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What is an IMEI blacklist check, and why does it matter?

What an IMEI number is, what a blacklisted phone is, and why it matters when you buy used.

Guide

Written by Ali, who has been fixing electronic devices since 2019. Updated .

An IMEI blacklist check tells you whether a phone has been reported lost, stolen or blocked. A blacklisted phone may not work on UK mobile networks, even with a new SIM. Checking before you buy a used phone protects you from paying for a phone you can’t use.

What is an IMEI number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a 15-digit number that identifies one individual phone. Phones with two SIM slots, or a SIM and an eSIM, often have two IMEI numbers.

To find it:

  1. Dial *#06# on the phone. The IMEI shows on screen.
  2. Or look in Settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings, General, About. On an Android phone, look under About phone.
  3. Check it matches the number on the box or the SIM tray, if there is one. A mismatch is a warning sign.

What does blacklisted mean?

In the UK, when a phone is reported lost or stolen, its IMEI can be added to a shared blacklist. UK networks use that list to block the phone from connecting. A phone can also be blocked by a network if the contract or finance on it wasn’t paid.

A blacklisted phone may still switch on and work on Wi-Fi, which is why it can look fine when you first see it. The problem shows up when you put your SIM in and get no signal.

Why it matters when you buy used

  • The phone may not work for calls, texts or mobile data.
  • You may lose your money. A blocked phone is hard to sell on.
  • It may be stolen property, and could be taken from you if it’s traced.

Ask the seller for the IMEI before you pay, and run a check. Be wary of anyone who won’t share it.

What a blacklist check doesn’t cover

An IMEI check doesn’t tell you if the phone is still linked to someone else’s account. On an iPhone, also check that Find My is off and the phone has been fully reset. See remove iCloud before selling for what a properly prepared phone looks like, and buying a used iPhone for a full checklist.

Used phones from Ezone Repairs

Every used phone we sell is IMEI and blacklist checked, data-wiped, battery-tested and fully tested before it goes on sale. Each is graded A+, A, B or C, explained in used device grades, and comes with a 12-month warranty.

See used phones for sale, or visit Ezone Repairs at 9 Harefield Road, Nuneaton CV11 4HA. Call 024 7634 1341 to ask about a phone before you visit.

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