How to Unlock a Blacklisted iPhone or iPad Without Data Loss

Samuel Spenser Published on April 03, 2026Unlock iOS3-min reading

"I bought a second-hand iPhone 17, but was told that it is blacklisted, is it possible to unlock it?" Having a blacklisted iPhone restricts your use of the device as it won't be able to connect to any network. As a result, you cannot make or receive phone calls and send or receive text messages. This article tells you how to unlock a blacklisted iPhone or iPad and use the full features on your device.

Part 1. What is Blacklisted iPhone

A blacklisted iPhone is a device whose IMEI has been flagged by carriers as lost, stolen, or involved in unpaid contracts, preventing it from accessing cellular networks.

Why an iPhone Gets Blacklisted

• The previous owner reported the device as lost or stolen.
• The iOS device was involved in fraudulent transactions or illegal activities.
• The original owner didn't fully pay for the device or has unpaid bills with the carrier.

What Happens When an iPhone Is Blacklisted

When an iPhone is blacklisted, the device is blocked by carriers from accessing cellular networks. As a result, you cannot make phone calls, send text messages, or use mobile data with a SIM card.

However, a blacklisted iPhone is not completely unusable. You can still:

• Connect to Wi‑Fi networks and browse the internet.
• Download apps from the App Store.
• Use most apps normally, such as FaceTime and iMessage.

In most cases, blacklist restrictions only affect cellular services and do not lock the entire device.

How to Check if Your iPhone is Blacklisted

Option 1: Open the Phone app, enter *#06#, and tap the Dial button. Then you will be presented with the information of your iPhone including the IMEI number.

Option 2: Run the Settings app, choose General, tap About, and find the 15-digit IMEI number.

Option 3: On a new iPhone, tap the info button at the bottom right corner to check the basic information including the IMEI number.

Part 2. How to Un-blacklist an iPhone

Important Note: IMEI blacklist removal does NOT remove iCloud Activation Lock. It only restores cellular functionality.

Way 1: How to Unlock a Blacklisted iPhone for Free

AT&T: 800-331-0500 (or dial 611 from an AT&T phone)

Verizon: 800-922-0204

T-Mobile: 1-800-937-8997 (or dial 611 from a T-Mobile phone)

Metro by T-Mobile: 888-8-METRO-8 (888-863-8768)

Cricket Wireless: 800-274-2538

Mint Mobile: 800-683-7392

Straight Talk: 877-430-2355

Way 2: How to Un-blacklist an iPhone with a Third-party Service

Some third-party services claim to remove a blacklisted iPhone or iPad by "cleaning" the IMEI, popular services including UnlockMaker, UnlockBlacklisted, and SafeUnlocks. However, the success rate is not guaranteed, and results depend entirely on the carrier and the reason for the blacklist.

Part 3: How to Avoid Buying a Blacklisted iPhone

To avoid purchasing a blacklisted device, follow these practical tips before buying:

• Check the IMEI number to confirm the device status.
• Buy from trusted sellers or platforms with refund policies.
• Avoid unusually low prices, which may indicate hidden issues.
• Test the SIM card connection to make sure the device can access cellular networks.
• Ensure the device is signed out of Apple ID and not activation locked.

Bonus: If Your iPhone Is Locked for Other Reasons

If your iPhone still cannot be used normally after checking its blacklist status, the problem may not be related to the carrier network. In many second-hand devices, access issues are often caused by Apple ID lock, Screen Time restriction, or an MDM profile.

In such cases, a professional unlock tool like imyPass iPassGo can help. It features a user-friendly interface that is easy for beginners to navigate. As an all-in-one solution, it can safely remove various types of locks from your iOS devices.

Conclusion

This guide has talked about how to do iPhone blacklist removal. Firstly, you can check the blacklist status of your iOS device. There are at least two ways to get rid of the blacklist restriction. The easiest option is to submit a request to your carrier. If it is not available, you have to use a third-party unlock service.