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

Many people have iPhones but don’t know what an IMEI number is or what a bad ESN represents. Understanding how to tackle this issue can save time, money, and a headache or two. In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through the basic mechanics of ESN and IMEI, how to check if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max 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 Pro Max device reported the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device as lost or stolen.

What is a blacklisted IMEI?

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

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

Checking if your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max was initially sold from. Finding out is easy, just look for a logo: on the box of the iPhone, on the back case of it and even on the screen of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

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

Ask the seller for a refund

If you bought the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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.

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### Report of the Issue to the Police

If you suspect fraud or a theft may have been involved, filing a report can be necessary.

Get the IMEI or ESN Cleaned

Depending on your carrier, you can see if they entertain requests to remove your IMEI from the blacklist. IMEI cleaning services exist, offering to remove the blacklisted status. However, proceed with caution, as this is often in a gray legal area.

Swap the Logic Board

The thing about a blacklisted IMEI is that it’s only blacklisted in a particular country. An unlocked AT&T iPhone blacklisted in the US would still function in Australia on another network. As such you can try and change the chips of your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. 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 12 Pro Max you can sell it to foreigners at a lowered rate. You can find out how to unlock in the next steps. But why would foreigners buy a blacklisted phone, you might ask? That’s because they won’t be on US soil long, and the IMEI is only blacklisted locally. So foreigners and tourists might be persuaded to buy your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max if you throw in a big enough discount.

Take it apart and sell the spare parts

You can dismember the logic board, screen, dock connector and back casing, and sell them separately. These may be used to help out other broken iPhones.

Sell internationally

As mentioned earlier, you can unlock the phone with the blacklisted IMEI. However, since it’s only blacklisted locally, you can sell it internationally where it would still have value.

Flash phone to another carrier

This is an ideal option for those who don’t mind changing carriers. You can flash the phone to another carrier, as long as they accept it, and pretty soon you’ll have a functional phone! However, in some cases, you might land with a 3G connection instead of a 4G.

Determine Hybrid GSM/CDMA Phones

If your phone cannot activate on a CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint, the IMEI can still be used on a GSM network. Most phones manufactured these days come with a GSM standard nano or micro sim card slot and have GSM radio enabling for a GSM network. Most of them also come factory unlocked as well.

Having a phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI is naturally a headache, however, all hope isn’t lost. You can do any of the things mentioned in the previous steps, and you can read on to find out how to unlock the phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI.

Part 4: How to unlock a phone with bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Unlocking a phone with bad ESN or a blacklisted IMEI is not a single-step process. It involves both technological and legal maneuvering. It’s important to note that unlocking a blacklisted phone might not make it fully operational, but it can help in using it with carriers outside the country where it was blacklisted.

Understanding Lock Status

Before proceeding, ensure you understand the lock status of your phone. If the phone is network locked, it only works with a specific carrier. If it is blacklisted, it’s barred from most network use. An unlocked phone, on the other hand, is a blank slate ready to work with any carrier that supports the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max device under warranty.
• Legal Ramifications: Unauthorized unlocking can have legal repercussions. It’s important to research and ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
• Financial Risks: Some services come at a high cost, and there are scams in the market. Be cautious and only deal with recognized and trusted entities.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

You will need to check the IMEI or ESN.

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

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

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

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

Q: Is it Legal to Unlock a Phone with a Bad ESN or Blacklisted IMEI?

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

Q: Can You Use a Blacklisted Phone Internationally?

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

Q: Can IMEI Cleaning Really Work?

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

How to Unlock T-Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max online without SIM Card?

Are you sick of telecom companies having a say over which network provider you get to use and how? Well, you’re not alone in your frustration. For example, if you have a T Mobile iPhone and you want to switch to a different carrier because of bad network, you have to jump through tremendous hoops to do so. This is because network providers lock your SIMs under contract for about 2 years or even more so that they can retain more users. However, you’re smarter than that, you can rise above, and we can show you how, by giving you a detailed guide on how to unlock T Mobile iPhone.

If you’re still unconvinced about why to T Mobile unlock iPhone, let us just tell you that the two major benefits of getting your T Mobile iPhone unlocked is that it can let you switch SIMs and carriers whenever you want, and if you travel abroad frequently you can easily make use of a local pre paid SIM card instead of spending exorbitant amounts on Roaming charge. So please read on to find out how to unlock T Mobile iPhone.

Part 1: How to unlock T-Mobile iPhone without SIM card online

For convenience sake let’s say you are an Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max user. If you want to unlock T Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max without SIM card, in a straight-forward and permanent manner without losing your warranty then the perfect tool for you is DoctorSIM Unlock Service. It is really quite a nice one-stop-shop for all your needs. All you gotta’ do is feed in your contact info and IMEI code and you’ll be delivered the T Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max unlock code within a matter of 48 hours.

How to unlock T-Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max without SIM card online using DoctorSIM - SIM Unlock Service

Step 1: Choose the Brand

From a list of Brand names and Logos, you should choose Apple.

Step 2: Request Form

You’ll be asked for your exact model, choose Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max in this case. Following that you’ll be asked for your Network Provider, for which you should choose T Mobile.

Step 3: IMEI Retrieval

Next you should retrieve your IMEI code by feeding #06# on your keypad.

Step 4: Contact Info

Only the first 15 digits of the IMEI number need to be entered, followed by your email address. This is crucial as this is where you’ll receive the unlock code.

Step 5: Receive Unlock Code

Within the guaranteed period (generally 48 hours) you should receive the T Mobile iPhone unlock code.

Step 6: Unlock T Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Enter the code to your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max in order to T Mobile unlock Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Basically the whole process to unlock T Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max using DoctorSIM can be summarized in 3 short steps.

Summary

1. Fill in the Request Form.

2. Receive Unlock Code.

3. Unlock T Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max by entering the code.

Part 2: How to unlock T Mobile iPhone via iPhoneIMEI.net

iPhoneIMEI.net is another online iPhone sim unlocking service. It promises to unlock your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max using an official method, so your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max will never be relocked no matter you upgrade the operation system or sync to iTunes. All features such as: iMessenger, Facetime, 3G, 4G, Wifi, Contacts, Phone… will work well without any restriction.

Steps to unlock iPhone with iPhoneIMEI.net

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

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

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

Part 3: How to unlock T Mobile iPhone via T Mobile carrier

If you want to unlock, say for example, a T Mobile iPhone 5s without a third-party tool, but by contacting the carrier directly, you can do that as well though that process would have a lot more restrictions and take a lot longer. Requesting carriers to T Mobile unlock iPhone 5s is becoming more and more of an outdated concept in the face of far easier third-party softwares. However, contacting the carriers directly is also a legitimate means. So read on to find out how to unlock T Mobile iPhone 5s via T Mobile carrier.

How to unlock T Mobile iPhone 5s via T Mobile carrier

Step 1: Eligibility

When you try to unlock T Mobile iPhone 5s directly through the carrier you are faced with a lot of restrictions and verification processes. Hence, to keep yourself from wasting your own time, you should go and read their page on eligibility to make sure you pass the test. Follow this link: support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588.

Step 2: Contact

Next you simply need to go to their Customer Care page and file a request for the unlock code. Follow the following link to contact them: https://support.t-mobile.com/community/contact-us . However you should bear in mind that they can reject any application at all.

Step 3: Receive Code

If your application is accepted, then you should soon receive an email with the unlock code and further instructions to T Mobile unlock iPhone 5s. Alternatively you could simply use the Mobile Device Unlock App, but that isn’t yet eligible for iPhones.

Step 4: Unlock T Mobile iPhone 5s

Finally, all you have to do is enter the unlock code to your keypad and voila! You now have a T Mobile unlock iPhone 5s.

Alternative: Mobile Device Unlock App

This app can’t yet be used to unlock T Mobile iPhone 5s devices as it is only yet available for Samsung Avant devices, however this is a helpful and simple software for those with Samsung devices. You just install the app and you can apply for the unlock code with two simple steps.

Part 4: How to check if my iPhone is unlocked or not

Before you take some drastic and time consuming measures it might be helpful to confirm whether you already have an unlocked phone. If you have a SIM with a separate network provider you can simply enter it and see whether it’s accessible. However, if you don’t currently have another SIM card, you can use DoctorSIM to also verify your unlock status with 3 simple steps. To do so you need to first go to this link here

Check your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max unlock status

Step 1: Retrieve IMEI

Type #06# on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max keypad to get the IMEI Code.

Step 2: Fill in the Request Form

Next, enter the first 15 digits of the IMEI code, followed by your email address.

Step 3: Receive Email

You’ll soon receive an email with your unlock status.

And just like that you now know whether to go ahead to unlock T Mobile iPhone!

Part 5: I’ve unlocked my iPhone. What’s next?

So you’ve gone through whichever process most suited you and now you’ve even entered the T Mobile iPhone unlock code. But now you’re left wondering, well now what? What’s next? Well, what’s next is that you make use of your new-found freedom, to break your phone in by using a different SIM, using one of these scenarios!

I have SIM with a different Network Provider

In this case just follow the following steps:

1. Remove old SIM Card.

2. Enter new SIM Card.

3. Restart iPhone.

I don’t have another SIM

In this case the process is a little longer. Do the following to activate the unlock:

Step 1: Back Up

You can back up easily with iCloud. It is a very simple solution. Simply go to settings on your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, followed by ‘iCloud’, then tap ‘Back up now.’

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Step 2: Erase iPhone

Go to Settings> General> Reset> Erase All Content. This will wipe your phone clean.

Step 3: Restore

Finally, just restore all the information from the iCloud back up. This is also fairly simple. As you follow the system setup after erasing, you’ll be taken to the ‘Apps & Data’ screen. Simply select ‘Restore from iCloud Backup.’

With that your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is now completely unlock activated! You’re free to use it as you please now.

In this article we’ve explained how to unlock T Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max using DoctorSIM - SIM Unlock Service, and how to unlock T Mobile iPhone 5s using the T Mobile carrier itself. While both of them are perfectly legitimate means of unlocking your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Maxs, I personally lean more towards the DoctorSIM solution as they don’t have any pesky eligibility criteria, nor do they make you wait long. They are a 100% solution, especially considering they’re a third-party tool which makes them less biased as they don’t have an incentive to keep you from unlocking. Well, we hope this helped and hopefully now you have a T Mobile unlock iPhone!

Best Free Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI Checker

Being able to check your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s IMEI is very important for a number of reasons. First of all, if you want to IMEI unlock your device and consequently be able to use it with other carriers, you will need your IMEI number as well as your device’s status which can only be found by an IMEI checker. You may also want to know if your device has been blacklisted or locked and the only way to find that out is to do an IMEI check. Most online IMEI checkers offer the service for free but not all of them are 100% reliable to provide you with the right information every time. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best free Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI checkers and how they work.

The Best Free Online Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI Checkers

1. Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI Checker

Website URL: https://iphoneimei.net/

One of the best free Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI checkers online is simply known as Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI checker. But it does more than just check IMEI. It can also be used to IMEI unlock the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max for a price. The IMEI check itself is free and very easy to do. In fact that’s the main reason why this online service made it on to our list. There are no hoops to jump through, you can simply check your IMEI right there on the checker’s website.

To check Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI simply click on “Check Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI” and then enter your IMEI number to continue. You only have to wait a few moments for the website to furnish you with information about the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device.

2. IMEI Data

This is another free and highly reliable service that allow you to easily and very quickly check your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI. It works for a lot of other device but unlike the first on this list it doesn’t offer any unlocking services. The website is also not very visually appealing but the important thing is that it gets the job done.

To check your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max’s IMEI simply enter the IMEI number in the provided field and then click “Check.” You only have to wait a few minutes for the website to provide you with the information you need.

3. Best Free Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI checker

Website URL: https://www.officialiphoneunlock.co.uk/imei-network-finder.php

This one makes it on to the list because it is very easy to use. But it also comes with additional services such as Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max unlocking services that are affordable and highly effective. It is a great all in one solution for those who want to find out more about their device or even completely unlock it. It also supports all Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max models expect Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 6 which they assure customers will be added very soon.

To use it just enter your IMEI number in the field provided to get the results.

4. Check IMEI

Website URL: http://www.imei.info/

This one is another great site that will check Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI quite easily. The setup of the site itself makes it very easy to check the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. The site does offer other services such as IMEI calculator and operator codes but it doesn’t offer unlocking services. The reason why we think it is a great choice is simply because of how fast results came back. To use this service, all you need to do is enter the IMEI number and then click on “Check.”

Wait a few seconds for the website to generate results.

5. iOS Basics

This is another great and free way to check your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI. The service is automated and works very fast. The website itself also offers a lot of great information on Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI, unlocking and other related information. It makes it on your lost because of the fact that it has a wealth of information regarding your device.

It is also very easy to use. Like the rest of the ones, we have seen, all you need to do is enter your IMEI number and the website will provide you with the information you need about the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max device. Just enter the IMEI number in the slot provided and then click “Check Me.”

Checking your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI is easy and now that you have 5 of the best free online Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max IMEI checkers all you need is a great internet connection and you’re good to go. Let us know which one you choose and how it works out for you or if you experience any problems.