How to Unlock Blacklisted iPhone: 2 Common & Easy Ways

When you get a blacklisted iPhone, how can you do to unlock it? Find ways in this passage and you can also get a handy iOS unlocker to unlock various iPhone screen passcodes.

By @Kelsey Last Updated November 4, 2025
 

How do I remove iPhone 16 from blacklist or unlock it?

So, some backstory, I bought an iPhone 16 Pro Max from someone on OfferUp (first mistake). At first, I was able to transfer my eSIM from my iphone 15 to the 16. After a week I transferred the eSIM back to the 15 and stopped using the 16 for a while until recently when I tried transferring bac,k and I was not able to. I went to my carrier to see what I could do, and they told me that the phone was blacklisted.

- Question from Reddit

What Does "Blacklisted iPhone" Mean?

A blacklisted iPhone has been reported as lost, stolen, or associated with unpaid bills, causing carriers to block it from their networks. While this security measure helps combat theft, it can accidentally affect legitimate users.

Common reasons for iPhone blacklisting include:

  • Unpaid carrier bills or contract violations
  • Theft reports from previous owners
  • Lost device reports
  • Insurance claims on the device

How to Check if Your iPhone Is Blacklisted

If your iPhone shows "Invalid SIM" errors or won't connect to networks, it might be blacklisted. Verification is straightforward using your IMEI number.

Step 1. Find your IMEI: Go to Settings > General > About or dial *#06#.

Step 2. Visit a reliable IMEI checking service (IMEI.info or similar).

Step 3. Enter your IMEI number for instant blacklist status.

📝Note: Always verify IMEI status before purchasing used iPhones to avoid blacklisted devices.

How to Unlock Blacklisted iPhone Through Your Carrier

Can a blacklisted iPhone be unlocked?

The answer is Yes! If your iPhone is blacklisted due to unpaid bills or contract issues, you can contacts your carrier to unlock it. If your device has been blacklisted due to theft or loss, or if you have purchased a second-hand phone that is blacklisted, you may need to use professional unlocking software to unlock the device.

Method 1. Contact Your Carrier for Blacklist Removal

The official approach involves working with the carrier that blacklisted your device.

Step 1. Contact the original carrier that blacklisted your iPhone.

Step 2. Provide proof of ownership and explain your situation.

Step 3. Resolve any outstanding payments or contract issues.

Step 4. Request formal blacklist removal.

✅ When this works best:

  • Unpaid bills or contract issues

  • Accidental blacklisting

  • You have proper ownership documentation

⚠ Limitations:

  • Carriers rarely remove devices reported stolen

  • The process can take several days

  • Requires cooperation from the original carrier

Method 2. Technical Solutions for Stubborn Cases

When carriers can't help, these technical approaches may provide solutions.

IMEI Number Changes (Limited Applicability)

  • Only works for: iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 models
  • Requirements: Specialized technical knowledge and equipment
  • Success rate: Low for modern devices

Using Professional Unlocking Tools

For iPhones blacklisted due to theft or where carrier solutions fail, professional tools offer alternative unlocking methods.

Bonus: How to unlock iPhone screen passcode without entering

While not specifically for blacklist removal, FoneTool Unlocker helps with common iPhone access problems that might accompany blacklisting situations.

Highlights:
· Delete iPhone screen passcode without entering anything in simple steps. · Remove iTunes backup password when apps require it and you can't remember. · Remove Apple ID when you forget or don’t know the password. · Remove the screen time restrictions for certain apps on the iPhone.

Now you download FoneTool Unlocker on your computer and follow the guidances below to know how to unlock your iPhone without entering any unlock password.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Launch FoneTool Unlocker > Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable.

Step 2. Go to Remove iOS Screen Passcode > Click on Remove Now to continue.

Step 3. Follow on-screen instructions > Put device in Recovery Mode if needed.

Step 4. Download firmware > Click Remove Now to complete process.

⚠️ Note: This action will erase all your iPhone current data, so it’s better to back up iPhone data first to avoid data loss.

FAQs on blacklisted iPhones

Conclusion

How to unlock blacklisted iPhone? Successfully addressing a blacklisted iPhone starts with contacting the original carrier, especially for billing-related blacklists. For more complex situations involving reported stolen devices, professional solutions may be necessary, though success isn't guaranteed. Always verify IMEI status before purchasing used iPhones, and consider tools like FoneTool Unlocker for related access issues.