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Unblacklist a phone or network unlock it… Are they the same thing? Nope!
Unlocking a cell phone from its current network using its unique IMEI number and removing a device from the blacklist due to loss, theft or unpaid bills are two completely different processes. And it really pays to learn to distinguish the difference between the two terms.
By unlocking your phone by IMEI, you are requesting the removal of the network lock preventing you from using a SIM card from any other network carrier. However, if you want to remove the device from the blacklist, you will need to have the phone’s IMEI number deleted from the database that telecommunications companies use to keep track of blacklisted phones.
The two terms are often used interchangeably because it is not always clear what the owner of the phone is referring to when they want to unlock their device, but they are definitely not the same. Let’s take a look in detail at what each term means, so you can tell them apart.
What does unlocking by IMEI mean?
When you unlock your phone, you are simply removing any restrictions that prevent its use on another carrier’s network.
All current cell phone models are designed to work with multiple networks around the world. However, cell phone manufacturers place software locks on the devices to ensure that they can only be used on one particular network carrier. This prevents the customer from taking advantage of getting a phone for a discounted price from the original carrier, deciding not to pay the monthly bill, and then using the device with a different carrier.
When you unlock the network of your phone, these restrictions are removed so that you can switch carriers easily whenever necessary without having to buy a new device. This is especially useful if you frequently travel abroad or regularly move between cities. It is also beneficial to own an unlocked phone so that at any given time you can choose the carrier with the phone plan that best suit your needs.
doctorSIM has been offering unlocking services since 2007, and has successfully unlocked thousands of phones during this time. If you are looking for a fast, quality online cell phone unlocking service, you have come to the right place!
1- Visit doctorSIM, by clicking on Unlock Your Phone and then select the make (and model if required) of the phone you want to unlock.
2- Indicate the Country and Original Network Carrier, as well as the device’s IMEI number (which you can obtain by typing *#06#).
3- Pay for your unlocking request selecting your preferred method from the options available, and in a short period of time you will receive simple step-by-step instructions by email on how to complete the process.
How can I remove my phone from the blacklist?
A cell phone is blacklisted when it has been reported as lost, stolen or due to non-payment, preventing it from connecting to the networks of most carriers. Usually, you will not be able to make or receive calls, and some of the device’s features may not work properly either.
You must contact the network carrier to which the cell phone belongs to safely remove it from the blacklist. You may be required to pay what is owed on the device or demonstrate proof of ownership.
Unfortunately, other methods of removing a phone from the blacklist are neither secure nor reliable.
It is essential to check beforehand if a phone has been blacklisted by the original network carrier if you are going to buy a second-hand cell phone. At doctorSIM you can check if a cell phone is blacklisted with our Blacklist Check.
Now you know how to unblacklist a phone and how to network unlock it… What’s next?
For a small fee and in next to no time, you will receive a report with the status of your device. We strongly recommend that you verify this information before buying a used cell phone, because if you find out after you’ve bought it that it is blacklisted, you may not be able to use it properly.
More information: Unlock your phone by IMEI, Check if your device is blacklisted
