5 Proven Ways to Unlock a Blacklisted iPhone (2025 Guide)

Bought a second-hand iPhone only to find out it’s blacklisted? You’re not alone. A blacklisted iPhone can’t make calls, send texts, or access mobile data on a carrier network, usually because it was reported lost or stolen. Many people run into this problem when buying used phones—or worse, they realize they can’t resell it. Traveling abroad becomes a headache, too. But don’t worry—there’s still hope. In this guide, we’ll explore 5 safe ways to unlock a blacklisted iPhone in 2025 that could save your device and your money.

Part 1: Why Is My iPhone Blacklisted and How to Check It

Finding out your iPhone is blacklisted can be frustrating, especially if you just bought it second-hand. There are several reasons why this might happen, the most common being unpaid bills with the previous carrier or the device being reported lost or stolen. Less frequently, it could result from fraudulent insurance claims.

When your device’s IMEI is blacklisted, it cannot be used with any carrier’s SIM card. Since the blacklist is maintained by the GSMA, a global association of network operators, bypassing it is almost impossible.

How to Check if Your iPhone Is Blacklisted:

Step 1: Find your device’s IMEI number by dialling ‘*#06#’.

Step 2: Note down the IMEI number and use an online tool such as SafeUnlocks, IMEI.info, or ESNDoctor to check if your device is on the blacklist.

With tighter global carrier cooperation in 2025, bypassing a blacklist is harder than ever. But don’t worry—there are still a few safe methods that might help you regain full use of your iPhone, which we’ll explore next.

Part 2: Can a Blacklisted iPhone Still Be Used

Technically, a blacklisted iPhone can still work, but its functionality is very limited. You may still be able to use WiFi, apps, and iPod functions, but your SIM card won’t let you make calls, send texts, or access mobile data.

Imagine being on the move and suddenly realizing you can’t call a friend, send an urgent message, or use mobile data for navigation. That’s the daily frustration many people face with a blacklisted iPhone.

In such cases, unlocking your device becomes crucial to restore its full functionality and make it usable like a normal iPhone again. In the next section, we’ll explore safe methods to do exactly that in 2025.

Part 3: 5 Methods to Unlock a Blacklisted iPhone

Finding out your iPhone is blacklisted can be frustrating, especially if you just bought it second-hand. The good news is, there are safe ways to regain full use of your device in 2025. Here are 5 methods you can try: 

Method 1: Contact the Original Owner (Free)

When it works: Overdue fees, false theft reports.

Bought a blacklisted iPhone? Don’t panic. The first step is to contact the original owner. They might have forgotten to clear their previous dues or accidentally reported the device as stolen. If they cooperate, your iPhone could be unlocked without much hassle.

Method 2: Contact the Original Carrier (Free)

When it works: Legitimate ownership, billing issues resolved.

If you legally own the device, contact the original carrier. Make sure your account is in good standing and all past bills are cleared. The carrier can unlock the phone within a few days if everything checks out.

Method 3: Use Reputable Third-Party Unlocking Services (Paid & Safe)

When it works: Carrier uncooperative, unable to contact the owner.

If the first two options fail, using a trusted tool like Passixer iPhone Unlocker can safely remove your device from the global blacklist. It doesn’t require carrier cooperation and ensures zero data loss.

Let’s take a look at some of its key features that might benefit you:

1. Removes your IMEI from the global blacklist and frees up your device.
2. Does not need a carrier to unlock the phone.
3. Ensures zero data loss while unlocking your iPhone.

Steps to Unlock Using Passixer iPhone Unlocker:

Method 4: IMEI Chip Replacement (Advanced, Not Recommended)

For older iPhone models like the 3GS or 4, some tech experts might consider replacing the IMEI chip to bypass a blacklist. However, this method comes with serious drawbacks:

1. Legal issues: Changing an IMEI can be illegal in many countries.
2. Device damage: The procedure is intricate and can easily brick your phone.
3. Availability: Replacement chips for these outdated models are extremely hard to find in 2025.

This method is only for advanced tech experts and is not recommended for most users.

Method 5: Hardware Fix (Not Recommended)

Yet another way to potentially unlock a blocked device is to replace the motherboard/logic board. This way, users can gain access to a completely new IMEI number.

However, it is the same as changing the phone altogether, and not ‘unlocking’ it, since all data will be lost. The costs are about as high as getting a new device altogether, and users will void their warranty by going through with this procedure.

Quick Comparison Table

For most users, Methods 1–3 are the safest and most practical ways to unlock a blacklisted iPhone in 2025. Methods 4 and 5 are risky, costly, and legally questionable, and should only be considered by experts handling obsolete devices.

Part 4: Legal & Ethical Considerations When Unlocking a Blacklisted iPhone

If you’ve just discovered your iPhone is blacklisted, you might be wondering: is it legal to unlock it? The answer depends on the method you choose.

Safe and Legal Methods:

1. Carrier Unlocks: Completely legal if you are the legitimate owner.
2. IMEI Clearing via Trusted Tools: Legal when done through reputable, safe services like Passixer iPhone Unlocker.

Illegal and Risky Methods:

1. Unlocking a stolen device is illegal and should never be attempted.
2. IMEI tampering, using shady online tools, or bypassing carrier restrictions through illegal means can lead to serious legal consequences and security risks.

Best Practices for Buying or Using Second-Hand iPhones:

1. Always verify the IMEI before purchasing a used iPhone.
2. Prefer platforms that provide buyer protection.
3. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true—especially if the device may be blacklisted.
4. Stick to legal, trusted methods if your device is already blacklisted.

By following these legal and ethical guidelines, you protect yourself, your data, and ensure your iPhone can be safely used.

Part 5: Tips & Best Practices for Blacklisted iPhone

1. Always verify ownership and IMEI status before completing the purchase.
2. Avoid deals that are ‘too good to be true’ on the used market.
3. Avoid services promising instant unlock for very cheap
4. Back up your iPhone before any unlock procedure.
5. Consider resale or trade-in options if the unlock fails.

Part 6: FAQs

Conclusion

Buying an iPhone only to find it blacklisted can be an awful experience. Luckily, we’ve covered several detailed ways you can rescue your device and start using it. However, if you cannot go through a carrier unlock or an IMEI wash, you should try Passixer iPhone Unlocker for a one-stop solution.