Your device IMEI is a unique cellular device identifier - that relates only to the Cellular sub-system of your iPad. If the IMEI is blocked, this often indicates that the device has been reported as stolen - or that the Cellular provider with which the iPad was being used has an unpaid contract or other dispute.
If the IMEI is blocked, you’ll not be able to use Cellular services with any Carrier. Only the Carrier that registered the IMEI block can remove it.
A blocked IMEI might, for many buyers, be a good reason to look elsewhere for a previously owned device. That said, if you are happy to have acquired a device that has a known issue that prevents future use of Cellular services (recognising that your needs may change over time), then that is a choice for you to make. Other functionality of your iPad will not be affected.
However, be absolutely certain that the Activation Lock that will be associated with the previous owners AppleID has been removed before taking ownership. This user tip, authored by one of our respected senior contributors, outlines many of the potential pitfalls of purchasing a previous owned device:
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
Here are Apple’s recommended actions and checks to perform when purchasing a previously used device:
Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else
Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use:
- Turn on and unlock the device.
- If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
- Begin the device setup process.
- If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.
You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.
