Have you ever purchased a second-hand iPhone only to discover that it’s not functioning properly? Or perhaps, you’ve lost your iPhone and reported it as stolen or missing? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then it’s likely that your iPhone has been blacklisted!
Now the question arises, how can you unblacklist an iPhone? One option is to contact your network provider and request them to remove it from the blacklist. However, this process can be time-consuming and may take several business days to complete.
But fret not! We’re here to make things easier for you. In this article, we will present three quick and easy methods to unblacklist your iPhone and get it up and running again!
Why is Your iPhone Blacklisted?
The primary reason for an iPhone being blacklisted is if it has been reported as stolen or lost by its owner. However, there are other reasons as well:
Reported as Stolen or Lost
In the event that someone loses their iPhone or has it stolen, their carrier might add its IMEI to a blacklist to prevent it from being used on their network.
Unpaid Bills
It’s possible that the previous owner of the iPhone didn’t pay their bills or has outstanding dues, leading the carrier to blacklist the device until the fees are settled.
Fraudulent Activity
If an iPhone was obtained through fraudulent means, such as using a stolen credit card or someone else’s identity, the carrier or law enforcement may blacklist it.
Contract Obligations
If you acquired your iPhone through a contract or installment plan with your carrier, and for some reason, the contract was terminated early or the device wasn’t fully paid off, your carrier may add your device to the blacklist.
Counterfeit or Non-Approved Devices
iPhones that are not authorized or approved for use on a specific carrier’s network may end up being blacklisted.
What Happens When an iPhone is Blacklisted?
When an iPhone is blacklisted, it means that the device has been reported as lost or stolen, and its unique identifying number has been added to a shared database of blacklisted devices among wireless carriers. As a result, your iPhone will encounter the following limitations:
- Inability to connect to a cellular network
- Unable to make or receive calls, use cellular data, or send/receive text messages.
Additionally, you may face difficulties activating your device, and its resale value may decrease if you attempt to sell it.
Can I Unblacklist My iPhone?
Yes, you can unblacklist your iPhone through various methods:
Contact the Previous Owner
If you purchased a used iPhone that turns out to be blacklisted, you can always reach out to the previous owner and request its unlock.
Settle Outstanding Dues
If your iPhone is blacklisted due to unpaid bills, you can contact your carrier and settle the balance owed.
Contact the Carrier
If your iPhone is blacklisted because it was reported lost or stolen, you can get in touch with your carrier and ask them to remove the IMEI number from the blacklist.
Use a Third-Party Unlocking Service
If all else fails, or if you need an instant solution to unblacklist your iPhone, using a reliable third-party unlocking tool is the way to go!
In this section, we’ll explain how to unblacklist your iPhone using a third-party app, contacting the carrier, or replacing the IMEI chip.
Unblacklist iPhone via IMEI Blacklist Removal Tool
The first and most reliable method we recommend to unblacklist your iPhone is to use an iOS unlocking tool called AnyUnlock – iPhone Password Unlocker.
AnyUnlock is an all-in-one iPhone toolkit that can help you unlock a blacklisted iPhone through its “Remove SIM Lock” feature. With AnyUnlock, you don’t need to provide your IMEI number or SIM network unlock PIN. The process is quick, taking only a few minutes to unlock, and there’s no need to contact Apple support or the carrier.
Not only does AnyUnlock support unblacklisting iPhones from any carrier, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and more, but it’s also incredibly user-friendly, requiring no prior knowledge or experience.
Aside from removing the SIM lock, AnyUnlock can also assist in unlocking the iPhone screen passcode, bypassing the iCloud activation lock, unlocking Apple ID, and removing the SIM lock, among other features.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to unlocking your blacklisted iPhone using AnyUnlock:
Step 1. Select Remove SIM Lock
Download and launch AnyUnlock on your PC, then choose the “Remove SIM Lock” option from the interface. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 2. Jailbreak Your Device
Click on “Start Now.” AnyUnlock will automatically detect your device model and iOS version. Click “Jailbreak Now” to proceed.
Step 3. Follow the On-screen Instructions
Follow the instructions to turn off Wi-Fi on your iPhone and re-insert the SIM. Click “OK” to continue.
Step 4. SIM Lock Successfully Removed
Finally, click “Unlock” to initiate the unlocking process. Once AnyUnlock has unlocked your SIM, your iPhone will be removed from the blacklist, and you can insert any SIM card and use it as usual.
Contact the Carrier to Unlock Your Blacklisted iPhone
If you’ve listed your iPhone as stolen or lost, or if you have any outstanding dues, contacting your carrier is the recommended method to unblacklist your device.
To do this, you can either call your carrier’s customer support or visit their nearest franchise. Before submitting your request, they may ask for your details, including the IMEI number. The process usually takes a couple of business days to complete.
However, please note that this method is suitable for users who possess a backup device for making calls and texting and can afford to wait several days for their iPhone to be unblocked.
Replace IMEI Chip to Unblacklist Your iPhone
An alternative method to unblacklist your iPhone is by replacing the IMEI chip of the blacklisted device with another one. However, please bear in mind that this method is only effective for older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 4 and earlier. Newer models have more robust security features, making IMEI chip replacement ineffective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can a Blacklisted iPhone be Updated?
Yes, you can update a blacklisted iPhone just like any regular iPhone. Simply go to “Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.” Being blacklisted only restricts the use of cellular services like texting, calling, and using cellular data.
Q. Can Apple Help with a Blacklisted Phone?
No, Apple cannot assist with a blacklisted phone. Blacklisting is done by the carrier, not the manufacturer, so it is beyond Apple’s control.
Q. Can You Unlock a Blacklisted AT&T Phone?
Yes, you can unblock a blacklisted AT&T phone. However, you will need to reach out to AT&T and request the removal of the phone from the blacklist.
Depending on the circumstances, AT&T may require you to settle any remaining balance on the phone or provide proof of ownership. Alternatively, you can use AnyUnlock to unlock your blacklisted iPhone with just a few simple clicks.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why your iPhone may get blacklisted, but fear not! There are quick solutions to unblacklist your iPhone. In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed three methods to do so.
You can either contact your carrier, replace the IMEI chip (for older models), or use a reliable third-party unlocking tool like iMobie Unlock that works seamlessly with all iPhone models and provides an instant solution.
Unlocking your blacklisted iPhone will allow you to regain its full functionality and make the most out of your device once again!