
IMEI Unlock Any MTN Phone
- Removes Carrier Blacklist
- Fixes Bad ESN & Bad IMEI
- Any iOS Model Supported
IMEI Blacklist Fix Made Simple
Fixing a blacklisted IMEI can sound complicated if you don't know how this lock works and what options you have to clean it. Because of this, ESNDoctor has taken on the task of developing a definitive guide and tool that will help you unlock your device for free. So, if you want to learn and also solve this issue with the best online tool, this is your chance to start your unlock process!
Who manages the blacklist in South Africa, MTN or ICASA?

The blacklist in South Africa is managed by the carriers. ICASA is responsible for overseeing the regulation of the telecommunications industry, so they don't have much connection to the reporting database. In this case, MTN and the other network providers manage all processes, including registry, verification, and unlock. However, keep in mind that each carrier can have its own blacklist, meaning they can't interfere with each other but can still deny service to that phone
Besides the carrier, is there any other blacklist database?
Yes, and in this case, it is a centralized database. Basically, all major mobile networks share their blacklisted IMEI numbers with the South African National IMEI Database. This database acts as a shared reference for all mobile network operators in the country. So, besides each one having its own list, they can also register a device in the national list, so every small and major carrier can be aware of the status of this phone.
Centralized National Database
How does the blacklist work in South Africa?
The blacklist restrictions are the same in all parts of the world, as that is a standardized process implemented originally by the GSMA. Basically, when your IMEI is added to this list, your network and communication services are disabled, meaning you can't make or receive calls or send or receive SMS. Lastly, your mobile plan and data outside Wi-Fi will be disabled even if you have an active plan with MTN.
Global Standard Process
How does MTN track blacklist devices using IMEI?
Brand
Samsung
Model
Galaxy S24
Version
SM-S921B
Serial
123456789
MTN tracks the device's usage with the IMEI, allowing them to see if it has been recently reported as fraud or if there are any pending payments or contract breaches. This is done because the IMEI has all the essential information to identify a device, such as the brand, model, version, serial number, etc.
Even if the device is used with a new SIM card, MTN's network and other carriers in South Africa will still recognize the IMEI as blacklisted and will block the mobile phone from network access. Remember that this can also happen outside your country, as there are many locations that can access the international database and check if your device has been flagged.
New SIM cards cannot bypass IMEI blacklisting - the device itself is tracked
What are some alternative uses for a blacklisted device?
If your MTN device and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) are blacklisted and you can no longer use it for network-based services like calls, texts, or mobile data, there are still many alternatives and uses for that smartphone that don't rely on the carrier network connection. Here are some ideas you can try if you want to give it a shot:
Wi-Fi-only device
Media player
Gaming device
Smart home hub
E-reader
App testing
Backup phone
Camera device
Your device still has value beyond network connectivity

Blacklist limitations on MTN and other South African networks
Besides the normal network restrictions imposed by the blacklist, you can also have some other limitations that can affect your device. The most common is that you won't be able to use any SIM card of your choice or use a network unlock code to change your current carrier. Additionally, you can have a limited warranty and carrier support, meaning that if something happens to the device's software or hardware, there will be no coverage.
Any type of process you need to complete, like financing the device, unlocking a network-locked SIM card, or even traveling outside the country, will be limited and restricted. This will impact any type of device and carrier, whether they are old, new, or have regular mobile payments.
Blacklist affects all device types and carriers across South Africa
Are unlocking services available in South Africa for blacklisted devices?
Yes, online services like ESNDoctor are available in South Africa; even though they are not official, they will still work and unlock the device from the reporting database using the IMEI. It doesn't matter if a specific carrier locked it; you can still use our services to easily unlock MTN mobile devices at any time.

Look for the best service to unlock your MTN IMEI device? ESNDoctor!

With our innovative service, all types of phones can be unlocked! If you want to learn how to unlock and clean your IMEI, all you have to do is go to our main page. There, please complete the form on the screen with your name, email, device brand (Samsung, iPhone, etc.), and the phone's IMEI number. After that, please wait for the email that will provide an access key and the step-by-step guide to register on our site.
Visit Main Page
Go to ESNDoctor main page
Fill Form
Enter name, email, brand & IMEI
Receive Email
Get access key and guide
Register
Complete registration process
Wait 10 Minutes
Servers update your IMEI
Phone Ready
MTN network fully functional
With the registration process complete, you just need to wait for our servers to update the IMEI. Within 10 minutes, your phone will be fully functional again, allowing it to work with MTN.
Don't hesitate to use the best online unlocking service available and get back your MTN network and phone for free!
MTN doesn’t charge for unlocked phones; however, keep in mind that if the MTN phone has an unpaid balance, they can charge you a fee on top of the normal payment.
No, unlocking your phone will not restore your warranty. If the warranty was voided due to issues like theft, fraud, or contract violations, unlocking the IMEI won’t reverse that.
If you see that your phone is still locked and you are using an IMEI checker, you will need to wait for a couple of hours so the report can be fully lifted. This process applies to any method to unlock a phone, so even if it is with the carrier or ESNDoctor, there can be some delays.
For blacklisted devices, having an active contract can help a lot with the unlock process. So, if you have a contract and the proof of purchase validating that you are the owner of the device, they will be able to fully clean your IMEI and lift any restriction imposed on it.