How to check an iPhone’s IMEI and blacklist status before you buy in Canada

Question: Is the phone really clean?

You meet a seller with a shiny iPhone and a low price. You feel the urge to buy fast. That can cost you if the phone is blacklisted or locked.

Myth: If the screen and serial look good, the phone is fine

Many people assume that **physical condition equals legal status**. A tidy screen and correct-looking serial stickers can fool you.

**Reality:** Physical checks are only the start. You must **check the IMEI or serial with reliable tools** to see blacklist and carrier lock info. The IMEI is the phone's ID number. A clean-looking phone can still be reported lost, stolen, or bound to another carrier.

Myth: The seller can just show a passcode screen and that proves everything

Some sellers think showing the home screen or a working app proves the phone is clear. That is a common trick.

**Reality:** A working phone does not mean it is not blacklisted. **Blacklists affect cellular service**, not the basic device functions. The phone may work on Wi‑Fi and appear fine until you insert your SIM. Always verify IMEI status before you hand over money.

Myth: Any IMEI checker is as good as another

You might hear that quick free checks are enough. Many people trust the first site they find.

**Reality:** Tools vary. **Use a reputable checker that shows blacklist, carrier, and country info**. Some free tools give only partial answers. Pay-for reports or services used by shops give a fuller picture. If the checker is unclear, ask the seller for a receipt or original proof of purchase.

Myth: If the phone accepts your SIM, it's not blacklisted

You might test by putting your SIM in and getting bars. That seems convincing at first glance.

**Reality:** A temporary connection does not guarantee a clean history. **Blacklist status can change or be region-specific**. Also, some carriers allow roaming or limited service for blacklisted devices. Confirm the IMEI status with a checker that lists blacklist history and the current block state.

Myth: You can spot a fake IMEI by eye

Sellers sometimes give you the IMEI printed on a box or told aloud. It feels secure to copy it down.

**Reality:** IMEI can be tampered with or copied from another phone. **Always view the IMEI from the phone itself**: dial the IMEI code or check inside settings. Then run that IMEI through a solid checker before you pay.

Fast micro-moment: You meet a seller in a mall parking lot who insists the phone is fine and lets you test apps. You pop in your SIM and get a text. You think it's safe and are about to pay. Instead, you ask for the IMEI, run a quick check on your phone, and see a reported loss note. You walk away and the seller looks surprised.

Fast check before you pay

• Ask for the IMEI shown in the phone settings and compare it to any box or receipt

• Dial the IMEI code on the phone to confirm it matches the settings entry

• Use a reputable IMEI/blacklist checker to view blacklist and carrier lock status

• Ask the seller for proof of purchase if the checker shows unclear or flagged history

• Meet in a safe, public place and test with your own SIM if possible

• If you buy from a shop, get a written receipt that lists IMEI and return terms

• If the deal feels rushed or the seller avoids IMEI checks, walk away

A clean reset and a quick port check can be the difference between "easy money" and "not worth it."

Today’s takeaway: Always verify the phone's IMEI and blacklist status before you pay, even if the phone looks perfect.