# Help with blacklisted iPhone 11 pro max

**URL:** <https://onehack.st/t/help-with-blacklisted-iphone-11-pro-max/322937>\
**Category:** Discussion & Solutions\
**Tags:** solved\
**Created:** [June 11, 2026, 12:01am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/help-with-blacklisted-iphone-11-pro-max/322937 "2026-06-11T00:01:59Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Aghilesh\_Poovakode](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/aghilesh_poovakode/32/169181_2.png) [@Aghilesh\_Poovakode](https://onehack.st/u/Aghilesh_Poovakode)\
**Post date:** [June 11, 2026, 12:01am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/help-with-blacklisted-iphone-11-pro-max/322937/1 "2026-06-11T00:01:59Z")

</div>

Hi everyone,

I bought an iPhone 11 Pro Max from Cashify in India on 2022, and it was working perfectly there with Indian SIM cards.

Recently, I moved to Canada, but when I insert a Canadian SIM card, the phone only shows **“SOS”** and doesn’t connect to the network. I’m guessing the device might be blacklisted in North America or have some regional/network restriction, even though it works fine in India.

Has anyone faced a similar issue before? Is there any way to get the phone unblacklisted (if that’s the problem), or is there any other solution that would allow me to use a Canadian SIM in this device?

Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.  
Thanks in advance!  
@SRZ @TheJoker pls help

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![R0B0TS](https://onehack.st/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/48db29/32.png) [@R0B0TS](https://onehack.st/u/R0B0TS)\
**Post date:** [June 11, 2026, 5:49am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/help-with-blacklisted-iphone-11-pro-max/322937/2 "2026-06-11T05:49:39Z")

</div>

> [@Aghilesh\_Poovakode](#):
>
> I bought an iPhone 11 Pro Max from Cashify in India on 2022, and it was working perfectly there with Indian SIM cards.
> 
> Recently, I moved to Canada, but when I insert a Canadian SIM card, the phone only shows **“SOS”** and doesn’t connect to the network. I’m guessing the device might be blacklisted in North America or have some regional/network restriction, even though it works fine in India.
> 
> Has anyone faced a similar issue before? Is there any way to get the phone unblacklisted (if that’s the problem), or is there any other solution that would allow me to use a Canadian SIM in this device?
> 
> Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

A few different issues can cause an iPhone to show only **SOS** in Canada, and a blacklist is only one possibility.

### 1. Check whether the iPhone is carrier-locked

Go to:

**Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock**

- If it says **“No SIM restrictions”** , the phone is unlocked.

- If it shows a carrier name or indicates restrictions, the device is locked and may not accept Canadian carriers.

Since you bought it from Cashify as a used device, it’s worth confirming this first.

### 2. Check if the IMEI is blacklisted

A blacklisted IMEI can result in a phone working in one country but being blocked on some networks in another country.

Find your IMEI:  
**Settings → General → About → IMEI**

Then ask your Canadian carrier (e.g., Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, or Telus) to verify whether the IMEI is blocked on their network.

You can also check through the Canadian stolen-device database operated by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association:

[Device Check Canada](https://www.devicecheck.ca/check-status-device-canada/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

If the IMEI is blacklisted because it was reported lost or stolen, only the party that originally reported it (or the carrier involved) can normally remove the blacklist.

### 3. Verify model compatibility

The iPhone 11 Pro Max was sold in multiple regional variants. Most Indian-market iPhone 11 Pro Max models support Canadian LTE bands, so complete incompatibility is uncommon, but it’s still worth checking the model number:

**Settings → General → About → Model Number**

Tap the model number until you see something like **A2218** , **A2161** , etc.

If you tell me the model number, I can check Canadian network compatibility.

### 4. Try basic network troubleshooting

- Update iOS to the latest version available for the device.

- Go to **Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings**.

- Test with SIM cards from more than one Canadian carrier.

- Enable and disable Airplane Mode.

- Check whether the carrier offers an eSIM and try activating one.

### 5. Determine whether it’s a network registration issue

Insert the Canadian SIM and check:

**Settings → General → About**

Does the carrier name appear anywhere, or does it remain blank and show only SOS?

Also try:

**Settings → Cellular → Network Selection**

Turn off **Automatic** and see whether Canadian networks appear in the list.

### Most likely scenarios

- **Carrier lock** → Can usually be resolved by the original carrier that locked the device.

- **Blacklisted IMEI** → Much harder; generally only the reporting carrier/owner can remove it.

- **Provisioning or network compatibility issue** → Often fixable with carrier settings updates, network reset, or a different SIM/eSIM.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Emanuel\_Branson](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/emanuel_branson/32/178452_2.png) [@Emanuel\_Branson](https://onehack.st/u/Emanuel_Branson)\
**Post date:** [June 11, 2026, 7:12am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/help-with-blacklisted-iphone-11-pro-max/322937/3 "2026-06-11T07:12:10Z")

</div>

* * *

# 🔥📱 IPHONE 11 PRO MAX SHOWING SOS IN CANADA — BOUGHT FROM INDIA? HERE’S THE REAL FIX ⚡🇨🇦🇮🇳

* * *

> 🎯 **iPhone works perfectly in India but shows SOS only in Canada? This is an extremely common problem for people who move from India to North America. It is almost definitely a SIM lock issue — NOT a blacklist. Here’s the full diagnosis and every fix in order.** 👇

* * *

## 🧠 FIRST — WHAT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING

Before panicking about blacklists, understand the real cause: [1][2]

```auto
YOUR SITUATION EXPLAINED:
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
✅ Works in India = device is NOT hardware broken
✅ SOS shows Canada = phone detects Canadian towers
                       but CANNOT authenticate your SIM

WHY? Most likely causes (in order of probability):

CAUSE 1 — SIM LOCKED TO INDIA (Most Likely 90%)
  → Cashify resells refurbished iPhones
  → Many are locked to Indian carrier (Airtel/Jio/Vi)
  → Phone only accepts Indian SIM cards
  → Canadian SIM = rejected → SOS only

CAUSE 2 — Network Band Mismatch
  → Indian iPhone may lack Canadian LTE bands
  → iPhone 11 Pro Max has this issue sometimes
  → Can only be verified by checking model number

CAUSE 3 — Blacklisted in North America
  → Much less likely but possible
  → Cashify occasionally sells devices
    with unclear international history

CAUSE 4 — Simple Software/Settings Issue
  → Easiest fix — always try this first

```

* * *

## 🔍 STEP 0 — CHECK YOUR MODEL NUMBER FIRST

This tells you everything: [3]

```auto
→ Go to: Settings → General → About → Model Number
  Tap the number once to see the full model code

INDIA MODELS (work worldwide on most bands):
  ✅ A2218 → Best — international, all bands
  ✅ A2161 → US model — works in Canada

PROBLEMATIC FOR CANADA:
  ⚠️ Check if your model supports:
     Band 4 (AWS), Band 12, Band 66
     These are key Canadian LTE bands
     (Rogers, Bell, Telus all use these)

→ Cross-check at: apple.com/iphone/compare

```

* * *

## 🛠 FIX 1 — BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING (Do This First, Takes 5 Mins)

```auto
TRY THESE BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE:

① Airplane mode ON → wait 30 seconds → OFF
  (forces network re-scan)

② Settings → Cellular → toggle Cellular Data OFF/ON

③ Settings → Cellular → Data Roaming → turn ON

④ Settings → General → About
  Wait 30 seconds → carrier update popup
  If it appears → tap Update

⑤ Remove SIM card → reinsert firmly
  Use SIM ejector pin or paperclip

⑥ Force restart:
  Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side Button
  until Apple logo appears

⑦ Settings → General → Transfer/Reset iPhone
  → Reset → Reset Network Settings
  ⚠️ Erases saved WiFi passwords only

```

* * *

## 🔓 FIX 2 — CHECK IF YOUR IPHONE IS SIM LOCKED

This is the most important step: [2]

```auto
HOW TO CHECK:
→ Settings → General → About
→ Look for "Carrier Lock" field

  ✅ "No SIM restrictions" = unlocked, not your issue
  ❌ "SIM Locked" or carrier name = LOCKED

ANOTHER WAY — IMEI Check:
→ Dial *#06# to get your IMEI number
→ Go to one of these free checkers:
   → imei.info
   → imeipro.info
   → checkmend.com

→ Check for:
   ✅ Blacklist status (clean/blocked)
   ✅ Carrier lock status
   ✅ Activation country
   ✅ Original carrier

```

* * *

## 🔑 FIX 3 — UNLOCK YOUR iPHONE (Most Likely Solution)

If it shows SIM locked to an Indian carrier: [1]

```auto
OPTION A — Contact Original Carrier (Free)
  → Find out which Indian carrier it was locked to
    (Jio, Airtel, or Vi — check IMEI checker)
  → Contact that carrier
  → Request international unlock / permanent unlock
  → Jio and Airtel both offer this for eligible devices
  → Timeline: 2–7 business days
  → Cost: Free if account is in good standing

OPTION B — Apple Carrier Unlock Request
  → If the original carrier is unknown
  → Apple can unlock via the original carrier only
  → Contact Apple Support → explain situation
  → They will contact the carrier on your behalf
  → Works if device was legitimately purchased

OPTION C — Third-Party IMEI Unlock (Paid)
  → If carrier unlock fails or is unavailable
  → Use a reputable IMEI unlock service:
     → doctorsim.com ($20–$40)
     → officialiphoneunlock.co.uk
     → imei.guru
  → They submit unlock to Apple's database directly
  → Timeline: 24–72 hours
  → After unlock → insert Canadian SIM → connect
    to iTunes/Finder → restore → works permanently
  ⚠️ Use reputable services only — many are scams

```

* * *

## 🚫 FIX 4 — IF IT’S ACTUALLY BLACKLISTED

```auto
Check your IMEI at imei.info first.

If it shows "BLACKLISTED in North America":
  → Device was likely reported stolen/lost in North America
    before reaching India's second-hand market

OPTIONS:
  ① Contact Cashify directly
    → You bought it from them → they are responsible
    → Demand full refund or replacement
    → Consumer forum complaint if they refuse

  ② Blacklist removal services
    → Expensive and NOT guaranteed
    → Ranges from $100–$300
    → Only works for some carriers

HONEST TRUTH:
  → A blacklisted device in North America
    CANNOT be used on major Canadian carriers
    (Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Koodo, Virgin)
  → Best outcome if truly blacklisted:
    → Get refund from Cashify
    → Buy a new device in Canada

```

* * *

## ✅ CANADIAN CARRIERS THAT ARE EASY TO TEST WITH

Once unlocked, these are the best Canadian carriers to try: [4]

| 📶 CARRIER | ✅ GOOD FOR | 💰 CHEAPEST PLAN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Fido** | Great coverage, Rogers network | ~$25/mo |
| **Koodo** | Telus network, good for newcomers | ~$30/mo |
| **Freedom Mobile** | Cheapest, good in cities | ~$20/mo |
| **Public Mobile** | Cheapest long-term, Telus network | ~$15/mo |
| **Lucky Mobile** | Bell network, budget option | ~$20/mo |

* * *

## 💡 PRO TIPS

- 🔑 **90% chance this is a SIM lock — NOT a blacklist** — Indian iPhones sold on Cashify are almost always locked to Indian carriers [2]
- 🆓 **Check IMEI at imei.info before spending a rupee** — 2 minutes of free checking will tell you exactly what you’re dealing with [4]
- 📞 **Cashify has a return/replacement policy** — if the device is truly blacklisted internationally, you have grounds to demand a refund
- 🌐 **After unlocking, use iTunes/Finder to finalize** — insert Canadian SIM, connect to computer, let it activate — this completes the unlock process properly [3]
- 💳 **Public Mobile and Freedom Mobile are best for newcomers** — no credit check, pay-as-you-go options, and SIM cards available at Walmart Canada

* * *

## ⚡ QUICK ACTION PLAN

```auto
TODAY — RIGHT NOW:
  1. Check IMEI at imei.info (free, 2 mins)
  2. Check Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock

IF SIM LOCKED:
  → Contact Airtel/Jio/Vi India for free unlock
  → OR use doctorsim.com for paid unlock

IF BLACKLISTED:
  → Contact Cashify for refund immediately
  → File consumer complaint if they refuse

IF NEITHER (clean + unlocked):
  → Reset Network Settings
  → Try a different Canadian carrier SIM
  → Contact Apple Support

```

* * *

_The SOS issue when moving from India to Canada is one of the most reported iPhone problems in 2026 among the Indian diaspora. In almost every case it’s a carrier SIM lock — not a blacklist, not a hardware failure. Check your IMEI first, identify the original Indian carrier, request the unlock, and your phone will work perfectly on any Canadian network. 💪🔥🚀_

* * *

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Aghilesh\_Poovakode](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/aghilesh_poovakode/32/169181_2.png) [@Aghilesh\_Poovakode](https://onehack.st/u/Aghilesh_Poovakode)\
**Post date:** [June 13, 2026, 6:44pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/help-with-blacklisted-iphone-11-pro-max/322937/4 "2026-06-13T18:44:14Z")

</div>

Thank you so much for you help @R0B0TS and @Emanuel_Branson , As per your suggestion, I checked the **DeviceCheck Canada** website with my IMEI, and this was the result.

" **Your device HAS BEEN reported lost or stolen and is on the national blacklist."**  
😢 Im gonna email that assholes, ill update you.

Thank you so much

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![SRZ](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/srz/32/146132_2.png) [@SRZ](https://onehack.st/u/SRZ)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/help-with-blacklisted-iphone-11-pro-max/322937/5 "2026-07-22T16:53:42Z")

</div>

![dont guess one IMEI check tells you](https://onehack.st/uploads/default/original/3X/c/2/c2ec6d1f3e1b0d82612ae5a9496cf12ded31a5a0.jpeg)

@Aghilesh_Poovakode solid diagnosis above already 👌 — but both replies stop right where it matters: _“only the carrier can unlock.”_ Here’s the part that actually gets your Canadian SIM working, plus how to know which problem you even have before spending a rupee.

First, what “SOS” really means 👇

```auto
📵 SOS in Canada = phone SEES the towers, but your SIM is REJECTED at sign-in
                     → radio is fine. It's a LOCK, not a dead phone.

```

A phone from Cashify (used/refurb) showing SOS abroad is **~90% just SIM-locked to its original carrier** , _not_ blacklisted. Those are two totally different walls — so don’t guess. One check settles it 👇

━━━━━━ 🔍 **STEP 1 — one IMEI check tells you everything** ━━━━━━

Dial `*#06#` to get your IMEI, then run it here (free, ~30 sec):  
🔗 **[imeicheck.com](http://imeicheck.com)** → [https://imeicheck.com/iphone-imei-check](https://imeicheck.com/iphone-imei-check)  
↳ it shows **SIM-lock · carrier · blacklist · iCloud-lock** in one report.  
Cross-check the blacklist free → [https://iunlocker.com/gsma\_blacklist\_check.php](https://iunlocker.com/gsma_blacklist_check.php) · official Canada (CWTA) → [https://www.devicecheck.ca/consumers/](https://www.devicecheck.ca/consumers/)

That result points you to exactly ONE of the three fixes below. 🎯

> **🔓 Result = SIM-LOCKED (the likely one) → free it, then any SIM works**
>
> The permanent fix is a **factory unlock** — a whitelist on your IMEI in Apple’s activation database. Once done, any SIM/eSIM works forever, survives updates + resets.
> 
> 1. **Find the true locking carrier first** (a lot of “India” iPhones are US imports) → GSX check [https://www.unlockbase.com/phone-unlocking-service/apple-gsx-check/](https://www.unlockbase.com/phone-unlocking-service/apple-gsx-check/)
> 2. **Try the FREE official route** for that carrier:  
> ├─ Jio → in the **MyJio app → “Unlock – Upgrade by Jio”** → [https://www.jio.com/help/faq/mobile/partner-offers/upgrade-offer-for-pre-owned-smartphone/how-can-i-unlock-my-pre-owned-smartphone-under-the-upgrade-offer/](https://www.jio.com/help/faq/mobile/partner-offers/upgrade-offer-for-pre-owned-smartphone/how-can-i-unlock-my-pre-owned-smartphone-under-the-upgrade-offer/)  
> └─ if US-locked: AT&T → [https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/](https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/) · T-Mobile → [https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/unlock-your-mobile-wireless-device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/unlock-your-mobile-wireless-device)
> 3. **Carrier won’t / can’t?** Paid factory unlock (permanent, remote, no code):  
> └─ ✅ UnlockBase — exact 11 Pro Max page → [https://www.unlockbase.com/unlock-phone/apple/iphone-11-pro-max/](https://www.unlockbase.com/unlock-phone/apple/iphone-11-pro-max/) (reputable alts: doctorSIM → [https://www.doctorsim.com/en-us/](https://www.doctorsim.com/en-us/) · CellUnlocker → [https://www.cellunlocker.net/unlock-iphone/](https://www.cellunlocker.net/unlock-iphone/))
> 
> ⚠ **Scam filter:** any site promising a “free instant unlock” or “blacklist remover” is fake. Check names first → [https://www.theiphonewiki.com/wiki/Scam\_Jailbreaks\_and\_Unlocks](https://www.theiphonewiki.com/wiki/Scam_Jailbreaks_and_Unlocks) · real vendor reports → [https://www.reddit.com/r/setupapp/](https://www.reddit.com/r/setupapp/)  
> 💡 R-SIM / GPP “unlock chips” exist but are unreliable on current iOS — last resort only.

> **⛔ Result = BLACKLISTED → the honest reality (no magic remover)**
>
> Blacklist = the IMEI was reported lost/stolen/unpaid. It’s a database block only the **reporting carrier/owner** can lift — no legit site removes it.
> 
> - ❌ An **eSIM does NOT bypass it** — the block is on the device, not the SIM → [https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/do-esims-work-on-blacklisted-phones](https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/do-esims-work-on-blacklisted-phones)
> - ✅ It still works fully on **Wi-Fi + Wi-Fi Calling** (calls/texts over internet) → [https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT203032](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT203032)
> - 🧪 A travel/roaming **data-eSIM** sometimes still connects (rides a foreign network) — worth a cheap test, don’t bank on it → [https://www.airalo.com/canada-esim](https://www.airalo.com/canada-esim)
> - If it’s a Cashify device, first double-check it’s _actually_ blacklisted and not just locked — people confuse the two constantly.

> **🍎 Result = iCLOUD / Activation Locked → a different problem entirely**
>
> This isn’t a carrier issue — the phone is tied to the previous owner’s Apple ID. Only they (or Apple, with proof of purchase) can remove it → [https://support.apple.com/en-us/108934](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108934). If Cashify sold it iCloud-locked, go back to them for a refund/removal.

**Before paying anyone** , rule out the boring stuff for free:  
⚙ Settings → General → About → **check “Carrier Lock”** (says “No SIM restrictions” = unlocked) · reset **Network Settings** · test a 2nd Canadian SIM.  
📶 And confirm it’s not a band issue — your model (likely **A2218** ) vs Canada, per-band → [https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/CA/apple-iphone-11-pro-max](https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/CA/apple-iphone-11-pro-max) (A2218 carries the Canadian bands, so this is rarely the cause).

“Blacklisted” is the scary guess — a lock is the usual truth. One IMEI check turns a dead phone into a five-dollar fix.