Unlocking a blacklisted phone might seem like a really hard task, but for a long time carriers made it almost impossible for the average user to do so. This article will teach you how to unlock blacklisted phone in only a few simple steps. With the new IMEI blacklist removal tool by SafeUnlocks, you will be able to do so without all the issues that your carrier might likely give you. Before we dive into the tutorial, we would like to point out a few concepts and educate you about this critical topic.
What is a blacklisted phone?
A blacklisted phone is a device that has been reported for a variety of reasons, and as a result, has been added to a blacklist by the mobile provider. When a phone is blacklisted, it is no longer able to connect to any network that uses the same type of network (CDMA or GSM). This means the phone cannot make or receive calls, send or receive text messages, or use data services on any network.
Why you might be blacklisted?
These are some of the main reasons why your phone might be blacklisted:
- Reported lost or stolen: If a device is reported lost or stolen, it will be added to a blacklist to prevent the person in possession of the device from using or reselling it. This is often done to protect the legitimate owner of the device and to discourage theft.
- Abusive usage: In some cases, a device may be blacklisted if it is being used to engage in abusive or fraudulent activity. This could include things like sending spam SMS or harassing.
- Unpaid bills: A device may also be blacklisted if the owner has outstanding bills that have not been paid. This will only happen if you have a phone contract and you haven’t informed your carrier about your situation.
As we said before, there are plenty of reasons why your phone might get blacklisted. We are sure these are not the only ones, we just focused on the main one’s most users report.
How does this technology operate?
When a device is added to a blacklist, its IMEI number is added to a database that is maintained by the mobile network operator. When the device attempts to connect to any network, the network checks the IMEI number against the blacklist database. If the IMEI number is found in the database, the network will block the device from accessing the network services.
This technology it’s made possible since the IMEI number is a unique identifier (15-digit code) that is created by law from all manufacturers. All devices must be registered by the phone carrier as soon as they are sold, this process is simplified as it will be automatically registered using your phone account.
Flaws in the system
Blacklisting a phone can be effective in preventing unwanted usage or reselling of blacklisted devices, but it can also have flaws that limit its effectiveness. One of the main issues with blacklists is that they rely on the sharing of information between networks in order to be effective. If a network does not share information with other networks, or if it operates under a different network, it may be to work as normal under other wireless carriers.
GSM vs CDMA network
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) are two different cellular technologies that are used for mobile communication. Here is a technical explanation of the differences between the two:
- Multiplexing: GSM uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) for multiplexing, while CDMA uses Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). In TDMA, the frequency band is divided into time slots and each user is assigned a specific time slot to transmit data. In CDMA, each user is assigned a unique code to identify their data, and the data is transmitted simultaneously on the same frequency band.
- Network architecture: GSM uses a circuit-switched network, while CDMA uses a packet-switched network. In a circuit-switched network, a dedicated circuit is established between the sender and the receiver for the duration of the call or data transfer. In a packet-switched network, data is transmitted in packets and each packet is labeled with the destination address.
- Spectral efficiency: CDMA is generally considered to be more spectrally efficient than GSM. This means that CDMA can support more users in a given frequency band compared to GSM.
Do you really have a blacklisted phone?
Users often confuse having a blacklisted IMEI with the network lock or the iCloud activation lock because all three issues can prevent a device from being able to connect to certain networks or access certain features.
It is important for users to check if they are really dealing with a blacklisted phone. This process is a lot simpler than your think and it might save you time and money. Please have your IMEI (International mobile equipment identity) ready before using an IMEI checker.
Use an Online IMEI checker
Using an Online IMEI checker, it’s by far the easiest way to check for any problems that your phone might have. This is also a great tool as you can do it on a blacklisted iPhone or any Android device.
Due to this information being open to the public, there are a lot of websites offering this service, we recommended to use at least 2-3 to make sure your device it’s indeed blacklisted. This is crucial as information might not get updated on time or there could a mistake.
Contact your phone carrier
Phone carriers such as T-mobile, Verizon, At&t, and others carriers offer an IMEI check tool that can be used at any time. You can access this directly on their websites, stores, or on their customer service line. This service is free of charge and avoids false information sometimes given by third-party services.
Unlock blacklisted phones Online
Thanks to the big effort made by the ESNDoctor team, now users have an easy-to-use Online app where anyone can unlock blacklisted iPhones or Android devices. Make sure to read this tutorial as well as check all resources available to you.
Submit your unlocking request
To unlock your blacklisted phone, you will need to use the official tool by ESNDoctor. Once you are on the app, all you need it’s the following information to be eligible:
- Name
- Valid Email Address
- Phone model
- IMEI number (Serial number no longer accepted)
Verify and activate your application
Make sure to double-check all your information before sending it to the server. At this point, the App will generate an order code which will be used to unlock your phone once you activate your order. You will be asked to provide a code that can easily be obtained in only a few minutes. There will be a full tutorial explaining the whole process step by step.
Automatic unlock code
Once your application has been verified by the server, the unlock code will be automatically applied to your device. A confirmation will be sent to your email stating that the status of the blacklist has been changed and now it’s unlocked.
Please make sure that everything it’s working properly, you can do so by simply using any online checker or using the Sim Card from the original carrier. If you run into any problem, please contact us as soon as possible to solve the issue.
Is there an alternative?
There is, by law you are entitled to request an unlocking code from your carrier. This will be depending on your country and the policies applied by your carrier. We advise you to contact the carrier directly and ask if this unlock service it’s available, before you reach out to them, keep reading this article to see if you qualify for it.
Be the original owner
To be eligible for an IMEI unlocking code directly with your carrier, you will generally need to meet certain requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the carrier, but they may include:
- The phone must be purchased from the carrier or an authorized retailer.
- The device must be fully paid off, including any financing or installment plans.
- The account associated with the phone must be in good standing.
- Letter of explanation noting why the phone’s IMEI number got reported.
If you meet these requirements, you can usually request an IMEI unlocking code from your carrier by contacting their customer support team. This process can be somewhat difficult, as it may involve filling out online forms and providing proof of ownership. Some carriers may require you to visit a physical store to request an IMEI unlocking code.
Is it worth it?
Depends, this process it’s totally worth it as long as you can meet all requirements and you have the time and patience to deal with the process. We totally suggest you take this path if you feel this was a mistake and you have all the paperwork ready. There’s nothing better than getting your phone unlocked by the entity that got your phone blacklisted.
What if I have pending bills?
If you have any outstanding payments, it will be up to the carrier to unlock your device after all unpaid bills have been paid. In this case, it is highly likely that your phone gets unblacklisted as this does not involve any bad report under your phone. This process could take a little longer as the processing time could take a little longer.
We hope this information was able to help
We hope that this information has been helpful in understanding what a blacklisted IMEI is and the different ways that you can try to fix it. It is important to be aware of the implications of having a blacklisted IMEI and all the different approaches you can take to unlock it in a safe and easy manner. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us, a team member will be willing to help you.