SoftBank is maybe the most complicated Carrier when you want to network unlock an iPhone or Android mobile. Of course, things are even worse when the handset is blacklisted. Using a SoftBank Japan Blacklist IMEI Check tool is essential before you attempt to carrier unlock a cell phone.
But a bad IMEI lookup before you buy a refurbished smartphone will save you from all troubles from the beginning!
2018 Guide: Softbank Japan Blacklist IMEI Check & Unlock
Washuu started this thread in Apple Community and proves that SoftBank is a difficult Mobile Network to deal with.
From my experience, his iPhone was probably blacklisted due to pending SoftBank contract bills but on the other hand, Washuu is iPhone’s the original owner and he would also know if he had skipped a monthly tariff.
Washuu is the living example of SoftBank Japan Blacklist IMEI Check importance.
Reasons why a SoftBank cell phone gets blacklisted
- The original owner reports the smartphone as stolen or lost to SoftBank Jp while the contract is active
- The original owner has left SoftBank bills unpaid. A pending bills-blacklisted phone is also called Barred or Greylisted.
- The original owner asks for a device replacement (Insurance claims).
- The mobile was acquired illegally or it was involved in fraudulent activities.
- The handset’s IMEI or Serial number was changed without proper authorization by Manufacturer or Wireless Network. This cell phone will be flagged as replaced and become blacklisted.
The SoftBank Blacklisted IMEI restrictions
When a mobile becomes blacklisted, it can no longer operate with any Cellular Network inside the country it was Blacklisted.
The only way to use this phone in that country is to unblacklist it. You should always remember this because if you manage to SIM Unlock a blacklisted iPhone (or any Android phone), it will be unlocked worldwide except that country.
In 2017, some neighboring countries started to share their Blacklist Databases but thankfully, Japan is not one of them.
What is the SoftBank Japan Blacklist IMEI Check
A certified IMEI Blacklist Checker has authorized access to GSX and GSMA IMEI Databases.
Every phone has a unique IMEI (or MEID / ESN ) number. No matter how you call it, the International Mobile Identity Equipment (IMEI) number is a 14-16 digit code.
All IMEI info is stored inside the GSM and GSX servers. When a blacklisting reason applies, the IMEI number and eventually the mobile is moved inside a national Blacklist Database.
- An IMEI which is not blacklisted is called CLEAN IMEI
- A blacklisted IMEI is called BAD IMEI
SoftBank Blacklist IMEI Check Info
The Blacklist IMEI Check report will not only reveal the Blacklist status of a handset and which Telecoms Network blacklisted it but most importantly WHY it was blacklisted.
- Contract status
- Financial Balance
- Status Warranty status
- iCloud Activation Lock Status
- Google Smart Lock Status
- Replaced IMEI Status
- Replaced Serial Number Status
and many more that can void any unlock procedure or even re-lock your phone device.
After the IMEI Check Blacklist Report
The reason behind a Bad IMEI phone is the key to Unblacklist and SIM Unlock services.
Free Blacklist Japan IMEI Check Services
There is no free IMEI Checker. Those of them which claim to be free don’t have access to official IMEI databases and rely their reports on outdated and private DPs. You already understand that this IMEI info won’t be accurate.
GSX and GSMA require money in order to become a third party partner, so why would an IMEI Check company offer its services for free?
Thankfully, there is a verified IMEI Check Provider which offers a limited amount of free IMEI Checks every day. Maybe you are the lucky one.
Leave a comment below with your questions and thoughts on the matter. Until next time, take care.
