{"id":43386,"date":"2023-05-11T17:01:03","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T22:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macreports.com\/?p=43386"},"modified":"2023-05-11T17:01:07","modified_gmt":"2023-05-11T22:01:07","slug":"how-to-check-if-a-used-iphone-is-stolen-or-blacklisted-imei-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macreports.com\/how-to-check-if-a-used-iphone-is-stolen-or-blacklisted-imei-check\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Check If a Used iPhone is Stolen or Blacklisted (IMEI Check)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are considering purchasing a used iPhone from an independent seller, such as from someone on eBay, Craigslist, etc., you will want to make sure the phone will work. There are many things that could be wrong with the phone physically, as with any used electronic device. But there are also security measures that can prevent an iPhone from working if it has been stolen or blacklisted. You’ll want to check for these measures, which include checking the IMEI, before purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people like to purchase used iPhones. They can be had for much cheaper than new ones, which are quite expensive. Also, the pace of changes to smartphones has slowed significantly over the years and phones that are a couple of years old are almost as good as the latest models. Apple products are also known for longevity, both from the sound physical design and from Apple’s commitment to continuing updates for many years after the product’s release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we’ll tell you how you can make sure a used iPhone you purchase isn’t stolen by checking if it is Activation Locked, locked to a carrier or IMEI blacklisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an IMEI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Basically, an IMEI number is a number that is unique to the phone. It is a number that cell carriers use to identify a phone on the network. It has nothing to do with the SIM but rather identifies the phone itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an IMEI check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are online databases of phone IMEI\/ MEID numbers for phones that have been reported stolen. If an iPhone has been reported as stolen and the IMEI is blacklisted, wireless carrier networks will not allow the phone to be used on their networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Activation Lock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the iPhone was stolen, the original owner could have an Activation Lock on the phone. An Activation Lock will prevent anyone else from setting up the phone. An Activation Locked phone is useless to you unless the owner removes the lock<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"iPhone
[Image Credit: Apple]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

How to find the IMEI\/MEID on an iPhone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can do this if you have the iPhone in your hand. If you don’t, try to get a video, preferably live stream, from the seller showing the IMEI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the iPhone has been set up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"IMEI<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Open the Settings<\/strong> app and tap on General<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Tap on About<\/strong>, then scroll down to find either the IMEI<\/strong>, MEID <\/strong>number or both.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If the iPhone hasn’t been set up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"info
    [Original Image Credit: Apple]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    On the Hello screen, tap the (i) info<\/strong> button to see basic information about the iPhone, including the IMEI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to check IMEI and Activation Lock<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"IMEI<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Open a browser and navigate to the iPhone checker at imeipro.info<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Below the ad, enter the IMEI number in the search field where it says, “Enter IMEI Number here…”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Complete the Captcha and then click CHECK<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"IMEI
      NOTE! You want Find my iPhone OFF<\/strong>!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Scroll down past the ad to see the results. You’ll want to see:\n