How to check if an iPhone is blacklisted or stolen
Jul 11, 2025 am 03:18 AMTo check if an iPhone is blacklisted or stolen, first verify the IMEI number by dialing *#06# or checking Settings > General > About, then use free online IMEI checkers like IMEI.info to look for flags such as “Lost/Blocked” or “Stolen,” next check the iCloud Activation Lock status via Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Find My iPhone or Apple’s official Activation Lock checker online, and finally contact the carrier directly with the IMEI to confirm the device’s status on their network, ensuring it isn’t blocked or reported lost or stolen.
If you're thinking about buying a used iPhone or want to confirm your own device isn't flagged, checking whether it's blacklisted or stolen is a smart move. The good news is, there are straightforward ways to find out — and they don’t require technical wizardry.

Check the IMEI Number
Every iPhone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This is the key to checking its status. You can find it by dialing *#06# on the phone, or look under Settings > General > About. If the phone isn’t accessible, check the original packaging or receipt.
Once you have the IMEI:

- Go to a free IMEI checker site like IMEI.info orimei.pro
- Enter the number and run the report
- Look for flags like "Lost/Blocked" or "Stolen"
Keep in mind that while these tools are helpful, they aren’t always 100% accurate. Some services pull from carrier databases, others use global registries. If anything looks off, treat it as a red flag until proven otherwise.
Ask for the Activation Lock Status
iCloud Activation Lock is Apple’s built-in anti-theft feature. If it’s still active on the iPhone, that means the previous owner hasn’t removed their Apple ID — which could lock you out of the device later.

To check:
- On the iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
- Tap Find My iPhone — if it’s on, ask the seller to remove it before handing over the phone
- Or, use Apple’s official Activation Lock status checker online
You’ll need the serial number or IMEI to use Apple’s tool. If the device is still locked, it’s not safe to proceed unless the seller can prove ownership and disable it right in front of you.
Verify with the Carrier
Even if an iPhone passes the IMEI check, it’s worth contacting the carrier it was originally tied to. Carriers maintain their own records of lost or stolen devices on their networks.
Call the carrier directly or visit a store with the IMEI in hand. They can tell you if the phone has been reported or blocked from service. This step is especially important if you plan to use the phone on a contract or SIM-based plan.
Also, keep in mind that a blacklisted phone may work fine Wi-Fi-only (like for apps and browsing), but won’t connect to any mobile network — making it less useful than it appears.
That’s basically how you do it. None of these steps are complicated, but skipping them could land you with a useless phone. So take a few minutes to verify before sealing the deal.
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