What to do if your Apple iPhone 8 has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

Many people have iPhones but don’t know what an IMEI number is or what a bad ESN represents. Understanding how to tackle this issue can save time, money, and a headache or two. In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through the basic mechanics of ESN and IMEI, how to check if your Apple iPhone 8 is blacklisted, and the detailed steps for unlocking a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI.

Part 1: Basic information about IMEI number and ESN

What is IMEI number?

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

What is an ESN?

Electronic Serial Number (ESN): Previously utilized by CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks, an ESN was a unique identifier for cellular devices. With technological progression, most carriers have shifted their focus to the IMEI system, but knowing your ESN’s history is still crucial, especially if you’re dealing with older devices.

What is a Bad ESN?

A Bad ESN can mean a lot of things, let’s check out some examples:

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

What is a blacklisted IMEI?

Blacklisted IMEI is basically the same thing as Bad ESN but for devices that work on CDMA networks, like Verizon or Sprint. In short, the main reason that a device has a Blacklisted IMEI is so that you as the owner or someone else cannot activate the Apple iPhone 8 device on any carrier, not even the original one, thus avoiding selling or stealing the phone.

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Part 2: How to check if your Apple iPhone 8 is blacklisted?

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

How to find the IMEI or ESN numbers

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 8 is blacklisted?

Checking if your Apple iPhone 8 has a blacklisted IMEI is the first step in addressing the issue. There are several methods to do this, either via the Apple website, the network carrier, or through third-party IMEI check services.

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 8 was initially sold from. Finding out is easy, just look for a logo: on the box of the iPhone, on the back case of it and even on the screen of the Apple iPhone 8 as it boots up. Just look for any carrier, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. Contacting your network carrier can also yield a blacklist status. Bear in mind that not all network services are equally adept or willing to communicate this information, and turnaround times may vary.
Third-Party IMEI Check Services: Utilizing third-party IMEI checkers is often the quickest method. These can be found as online services or apps, but it’s important to choose reputable sources. This is a highly recommended source to check the status of your phone because it’s quick, reliable and offers no fuss. You just go to the page, enter the IMEI or ESN, enter your contact details, and you’ll soon receive all the information you need!

Part 3: What to do if your Apple iPhone 8 has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?

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

Ask the seller for a refund

If you bought the Apple iPhone 8 device with the bad ESN newly from a retailer or online shop, you might be in luck as they can provide you with a refund or at least a replacement, depending on their policy. For example, Amazon and eBay have refund policies. Unfortunately, if you got the phone from someone you found on the street, or from a seller over sources like Craigslist, this might not be possible. But there are still other things you can do.

Use it as a gaming console or iPod

Smartphones have a whole lot of functionality besides being able to place calls. You can install a bunch of different video games in it, you can use it to surf the internet, watch videos over YouTube, download music and videos to it. You could even use it as an iPod. The possibilities are really endless. You can even install apps like Skype and use Skype call as an alternative to a phone call.

Report of the Issue to the Police

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

Get the IMEI or ESN Cleaned

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

Swap the Logic Board

The thing about a blacklisted IMEI is that it’s only blacklisted in a particular country. An unlocked AT&T iPhone blacklisted in the US would still function in Australia on another network. As such you can try and change the chips of your Apple iPhone 8. However, in doing so you should be prepared for some possible irreparable damage.

Unlock it and then Sell it

After your unlock your Apple iPhone 8 you can sell it to foreigners at a lowered rate. You can find out how to unlock in the next steps. But why would foreigners buy a blacklisted phone, you might ask? That’s because they won’t be on US soil long, and the IMEI is only blacklisted locally. So foreigners and tourists might be persuaded to buy your Apple iPhone 8 if you throw in a big enough discount.

Take it apart and sell the spare parts

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

Sell internationally

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

Flash phone to another carrier

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

Determine Hybrid GSM/CDMA Phones

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

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

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

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

Understanding Lock Status

Before proceeding, ensure you understand the lock status of your phone. If the phone is network locked, it only works with a specific carrier. If it is blacklisted, it’s barred from most network use. An unlocked phone, on the other hand, is a blank slate ready to work with any carrier that supports the Apple iPhone 8 device’s technological specifications.

Steps to Unlock

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

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 8 device is the most straightforward way to unlock it. They may require clear documentation proving ownership of the Apple iPhone 8 device and the resolution of the reason for blacklisting.
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 8 device under warranty.
Legal Ramifications: Unauthorized unlocking can have legal repercussions. It’s important to research and ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
Financial Risks: Some services come at a high cost, and there are scams in the market. Be cautious and only deal with recognized and trusted entities.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

You will need to check the IMEI or ESN.

Q: I am the owner of the Apple iPhone 8 and I reported it as lost some time ago and I found it, can I cancel it?

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

Q: I dropped My Apple iPhone 8 and the screen cracked. Does it now have a bad ESN?

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

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

The legality of unlocking a phone with a bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI varies from country to country and can be influenced by specific case laws. However, in cases where the user is the original owner and the phone is paid off, it’s typically legal to unlock the Apple iPhone 8 device.

Q: Can You Use a Blacklisted Phone Internationally?

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

Q: Can IMEI Cleaning Really Work?

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

So now you know everything there is to know about IMEI, bad ESN, and blacklisted iPhones. You also know how to check their status using the handy Dr.Fone webpage or through contacting your carrier. And in case your Apple iPhone 8 is erroneously locked and you can’t access it, we’ve also shown you how to unlock it using the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) service tool.

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

Best Free Apple iPhone 8 IMEI Checker

Being able to check your Apple iPhone 8’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 8 IMEI checkers and how they work.

The Best Free Online Apple iPhone 8 IMEI Checkers

1. Apple iPhone 8 IMEI Checker

Website URL: https://iphoneimei.net/

One of the best free Apple iPhone 8 IMEI checkers online is simply known as Apple iPhone 8 IMEI checker. But it does more than just check IMEI. It can also be used to IMEI unlock the Apple iPhone 8 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 8 IMEI simply click on “Check Apple iPhone 8 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 8 device.

2. IMEI Data

This is another free and highly reliable service that allow you to easily and very quickly check your Apple iPhone 8 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 8’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 8 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 8 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 8 models expect Apple iPhone 8 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.

Parental Control Software

#1 Rated Parental Control Software.
Monitor & Control all PC Activity!
sentrypc.com/parental-controls/ ### 4\. Check IMEI

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

This one is another great site that will check Apple iPhone 8 IMEI quite easily. The setup of the site itself makes it very easy to check the Apple iPhone 8. 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 8 IMEI. The service is automated and works very fast. The website itself also offers a lot of great information on Apple iPhone 8 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 8 device. Just enter the IMEI number in the slot provided and then click “Check Me.”

Checking your Apple iPhone 8 IMEI is easy and now that you have 5 of the best free online Apple iPhone 8 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.

How To Unlock Apple iPhone 8: 3 Ways To Unlock

Is your Apple iPhone 8 SIM locked from the carrier? Whatever the service provider is, it is frustrating that you don’t have a complete hold on your Apple iPhone 8. A SIM card from a different network isn’t available. But fortunately, you are in the right place. This guide will show you the tools to unlock your Apple iPhone 8.

In this article, we’ll talk about two main ways to check if your Phone is SIM-locked and the three best methods to unlock your Apple iPhone 8. After reading this article, you’ll be able to choose whatever carrier you want.

2 Mains Ways to Check If Your Apple iPhone 8 is SIM-Locked

The following are two main ways to check if your Apple iPhone 8 is SIM-Locked.

Check the “Carrier Lock” in “Settings.”

Open the Settings App
Select general

Tap About

Scroll to the bottom and look for the carrier log. If it says the No SIM restrictions, your Apple iPhone 8 is free, and you can use any carrier or cell service. If it displays other images, then it is probably locked.

Insert a SIM card of another carrier into Apple iPhone 8

Power off your Apple iPhone 8.
Use a straight pin to open the SIM Tray and remove the sim card
Place the sim card of the different carriers into the sim card tray of the iPhone. Push the tray back into place.
Power the Apple iPhone 8 ON.
Make a call to any working number. If you get an error message, then your Apple iPhone 8 is locked. Your Apple iPhone 8 is unlocked if you can connect and make the call.

4 Best Methods to Unlock Apple iPhone 8

Following are three methods to unlock Apple iPhone 8

Method 1: Contact your carrier for unlock code

When a customer signs a contract with a big cell phone company for a certain amount of time, they often get a discount on a device. Because of this, the Apple iPhone 8 device comes with a controller lock so customers can only use it on their network.

You can leave without paying anything if your agreement with the company is over. You must meet the following requirements before you can unlock your Apple iPhone 8:

First, the Apple iPhone 8 device must be legal. It means the Apple iPhone 8 device has not been reported as lost, stolen, or connected to a crime.
Then you shouldn’t have any debts in your bank account.
If you signed a contract in exchange for a lower price upfront, you would have to wait until your contract ended (usually 24 months) or pay the remaining balance if you bought your phone on a payment plan.

Note: the unlocking process is different for each company.

How to unlock the Apple iPhone 8 locked by AT&T

First, you need to know that AT&T limits how many devices a customer can unlock in a given year. Customers can unlock up to five devices per year if their account is in great condition. Visit the AT&T support page for more information about how to unlock an AT&T device and if you meet the requirements.

AT&T Unlocking security question

The full name of the person whose name is on the account
Last four digits of the account holder’s social security number
AT&T passcode of the registered account owner if they have an online account.
The IMEI number of the Apple iPhone 8 is 11/12. The serial number of the Apple iPhone 8 device is called the IMEI number. You can find it on the original packaging, under the battery, and on the back of some models, by dialing #06 or navigating to Settings > General > About.

How to unlock the Apple iPhone 8 locked by T-Mobile

T-Mobile has set several standards that should be matched to complete an unlock request.

The device must be completely paid off, and the account must be in great condition.
In the past 12 months, less than two SIM unlock codes for each line have been asked for.
The device had used the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days before it was asked to be unlocked.
If you have a service contract and have made a payment for at least 18 consecutive months, or if you paid a relocation fee. There are a few special cases that Customer Service can explain in more detail if required.
The phone must have at least $50 worth of recharges paid for on prepaid plans.
If you meet the above prerequisites, you can unlock an Apple iPhone 8 carrier locked by a T-Mobile device by calling customer service at 611 from the Apple iPhone 8 device you want to unlock.
Make sure you have ALL of the following information on tips when you call:

The main account holder’s phone number
Account Password
Account holder’s SSN’s last four digits
IMEI number. You can find this by navigating Settings > General > About or dialing *#06#.

Method 2: Some SIM-unlock websites

Following are some popular SIM-Unlock websites you can consider to unlock your Apple iPhone 8.

AppleiPhoneUnlock

This website says that it can help you unlock your Apple iPhone 8 or iPad. Please prepare your IMEI code and confirm the Apple iPhone 8 device model. But when we did some research, I found that this website has some bad customer reviews. So, if you consider using them to unlock your Apple iPhone 8, you should be more careful in checking the availability.

Rating from Trustpilot	3.8
The Pricing Plans	From £19.99
Supported Device Models	From iPhone 4- iPhone 13/iPad/Apple Watch/Mac

Pros:

The remote SIM lock removal
It’s the permanent unlocking
Refunds with unsuccessful unlock

Cons:

Too long-time process
Not 100% unlock success

Cellunlocker

You can buy unlock codes and services for phones locked on the Cellunlocker website. This website may help you unlock your Apple iPhone 8 if it is locked to a carrier or the activation lock is turned on. This site is legit and has several satisfied customers.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.6
The Pricing Plans	AT&T-90$
T-Mobile-139$
Veizon-30$
Supported Device Models	It doesn’t work on phones bought in the US after January 2013. So, this service doesn’t work for iPhone 11 and even later.

Pros:

Support users from more than 180 countries and regions
Simple interface
Refunds with unsuccessful unlock

Cons:

Too strict refund policy while the unlocking video is required

DoctorsSIM

DoctorsSIM has services that can be used to unlock an Apple iPhone 8. This site lets you unlock phones from many brands, not just Apple. The services they provide make most of their customers very happy. So, this site has been able to gain customers’ trust by providing excellent unlocking services. This strong and effective tool can unlock all phones with a 99% success rate.

Rating from Trustpilot	4.7
The Pricing Plans	From $36 for Verizon to $180 for AT&T
Supported Device Models	From iPhone 3GS to iPhone 14/iPad

Pros:

Complete remote unlocking service
Multiple payment methods
24 h customer support

Cons:

One of the most expensive service
The unlocking process may require more than 18 days

Method 3: Try a SIM-unlock chip

iPhone unlock chips allow iPhones to run on any network globally. Unlocking an iPhone with this option is a cheap and very easy way. The Apple iPhone 8 unlock chip allows a locked Apple iPhone 8 to call and text using the local network sim card like a factory-unlocked phone. Unlock chip is a small SIM card that can be used along with regular SIM cards.

However, these Sim-unlock chips have some drawbacks. It reduces the Battery life and may cause SIM card slot and SIM card issues.

Method 4: Easy App for iPhone SIM Unlock

You should find an easy way to unlock your Apple iPhone 8 and run like a normal iPhone. Your search will end here because I’ll tell you about Software that will help you unlock your Apple iPhone 8 without losing any data.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step1: Download the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Step2: Start Wondershare Dr.Fone after you’ve installed it on your computer. Go to the home page and select “Screen Unlock” from the list of options.

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

Step4: Tap “Start” to get started when your iOS device is ready to be SIM unlocked.

Step5: The Software will display a list of information about it. Check to ensure everything is right, and click “Unlock Now.”

Step6: Before moving on with the process, you must jailbreak your Apple iPhone 8. This method works with iPhone 5S to iPhone X running iOS 12.0 to iOS 14.8.1. So, if you want to learn about technology, you must either read the guide or watch the video.

Step7: The next step is to do some small tasks on your iOS device. Take the SIM card out of the Apple iPhone 8 device and go to “Settings.” Tap “Forget This Network” on every connection you’ve made in the “WLAN” section. When you’re done, turn off “WLAN” and put the SIM card back on your iOS device. Click “Continue” on the screen to move forward with the process.

Step8: The status bar shows the SIM unlocking process.

Step9: The device is successfully unlocked, and there are no more restrictions from the SIM carrier. Tap “Done” to remove the SIM lock from your iOS device.

Conclusion

So, these were the methods to check if your Apple iPhone 8 is Sim-locked, and three ways to unlock your Apple iPhone 8 if it is Sim Locked. You can contact your carrier to unlock your Apple iPhone 8, which is an official way of removing barriers.

Moreover, you can consider the services of some online websites to unlock your Apple iPhone 8. And Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is one of the most reliable and easy software that unlocks your device by following some very easy steps.

Sim Unlock

What to do if your Apple iPhone 8 has bad ESN or blacklisted IMEI?