If a phone's IMEI is blocked, it means the device is blacklisted by mobile carriers, preventing it from connecting to cellular networks for calls, texts, or data, effectively making it useless as a phone, though offline functions (Wi-Fi, apps, games) still work. This usually happens if the phone is reported lost or stolen, blocking it across networks and making it difficult to sell or use legitimately, though it can sometimes be removed by the carrier if the issue (like unpaid bills) is resolved.
When an IMEi is blacklisted it just means that it is carrier locked and you won't be able to use it with any other carriers or unlock it. It is still usable if it is not iCloud activation locked.
If a phone is blacklisted, it usually no longer supports cellular services. So while you are able to use the phone for other activities like playing mobile games, listening to music, or streaming via Wi-Fi, you will probably not be able to use your phone for activities that require you to connect to a network operator.
You can still sell a blocked or blacklisted phone. There are specialist buyback companies that buy it, but obviously will not get as much money for the device as you would if it was not blocked or blacklisted.
If the status of the mobile IMEI is shown as Blacklisted, duplicate or already in use, we should avoid buying the mobile. KYM can be used through any of the following 3 methods: SMS: Type KYM <15 digit IMEI number> and send SMS to 14422.
When the phone is turned on and connects to a network, the IMEI is transmitted to the carrier, which then does a cell phone blacklist check. If the phone is blacklisted, it won't be able to connect to the network at all. If the IMEI checks come back clear, calls can be made and received as normal.
Generally, unlocking is completed within a maximum of 24 business hours, although it varies depending on the device: some take 15 minutes, while others may take several days.
An IMEI lock (also known as IMEI blocking) occurs when a mobile network or regulator prevents a device from accessing cellular services because of its IMEI number. Even if you insert a valid SIM card with an active data plan, the locked device will not connect to the network.
As a result, if you end up purchasing a blacklisted phone, you will likely be disappointed to find that it cannot be activated for cellular service. Even if you have a valid SIM card from your service provider, inserting that SIM card into the phone will not provide access to the cellular network.
When a phone is locked, that means it can only be used with one wireless provider—the one it's locked to. You'll receive an error message if you attempt to use a different carrier's SIM in it.
A blacklisted phone's IMEI blocks cellular service but Wi-Fi remains functional because cellular network restrictions do not apply to Wi-Fi connections.
If Your Phone is Stolen
The police cannot automatically track a stolen phone, but they can use its IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) to block or trace it. You can also use Find My iPhone or Google's Find My Device to locate it yourself.
In 99% of cases, once the IMEI is blacklisted, it remains permanent.
The simplest way to unlock your device is to get in touch with your provider and ask for a Network Unlock Code (NUC). This is typically easy and free to get – if you've finished your pay-monthly contract, networks aren't allowed to charge you unlocking fees at all.
Mobile carriers offer limited tracking capabilities for blacklisted phones and their support varies between different companies. The capability of mobile carriers to track blacklisted devices is restricted and differs substantially from one company to another.
To find the IMEI on your Android, dial *#06#. Or, go to Settings, tap About Phone, followed by Status or Phone Identity.
Any SIM (physical or eSIM) will be blocked during carrier authentication. eSIM is affected by blacklisting just as a physical SIM card is. Blacklisting is cross-carrier for eSIM. So, even International eSIMs won't work on a blacklisted device.
If the original owner blacklisted the device by reporting it as lost or stolen, then the carrier will be unable to remove or unlock the blacklisted phone. You can only contact the owner and request that the bad status be removed or get your money back.
WhatsApp on Blacklisted Phones Works Over Wi-Fi Only. Blacklisted phones can be used with WhatsApp and other internet apps while connected to a Wi-Fi network, but cannot use data or access the internet when not on Wi-Fi.
Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset
From your mobile you can check the IMEI number by dialling *#06# , IMEI number will be shown on mobile screen. If the status of the mobile is shown as Black-listed, duplicate or already in use, please avoid buying the mobile.
Blocking the IMEI number essentially renders the phone unusable as a communication device. When you decide to block the IMEI number, it gets added to a blacklist shared by carriers. If anyone tries to use the device with a SIM card from any carrier that references this list, the device won't register on the network.
Can a Blacklisted IMEI be Unlocked or Cleared? Yes, it's possible to remove a device from the blacklist, but the process depends on the reason for blacklisting: Recovering a Lost/Stolen Device: If you recover your device, contacting the carrier with proof of recovery can get it unblacklisted.
Once blocked, your phone's IMEI will be on the “blacklist,” making it unusable across all Philippine mobile networks.
You can sell a blacklisted phone: The Whiz Cells will buy phones in all conditions, from phones in excellent condition to broken phones or phones with bad IMEIs/ESNs. We offer step-by-step instructions below for getting cash for a blocked phone or any device with a bad ESN or IMEI.
This blocklisting makes the device unusable on any operator that uses the CEIR, which makes mobile equipment theft pointless, except for parts. To make blocklisting effective, the IMEI number is supposed to be difficult to change. However, a phone's IMEI may be easy to change with special tools.