What Happens When IMEI Number Is Blocked Or Blacklisted?

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier for every mobile device.

When a phone’s IMEI number is blocked or blacklisted, this action usually occurs for a few specific reasons, such as the phone being reported as lost or stolen, being involved in fraudulent activities, or having outstanding financial obligations with a carrier.

Related Post about IMEI blacklist check – How To Know If IMEI Is Blacklisted, Unlocked, Or Fake?

Here’s what happens when an IMEI number is blocked or Getting blacklisted:

1. Loss of Network Services: The most immediate and significant impact is the loss of network services. Once the IMEI is blacklisted, the device can no longer connect to any carrier’s cellular network. This means you cannot make or receive calls, send or receive messages, or use mobile data. Essentially, the phone’s ability to function as a communication device is disabled.
2. WiFi and Bluetooth Functionality: It’s important to note that while cellular services are disabled, other functionalities of the device, such as WiFi and Bluetooth, generally remain unaffected. You can still connect to the internet via WiFi and pair your device with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
3. International Impact: Blacklisting is often shared across carriers and can even be international. If your device’s IMEI is blacklisted in one country, it’s possible that you won’t be able to use it in another country where carriers also honor the blacklist. However, the extent of this can vary depending on agreements between international carriers and countries.
4. Financial and Warranty Services: If the phone is blacklisted due to outstanding financial obligations, it might affect your ability to finance phones in the future or use warranty services. This is because the carrier has flagged the account associated with the IMEI as having financial issues.
5. Tracking and Legal Consequences: In cases where a phone is reported stolen, law enforcement agencies can use the IMEI number to track the device. However, this is subject to the capabilities and resources of local law enforcement. If you are found in possession of a stolen device, there could be legal consequences.
6. Resale Value: The resale value of a device with a blocked or blacklisted IMEI is significantly lower. Most reputable buyers and sellers check the IMEI status before completing a transaction. Selling a blacklisted phone, knowingly or unknowingly, can lead to disputes or legal issues.
7. Unlocking and Unblocking: It’s important to differentiate between unlocking a phone (removing carrier restrictions) and unblocking a blacklisted IMEI. While unlocking is usually legal and straightforward, removing a phone from a blacklist involves resolving the issue that led to the blacklisting, such as paying off an outstanding balance or proving that the phone was not stolen. Some services claim to be able to clean a blacklisted IMEI, but these can be dubious and potentially illegal.
8. Impact on Apps and Services: Although cellular services are disabled, most apps and services that do not require a cellular connection will continue to work over WiFi. This includes social media, streaming, and email apps.

If the IMEI Number is Blocked, Can I Still Use the Phone?

When the IMEI number is blocked, it typically means that the device has been reported as lost or stolen, or that it has been blacklisted for some other reason, such as involvement in fraudulent activities. Here’s what happens when the IMEI number is blocked and what it means for using the phone:

Network Access

The most immediate impact of a blocked IMEI number is the restriction of network access. Since telecom operators use the IMEI number to identify devices on their networks, a blocked IMEI will prevent the phone from connecting to cellular networks. This means that you won’t be able to make or receive calls, send text messages, or use mobile data services. Essentially, the phone will not function as a communication device in the way it was originally intended.

Wi-Fi Functionality

While a blocked IMEI number restricts cellular network access, it does not affect the phone’s ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks. You can still use the phone to browse the internet, check emails, and use apps that require an internet connection, as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. This makes the device usable as a tablet or a multimedia player, though it significantly limits its primary functionalities.

Emergency Calls

In some regions, even if the IMEI number is blocked, the phone may still be able to make emergency calls. This is because emergency call functionality is sometimes mandated by law to be available regardless of the device’s IMEI status. However, this can vary by country and by the policies of specific telecom operators.

Non-Cellular Features

A blocked IMEI does not interfere with non-cellular functionalities of the phone. You can still use the device for tasks such as taking photos, playing offline games, listening to music, and using applications that do not require internet access. Features like Bluetooth and NFC (Near Field Communication) for file transfers or payments may also remain functional.

Legal Implications

Using a phone with a blocked IMEI number may have legal implications, especially if the device was reported stolen. Possession and use of such a device could potentially be considered illegal, depending on local laws and regulations. It is advisable to ensure that the phone’s IMEI number is clear before making a purchase or continuing to use it.

Potential Solutions

If your phone’s IMEI number has been blocked erroneously, you can contact the telecom operator or relevant authorities to resolve the issue. Proof of ownership and other documentation may be required to unblock the IMEI. In cases where the phone was purchased second-hand, it may be necessary to contact the seller for resolution or seek legal advice.

In summary, when an IMEI number is blocked or blacklisted, the device loses its ability to connect to any cellular network, severely limiting its functionality as a mobile phone. While other features of the phone may still be accessible via WiFi, the device’s primary purpose and value are significantly compromised.

What Actions Can Lead To A Phone Getting Blacklisted? Avoid Doing Those!

What are the main reasons for a phone to be blacklisted?

• Using a stolen or lost phone
• Having an unpaid phone bill
• Using a third-party unlocking service
• Having a phone with a fake IMEI number
• Using a fraudulent phone number
• Having a phone that was reported as stolen or lost
• Using a phone number associated with fraudulent activity
• Having a phone that is connected to a network that has been blacklisted
• Running a modified version of the phone’s operating system
• Using a phone that has been flagged as part of a scam
• Installing malware or malicious apps on the phone

Why Should You Block Your IMEI Number?

IMEI Blocking is a very handy way of protecting your device from being used illegally. It won’t block your device, but it will block your device from accessing the mobile network which will ultimately protect you.

Let me explain. Let’s suppose that you have lost your device, and now the thief has it. Now there are chances that the thief might sell it in the black market, but there are also chances that the thief might pass it to the criminals, and use it for illegal activity. It could be drug trafficking or even worse. So, when you block your IMEI, the mobile won’t be able to connect to the network.

So, blocking the IMEI of your stolen Device will protect you from getting into any legal trouble, and you can get the relief that it won’t be used for any illegal purpose.

Unlock a Blacklisted or IMEI-blocked phone – Can it Be Unblocked?

Purchasing a used phone to save your money may not be that useful after all. Chances are good to own a mobile with blacklisted IMEI. And your purchase becomes useless without making calls, sending texts, and having no connectivity.

However, you may take the following methods into account to unlock the features.

Third-Party Services

There are many online as well as offline third-party services to unlock IMEI. It’s more like a universal solution to any kind of phone. You can check for premium apps from the App Store first. It only requires ESN (Equipment Serial Number) to remove the IMEI from the blacklist.

Contacting Carrier

Also, you can immediately contact the carrier to whitelist the phone’s IMEI. Carrier service should unlock the phone using private codes. But you may have to deliver the phone to the relevant authority/personnel to justify the action.

Switching Carriers

Another less-usable method concerns switching the carrier. Changing the carrier should unlock IMEI to make things work. However, it’s not exactly legal without the permission of the current carrier. So, you shouldn’t seek the solution unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Connecting to Wi-Fi may enable internet-based functions only. You can still manage to make online calls, texts, and other activities.

Read Also – IMEI Number can be changed? and how to do it in 2024.

What Happens When NTC Blocks Your Phone?

When the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) blocks your phone, it essentially means that your device is restricted from accessing the network of any telecommunications service provider within the jurisdiction of the NTC.

This action prevents your phone from making or receiving calls, sending or receiving text messages, and using data services. The specific outcomes and processes involved can vary depending on the regulations and policies of the NTC in your country, but here’s a general overview of what happens and the implications:

1. Immediate Loss of Network Services

• Calls and Messages: You will not be able to make or receive calls or SMS messages. Any attempt to do so usually results in an error message indicating that the network is unavailable.
• Data Services: Access to the internet through mobile data will be blocked. You won’t be able to browse the web, use social media, or access online services through your mobile data connection.
• Emergency Services: In many jurisdictions, even blocked phones can still call emergency numbers. However, this can vary, so it’s important to understand the specific regulations in your area.

2. Notification and Communication

• Carrier Notification: In some cases, your carrier might notify you that your device has been blocked by the NTC, explaining the reason for the blockage and possibly outlining steps for resolution.
• NTC Communication: Depending on the reason for the blockage and the policies of the NTC, you might receive direct communication from them, especially if the blockage is due to legal or regulatory violations.

3. Reasons for Blocking

Understanding why the NTC might block your phone is crucial. Common reasons include:

• Stolen or Lost Devices: To prevent unauthorized use, devices reported as lost or stolen are often blocked from the network.
• Fraudulent Activities: Phones involved in fraudulent activities can be blocked as a preventive measure.
• Non-Compliance: Devices that don’t comply with regulatory standards, such as signal strength or frequency usage, might be blocked.

4. Resolution and Unblocking

The process for getting your phone unblocked varies depending on the reason for the block:

• Reporting Errors: If the block was made in error, contacting your carrier and the NTC with proof of ownership and any other required information can help resolve the issue.
• Addressing Compliance Issues: For non-compliance issues, you may need to prove that your device now meets the necessary standards or replace it with one that does.
• Stolen or Lost Devices: If your device was blocked because it was reported stolen but you’ve since recovered it, providing proof of recovery to your carrier and the NTC can help get the block lifted.

5. Impact on Device Usability

While your phone is blocked, it essentially becomes unable to perform its primary functions related to connectivity. However, you’ll still be able to access and use apps or features that don’t require a network connection, like the camera, offline games, or stored media.

What To Do If Phone Gets Stolen?

If your Smartphone has been stolen or lost, then you can take the following steps to ensure that your data is safe.

• Start with launching your complaint to the local law enforcement agency.
• Then proceed with blocking your IMEI Number so that it doesn’t get used for any illegal purpose
• If your device is lost, then instead of filing a report or blocking IMEI Number, you can call on that number and see if someone picks it up.
• If your device has been stolen and then make sure to launch a complaint and block IMEI.
• On the iPhone, enable the “Lost Mode” and try to track your device. If there are no chances of recovery, then you can move to erase your device, which will erase all of your data.
• On Android, you can use the “Find My Device” feature. You can use “Secure Device” which allows you to display your custom message and contact number on the lock screen. If you think that you won’t get your device, then you can use the “Erase Device” feature, which will remove all the data from the device.

Can A Stolen Phone Be Reset?

Yes, there are ways that can be used to reset the stolen phone. However, if they reset the stolen phone, they will be asked to enter the details of the account. On iPhone, you get the Activation Lock that gets enabled when you enable “Lost Mode” for your iPhone.

On Android, you get to enter the details of the previously used Google Account to proceed further.

Can A Phone Be Tracked If Turned Off?

When the device is turned off, it cuts off its communication with the nearby cell towers and GPS, which means you can’t track it.

Why Is The IMEI Of My Device Blacklisted?

If you have bought a second-hand smartphone and its IMEI number is blacklisted, then it means that it was either reported stolen or lost. In this case, if you use your number on this device, your carrier can suspend its services for you.

In a worst-case scenario, you can get reported to local law enforcement agencies. So, before buying the device, you can check the IMEI of the Device in IMEI Check services to ensure that it is not reported stolen or lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

IMEI Blocked Phone – Can It Be Unblocked?

Answer: Yes, it’s possible to unblock the blacklisted IMEI number. Getting a third-party service is a universal option to unblock any IMEI.

Can I Use A Blocked IMEI Phone?

Answer: No, you can’t use a blacklisted IMEI. Blocked IMEI phones can no longer receive or make calls, texts, or even utilize mobile data.

How Do I Know If My IMEI Is Blocked?

Answer: To determine if your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is blocked, you can use several methods. First, if you are experiencing sudden issues with making calls, sending SMS, or connecting to the internet via mobile data, it may indicate a blocked IMEI. To confirm, you can check your IMEI status online through various websites that offer IMEI-checking services. Simply enter your device’s IMEI number, and the service will inform you if it is blocked, blacklisted, or clean. Another reliable method is to contact your mobile network operator directly and inquire about the status of your IMEI. They can provide accurate information regarding any blocks or restrictions on your device.