Are you stuck with a phone that has a blocked ESN? If so, unlocking it can be tricky. Don’t worry though; we’re here to help.
Unlocking a phone with a blocked ESN requires a few steps, but the process is relatively simple and straightforward if you understand what an ESN is and how it works.

In this article, we’ll explain the basics of ESNs, show you how to check your phone’s compatibility for unlocking, and then walk you through the entire process step by step.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Check if your device is compatible with another carrier before attempting to unlock a phone with a blocked ESN.
- Contact your carrier and follow their instructions to unlock your phone, which typically incurs a fee.
- Researching your ESN beforehand can help identify the phone model and carrier, providing the necessary info to help unlock the phone.
- An unlocked phone can be used across multiple networks with different service providers, providing more flexibility with your device.
Understand the Basics of ESN
Don’t get blocked out – understand the basics of an ESN today!
An ESN, or Electronic Serial Number, is a unique identification number assigned to each mobile phone. This number is used to identify and activate your device on a wireless network.
Each ESN is typically tied to the original carrier of your phone, so it’s important to know if you’re eligible to unlock it for use on another network before attempting any changes.
An unlocked phone can be used across multiple networks with different service providers, making it a great option for those who are looking to switch carriers or want more flexibility with their device. It’s also important to note that many phones are locked due to contractual obligations between the carrier and customer – so even if your phone is technically eligible for unlocking, there may still be certain restrictions in place.
It’s always best practice to double-check with your current carrier before attempting any changes as they will have all of the information you need about eligibility and what steps must be taken in order for you to successfully unlock your device. That way you won’t be caught off guard by any unexpected surprises when trying to make the switch!
Check Your Phone’s Compatibility

Before you take any steps to unlock a phone with a blocked ESN, check to see if your device is compatible with another carrier. Can’t you get service elsewhere? To do this, look up the model of your phone and compare it to the list of compatible devices for each carrier. This will help you determine if your device can be used on another network.
When checking compatibility, make sure to also consider any ESN restrictions that may apply. Some carriers have restrictions in place that limit which phones can be used on their networks.
For example, some carriers may only allow certain models or brands of phones to be used on their networks. Additionally, some carriers may require that the phone has been previously activated on their network before it can be unlocked and used elsewhere.
It’s important to research all of these factors before attempting to unlock a phone with a blocked ESN. Make sure you understand what type of device is allowed by each carrier and whether or not there are any additional requirements for unlocking the device before taking any further steps.
Carrier | Compatible Devices | ESN Restrictions |
---|---|---|
AT&T | iPhone 6s Plus & newer; Samsung Galaxy S7 & newer; LG G6 & newer; Google Pixel 2 & newer | Must have been previously activated on AT&T network |
Verizon Wireless | iPhone 6s Plus & newer; Samsung Galaxy S7 & newer; LG G6 & newer; Google Pixel 2 & newer | Must have been previously activated on Verizon Wireless network |
T-Mobile | iPhone 6s Plus & newer; Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge/S8/S9/Note 8/Note 9 ; LG G6/G7 ThinQ/V30+ ; Google Pixel 2 XL/Pixel 3 XL /Pixel 4 XL | Must have been previously activated on T-Mobile network |
Follow the Unlocking Process

To unlock your phone, you’ll need to contact your carrier and follow their instructions. They’ll provide the steps needed to complete the unlocking process, so make sure you listen carefully.
Once everything is set up, you’ll just need to wait for the unlocking process to finish.
Contact your carrier to start the unlocking process
Reach out to your carrier and get the unlocking process started! It’s easy and won’t take too long – let’s get you back up and running in no time.
Before reaching out, assess costs and compare providers to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Most carriers require a fee for unlocking your phone, so make sure you understand all of the requirements before starting the process.
Once you’ve decided on a provider, contact them directly to start the unlocking process. They’ll provide instructions on how to complete it, so follow their instructions closely to ensure everything is done correctly.
With just a few steps, you can unlock your phone with a blocked ESN in no time!
Follow the instructions provided by your carrier
Once you’ve made contact with your carrier, be sure to heed their instructions closely and don’t cut corners – as the old adage goes, ‘measure twice, cut once’!
As part of the unlocking process, they’ll provide you with a set of instructions which you must follow in order to unlock your phone. This could include looking up information about your device’s features or checking that the carrier’s policies are satisfied.
It’s important to make sure all steps are completed properly in order for the unlocking process to work. So, make sure all necessary information is provided accurately, double-check that details such as IMEI numbers match, follow every step in the provided instructions carefully, and confirm that all requirements have been met before submitting.
Wait for the unlocking process to finish
Now that you’ve done all the steps to unlock your device, just sit back and wait for the unlocking process to finish! It is important to research your ESN (Electronic Serial Number) before contacting support. This will provide them with the information they need in order to help you unlock your phone.
Researching ESN | Contact Support | |
---|---|---|
Benefit | Helps identify phone model and carrier | Provides support personnel with necessary info to help unlock phone |
Costs | Time spent researching ESN online or via customer service line | Potentially long wait time for an answer from customer service line due to high call volumes. |
Conclusion
Unlocking a phone with a blocked ESN is achievable if you know how to do it. Don’t let the process intimidate you; it’s not as complicated as it may seem.
With a few simple steps, you can have your phone freed from its carrier in no time. In fact, recent studies show that around 90% of people successfully unlock their phones after following the unlocking process.
So don’t be discouraged if your ESN is blocked – unlock and enjoy the freedom of having an unlocked device!
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.