Have you ever purchased a second-hand mobile phone only to realize that it does not connect to the network and you can’t make calls or send texts?
It’s possible that you’ve acquired a “blacklisted” phone, a device that has been reported as lost, stolen, or linked to fraudulent activities.
This can happen to anyone. Now, all that matters is how to get out of this mess and protect yourself from legal complications. The best solution is to remove your device from the blacklist. Before I share the steps with you, here’s a brief explanation of a blacklisted phone –
What is a Blacklisted Phone?
A blacklisted phone is a mobile device reported as lost, stolen, or associated with fraudulent activity. It generally refers to a device blocked by its service provider or original manufacturer, preventing it from being used again.
When a phone is blacklisted, it usually cannot make or receive calls, send or receive texts, or connect to mobile networks. This is a standard measure taken to deter theft or misuse of mobile phones.
Blacklisting is typically implemented using the device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, unique to each phone. When an IMEI is blacklisted, it is added to a database that network carriers in a specific region or country can access to block services to that device.
The status of blacklisting can sometimes be reversed, such as if the phone is found and returned to its rightful owner. However, determining whether a phone is blacklisted and dealing with the repercussions can be difficult, mainly if the phone was bought used or from an unverified source.
What Happens After Inserting a sim card in a blacklisted phone?
If you believe your phone is blacklisted, here are the steps to take to resolve the issue potentially –
- Find your IMEI Number: The IMEI is an identifier that each smartphone or tablet has which is unique to that device. Dial *#06# on your phone, and the IMEI number will display on the screen.
- Contact Your Network Provider: Contact your service provider’s customer service by calling them directly. Explain the issue and provide them with your IMEI number. They’ll be able to use this number to see if your phone is indeed blacklisted.
- Explain the Situation: Being truthful about how and why the phone was blacklisted is crucial. Explain the details to the customer service representative if it was due to an error. They will investigate to verify your claim.
- Follow Their Instructions: Your provider will likely have a process for resolving these issues, and it’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully. They may ask for proof of purchase, especially for second-hand phones.
- Wait for the Investigation to be Completed: Depending on the provider, this could take a few days or more. They need to verify your information and may need to contact the person who initially reported the phone as lost or stolen.
- Check Your Phone’s Status: After receiving confirmation from the service provider that they’ve cleared the device, check the phone’s status. You can do this by inserting a SIM card and seeing if it can connect to the network.
Tampering with or changing an IMEI is illegal in many jurisdictions, and attempting to do so can lead to severe liabilities.
Can a Blacklisted Phone be Tracked?
Yes, a blacklisted phone can still be tracked using a GPS tracker or a tracking app. However, it may be hard to do this, as the phone is blacklisted, and the person tracking it may not have access to the same resources that a law enforcement agency would have.
A service provider can still track the phone’s location, number, and other information even if the SIM card is removed. It’s essential to note that possessing or attempting to use a blacklisted phone could pose legal and ethical challenges.
Steps to Remove a Phone from Blacklist for Free
Here are the steps to remove a phone from the blacklist –
- Find your IMEI Number: The IMEI is an identifier that each smartphone or tablet has which is unique to that device. Dial *#06# on your phone, and the IMEI number will display on the screen.
- Contact Your Network Provider: Contact your service provider’s customer service by calling them directly. Explain the issue and provide them with your IMEI number. They’ll be able to use this number to see if your phone is indeed blacklisted.
- Explain the Situation: Being truthful about how and why the phone was blacklisted is crucial. Explain the details to the customer service representative if it was due to an error. They will investigate to verify your claim.
- Follow Their Instructions: Your provider will likely have a process for resolving these issues, and it’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully. They may ask for proof of purchase, especially for second-hand phones.
- Wait for the Investigation to be Completed: Depending on the provider, this could take a few days or more. They need to verify your information and may need to contact the person who initially reported the phone as lost or stolen.
- Check Your Phone’s Status: After receiving confirmation from the service provider that they’ve cleared the device, check the phone’s status. You can do this by inserting a SIM card and seeing if it can connect to the network.
Parting Thoughts
If you’ve mistakenly bought a blacklisted phone, it’s critical to know how to whitelist it.
Besides, if you’re buying a used phone in the future, always check the phone’s IMEI number to avoid any trouble, and purchase a second-hand phone from a genuine platform.
