Pro. You can adopt any of them depending on the nature of the lock on your Apple iPhone 13 Pro. Further, you can unlock your Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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.

How to Unlock Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 13 Pro.

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 13 Pro 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 13 Pro 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.

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

Unlocking your Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 13 Pro’s SIM card.

Step 4: With the unlocking process completed, you now have unrestricted access to your Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 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 13 Pro 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 13 Pro.