Top 11 Free Apps to Check IMEI on iPhone 12 mini

Top 11 Free Apps to Check IMEI on iPhone 12 mini

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Top 11 Free Apps to Check IMEI on Apple iPhone 12 mini

Your IMEI number is your device’s identity and being able to use it to check the legitimacy of your device should be easy. There are lots of websites that allow you to easily check your IMEI but in this world where we use our mobile devices more, most of us want the convenience of being able to perform this task on our devices.

For this reason, we saw it fit to compile a list of the best Android and iOS apps that allow you to easily do an IMEI check. Those apps are listed below.

Part 1: Top 6 Android Apps to Check your IMEI Number

1. IMEI info

imei info

The site IMEI info does just what the name suggest. It allows you to enter your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number and immediately get information about your device. This unique 15-digit number is used to identify and track mobile devices, as well as to provide information about the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s brand, model, specifications, and other details.

It is easy to use and a great solution if you are just looking for a simple solution to find more information about your device using your IMEI number. Users can enter their device’s IMEI number on the website to check its status, verify its authenticity, and access other useful information. This can be helpful in situations such as purchasing a used device or finding lost or stolen devices.

Link: https://www.imei.info/

imei info

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Provides detailed device information.
  • Checks blacklist and warranty status.
  • Offers additional services, such as phone unlocking.
  • Compatible with various devices and manufacturers.

Cons:

  • Limited information for some devices.
  • May provide outdated or inaccurate data.
  • Requires manual entry of IMEI.
  • Premium features require payment.
  • Privacy concerns when sharing IMEI.

Read Customer Service Reviews of imei.info

  1. _This page was very helpful when My Apple iPhone 12 mini was stolen, and with it’s help I could check it’s IMEI status! Also you can find lots of basic and more advanced informations about different devices on this page, which can be very helpful too! – from Trustpilot _
  2. _Information did you provided me is wrong, because several times I contacted to Sprint and T-Mobile bile, and then confirm that the phone by IMEI that I provided he’s not in their database. – from Trustpilot _

Tips: You’re going on a trip to Frankfort, but forgot to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini. You need to unlock it first, because you will get a message: “This iPhone is locked and cannot be used with another carrier.” I highly recommend using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) to remove SIM lock if you have the need. This software is user-friendly, effective, and reliable, ensuring that your device is unlocked without any issues.

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2. IMEI Analyzer

imei analyzer logo

Aside from just allowing you to check whether the IMEI number provided is valid, IMEI Analyzer will also provide you with data about your device based on the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number . It also has an additional feature that calculates the IMEI number when you enter only 15 digits. It also analyses the IMEI number providing you with different information about the number itself such as the Serial Number (SNR), Type Allocation Code (TAC), Reporting body identifier, Final Assembly Code, and Check Digit.

By using an IMEI Analyzer, users can validate the IMEI number, check if the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is blacklisted or stolen, and obtain information about the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s brand, model, and specifications. This can be particularly useful when buying a used mobile device or trying to recover a lost or stolen one. Some IMEI analyzers may also provide additional features such as warranty status checks, carrier information, and SIM lock status.

Download Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.imeianalyze&hl=en

imei analyzer

Pros:

  • Provides detailed information about the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s IMEI number, including whether it is blacklisted or not.
  • Easy to use and navigate.
  • Free to download and use.
  • Helpful for those looking to buy a used phone and want to check its validity.

Cons:

  • Some users have reported that the app crashes frequently.
  • Limited features beyond IMEI analysis.
  • Some users have reported inaccuracies in the information provided by the app.

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3. IMEI Generator & IMEI Changer

imei changer

IMEI Changer is an app that will not only provide you with information about your device based on your IMEI number but also can be used to generate an IMEI number for your device. The developers however caution that the App may not be able to work for all mobile phones or SIM cards.

imei changer

Pros:

  • Easy to use interface.
  • Provides detailed information about the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s IMEI number.
  • Offers free IMEI checks for basic information.
  • Provides in-app purchases for more detailed information.
  • Supports multiple languages.

Cons:

  • Requires a stable internet connection to function properly.
  • Some users have reported inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • In-app purchases can be expensive.
  • Some users have reported issues with the app crashing or freezing.

4. IMEI

imei

IMEI just like all the others we’ve seen allows the user to get information on their devices based on their IMEI numbers. But that’s not all. Unlike others this one also allows users to quickly generate their IMEI numbers. It also has a lot of good reviews from those who have used it.

Download Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gerondesign.imei&hl=en

free apps on IMEI check

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Quick IMEI scanning and checking.
  • Detailed device information provided.
  • Wide device compatibility.
  • Free to download and use.

Cons:

  • Free to download and use.
  • Limited to IMEI-specific features.
  • Possible information inaccuracies.
  • Infrequent updates.

5. IMEI Checker

imei checker

IMEI Checker is another free Android app that is designed to help you find out more information about your device using the IMEI number. This small app is easy to use and most who have used have a lot of praise for the app.

The app allows users to check the IMEI number of their devices and gather detailed information such as the manufacturer, model, and blacklist status. This can be helpful for tracking lost or stolen devices and verifying the authenticity of a phone before purchasing it. Additionally, the app provides device information like hardware and software specifications, system details, and network information.

Download Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imeichecker.imeinumberfinder.deviceinfostatus

imei checker

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Quick IMEI scanning and analysis.
  • Detailed device information provided.
  • Useful for device verification before purchase.
  • Offers hardware and software specifications.

Cons:

  • Requires internet connection for IMEI check.
  • May not support all devices or brands.
  • Some users report inaccuracies in information.
  • Advertisements may be intrusive for some users.

Read Customer Service Reviews of IMEI Checker

  1. IMEI is an exceptionally astounding and remarkable application. This is not difficult to utilize this application. Everybody can find their IMEI number through this application. By and by I like and love this application. Thus, thank you kindly IMEI checker. – from Google Play
  2. It’s show only your device information like what is your IMEI number, mobile no. etc, it’s not tracker . – from Google Play

6. SIM Card Information and IMEI

sim card info logo

SIM Card Information and IMEI will check and generate your device’s IMEI number and allow you to copy or share the information on social networks or via email. On top of providing information about your device, the app also provides SIM related information such as the contacts that are stored on the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.

Download Link: https://m.apkpure.com/sim-card-information-and-imei/com.simcard.info.imei

free apps on IMEI check

Pros:

  • Simple user interface.
  • Useful for tracking lost or stolen devices.
  • Can check SIM card usage and balance.

Cons:

  • Requires an internet connection for some features.
  • Limited to IMEI and SIM card-related functionalities.
  • Privacy concerns regarding sharing of SIM and IMEI data.

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Part 2: Top 5 iPhone Apps to Check your IMEI Number

1. MobiCheck

mobicheck logo

By entering your IMEI number in this app, you can check whether your device has been marked as stolen or blacklisted. All you have to do is enter your IMEI number into the slot provided and the MobiCheck app will display the information. You can download the app for free and your first check is free but all subsequent checks will cost you $0.20 per check.

Download Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mobicheck/id1057556237

mobicheck

Pros:

  • Simple and user-friendly interface.
  • Cloud and Find My iPhone status checks.
  • Compatible with both iPhone and iPad.

Cons:

  • In-app purchases for full functionality.
  • Limited to IMEI and device-related features.
  • Updates may not be frequent or address all issues.

Read Customer Service Reviews of MobiCheck

  1. This app works !! Even better that is free! – from App Store
  2. I’m stuck in a loop where it keeps telling me to confirm my account with an email sent to me, then I try to log in after confirming and it tells me my account has not been fully set up. Kept going back and forth with the same issue so I gave up and deleted the app. Total garbage, will update when/if issue fixed. – from App Store

2. iMei Blacklist Checker

iMei Blacklist Checker is another app that will allow you to get your device details just by entering the IMEI number. This app is available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and iPad. It provides a wide range of information about your device and is very easy to use. Moreover, if you want to buy a second-hand iPhone, you can use this tool to check if the phone has been reported as lost or stolen before making the final purchase decision.

free apps on IMEI check

3. IMEI info for iPhone

imei info

IMEI info for iPhone is an application that allows you to check the status of your device by simply entering you IMEI number. The developers behind the app also offer an unlocking service that also utilizes your IMEI number. This is a great app that is very useful and easy to use.

free apps on IMEI check

Download Link: http://www.imei.info/

4. iPhoneOX

iphoneox

This site iPhoneOX offers a lot of services that include checking IMEI for free as well as unlocking services that are offered at a fee. It is a great and easy-to-use solution that will provide you with additional information about your device and even offer help whenever you get stuck.

![free apps on IMEI check](https://images.wondershare.com/drfone/article/2023/05/iphoneox-2.jpg)

Link: http://www.iphoneox.com/

5. iUnlocker

iunlocker logo

iUnlocker is another great application that will help you get information about your device from your IMEI number. It can also allow you to check a large number of IMEI numbers at once. Checking is free although they do offer an unlocking service that you will have to pay.

iunlocker logo

Link: http://iunlocker.net/check_imei.php

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Conclusion

In conclusion, these are the top free apps to check IMEI on iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide detailed information about the Apple iPhone 12 mini device, including the manufacturer, model, and serial number. Additionally, they provide information about the network carrier, blacklist status, and warranty status. Users can also track their lost or stolen device using the IMEI number. These apps are essential tools for ensuring the security and compatibility of mobile devices.

All of these are ideal for helping you with IMEI checking. They can be great solutions and we hope that you are able to find the right one for your needs. Let us know how the one you pick works for you and if you encounter any problems while using any of the apps.

Tips: If you have ever had your Apple iPhone 12 mini locked, you know how frustrating it can be. You need to get a new SIM card and pay the carrier a lot of money, but with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini easily, quickly and safely for international use, and bypass the carrier SIM lock in many situations like “SIM Not Support “, “SIM Not Valid”, “SIM Locked” or “No Network Serves”.

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How to Remove Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM Lock?

drfone

Have you purchased a second-hand Apple iPhone 12 mini that is carrier locked? It would be a very frustrating situation. You can’t use any SIM card other than one cellular company’s sim card. So, whatever the case is, in this article, we will show you how to remove the SIM lock on your device.

In this article, we’ll talk about some popular tools to unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini. After reading this article, I hope your Apple iPhone 12 mini will be free from any lock, and you can do what you want in your Apple iPhone 12 mini.

iPhone IMEI

This site offers iPhone IMEI unlocking services. There are mixed reviews about this site. Some customers called its SIM card activation service very good, while others complained about its services.

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Rating from Trustpilot 3.2
User Reviews Mixed reviews
Pricing Plans Unlock service for 19$ or 29$
Supported iOS Versions All versions: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons According to customer reviews, this site is not trustable.

DoctorSIM

doctorSIM 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.

doctorsim

Rating from Trustpilot 4.7
User Reviews A lot of positive reviews
Pricing Plans Depend upon the model of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.
Supported iOS Versions All versions: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons 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.
· According to many reviews, the doctorSIM unlock service doesn’t work.

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.

sim locked

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: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons Pros
· This service has a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot.
Cons
· A large number of negative reviews.

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Cellunlocker

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

cellunlocker

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 mini device.
Supported iOS Versions All versions: upto iOS 16
Pros & Cons 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.

Best Software for Apple iPhone 12 mini SIM Unlock

Dr.Fone is a complete toolbox for your device solutions. For Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock, it’ll cost little time to remove the SIM lock from almost every carrier on your Apple iPhone 12 mini. And here you can learn how to use Dr.Fone to remove your problem with data security.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step1: In the first step, Install Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) on your computer.

Step2: After you’ve set up Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, launch it. You will see the “Screen Unlock,” choose it and start the unlocking process.

how to unlock iphone 8

Step3: If you want to remove the network restriction on your device, select “Remove SIM Locked” in the following box.

screen unlock

Step4: To get started unlocking your iOS device for use with a different SIM card, hit “Start” when it is ready.

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Step5: After then, the software locates the connected iPhone and provides a list of details about it. After making sure everything is correct, pick “Unlock Now.”

quickly remove

Step6: Before you can continue, you must first jailbreak your Apple iPhone 12 mini. This method works on iPhones 5S to X running iOS 12.0 to 14.8.1. To learn about technology, you must either read the instruction or watch the video.

jailbreak

Step7: The following step is to perform a few quick tasks on your iOS device. Go to “Settings” and remove the SIM card from the smartphone. On each connection you’ve made in the “WLAN” section, tap “Forget This Network.” After finishing, turn off “WLAN” and insert the SIM card into your iOS device. To continue with the procedure, click “Continue” on the screen.

sim card

Step8: The status bar shows the SIM unlocking process’s current status.

removing lock

Step9: In the end, when you see the blue phone image turn green, you can now use your phone with the service provider you want.

lock removed

Bravo! Now you can use any SIM plan from any network.

Contact Your Carrier to Unlock iPhone 8/8Plus

If your Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked, then it must be for some reason. The carrier who has set this lock can provide the best solution.

Check the unlock prerequisites

To check the unlock prerequisites, Go to Settings > General > About to find out if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked. Your Apple iPhone 12 mini is unlocked if it says “No SIM restrictions” next to “Carrier Lock.”

Contact the carrier for the unlock code

Large cell phone companies often offer discounted devices to customers who sign an agreement for set time frames. Because of this, the Apple iPhone 12 mini device comes with a controller lock so customers can only use it on their network. If your contract with the company is over, you can get out of it for free. Before you can unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini, you must meet the following requirements:

First of all, it must be a legal device. It means the Apple iPhone 12 mini device is not reported as lost, stolen. Then your bank account must not have any financial debts. If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower up-front cost, you’d have to wait until your contract ends (usually 24 months) or pay the remaining balance if you purchased your phone on a payment schedule.

Most carriers need active accounts for specific days before unlocking devices. Sprint has 50 days, T-Mobile 40, and AT&T 60. Verizon has no minimum period if you need to factory reset your phone to use the new network and back up beforehand.

Insert a new SIM card to unlock your device

If you have a non-carrier SIM card, complete iPhone unlocking using these steps:

  • Turn off your device.
  • SIM card out.
  • Insert the new SIM. Your device will be activated.

Conclusion

So, this was an overview of some popular unlocking tools for Apple iPhone 12 mini. The most accurate and effective tool to unlock carrier-locked iPhones is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS). If your Apple iPhone 12 mini is locked, then it must be for some reason. The carrier who has set this lock can provide the best solution. However, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can unlock any lock.

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

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

Part 1: Basic information about IMEI number and ESN

What is IMEI number?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): IMEI numbers are unique to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network mobile phones. Unlike ESN, an IMEI number is 15 digits long. It serves as an anti-theft measure, meaning a blacklisted IMEI can result from a device being reported lost or stolen or a breach of the consumer agreement.

iPhone imei number check

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 12 mini 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 12 mini 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 12 mini device reported the Apple iPhone 12 mini device as lost or stolen.

What is a blacklisted IMEI?

Blacklisted IMEI is basically the same thing as Bad ESN but for devices that work on CDMA networks, like Verizon or Sprint. In short, the main reason that a device has a Blacklisted IMEI is so that you as the owner or someone else cannot activate the Apple iPhone 12 mini device on any carrier, not even the original one, thus avoiding selling or stealing the phone.

You Might Be Interested In:

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  3. How to Unlock iPhone Passcode With or Without iTunes?

Part 2: How to check if your Apple iPhone 12 mini is blacklisted?

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

How to find the IMEI or ESN numbers

  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 12 mini is blacklisted?

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

  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 12 mini was initially sold from. Finding out is easy, just look for a logo: on the box of the iPhone, on the back case of it and even on the screen of the Apple iPhone 12 mini as it boots up. Just look for any carrier, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. Contacting your network carrier can also yield a blacklist status. Bear in mind that not all network services are equally adept or willing to communicate this information, and turnaround times may vary.
  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 12 mini has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

A bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI is serious business. It can result in a device being unusable on most of the surrounding networks. If your IMEI is blacklisted, there are steps for potential resolution:

Ask the seller for a refund

If you bought the Apple iPhone 12 mini device with the bad ESN newly from a retailer or online shop, you might be in luck as they can provide you with a refund or at least a replacement, depending on their policy. For example, Amazon and eBay have refund policies. Unfortunately, if you got the phone from someone you found on the street, or from a seller over sources like Craigslist, this might not be possible. But there are still other things you can do.

iPhone blacklisted imei

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.

iPhone blacklisted imei

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.

iPhone has bad esn

Swap the Logic Board

The thing about a blacklisted IMEI is that it’s only blacklisted in a particular country. An unlocked AT&T iPhone blacklisted in the US would still function in Australia on another network. As such you can try and change the chips of your Apple iPhone 12 mini. However, in doing so you should be prepared for some possible irreparable damage.

iPhone blacklisted imei

Unlock it and then Sell it

After your unlock your Apple iPhone 12 mini you can sell it to foreigners at a lowered rate. You can find out how to unlock in the next steps. But why would foreigners buy a blacklisted phone, you might ask? That’s because they won’t be on US soil long, and the IMEI is only blacklisted locally. So foreigners and tourists might be persuaded to buy your Apple iPhone 12 mini if you throw in a big enough discount.

iPhone has bad esn

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.

what if iPhone has bad esn

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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.

iPhone bad esn

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.

bad esn iPhone 7

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.

iPhone 6s bad esn

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.

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Understanding Lock Status

Before proceeding, ensure you understand the lock status of your phone. If the phone is network locked, it only works with a specific carrier. If it is blacklisted, it’s barred from most network use. An unlocked phone, on the other hand, is a blank slate ready to work with any carrier that supports the Apple iPhone 12 mini device’s technological specifications.

Steps to Unlock

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the steps to unlock a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI:

  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 12 mini device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 12 mini device and the resolution of the reason for blacklisting.
  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 12 mini device under warranty.
  • Legal Ramifications: Unauthorized unlocking can have legal repercussions. It’s important to research and ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
  • Financial Risks: Some services come at a high cost, and there are scams in the market. Be cautious and only deal with recognized and trusted entities.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I find out if this iPhone is reported as lost or stolen? I mean which one is it?

This information is anonymous to carriers and no one will be able to tell you exactly.

Q: I have a friend who wants to sell me an iPhone, how do I check if it has a bad ESN or if it’s lost or stolen before I buy it?

You will need to check the IMEI or ESN.

iphone imei check

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Can You Use a Blacklisted Phone Internationally?

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

Q: Can IMEI Cleaning Really Work?

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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


  • Title: Top 11 Free Apps to Check IMEI on iPhone 12 mini
  • Author: Abner
  • Created at : 2024-07-16 17:13:12
  • Updated at : 2024-07-17 17:13:12
  • Link: https://sim-unlock.techidaily.com/top-11-free-apps-to-check-imei-on-iphone-12-mini-by-drfone-ios/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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Top 11 Free Apps to Check IMEI on iPhone 12 mini