New iPhone 15 Pro Blacklisted or JV Phone - How Can I Unlock and Activate the SIM?

Hi Apple Community,


I recently purchased a brand new, box-packed iPhone 15 Pro that was non-active when I bought it. However, upon trying to activate the device, I found out that it’s either blacklisted or a JV phone, meaning I can’t unlock the SIM or use it as intended.


I’m looking for advice on whether it’s possible to whitelist the phone or unlock the SIM so I can activate it fully. Has anyone experienced this with a new iPhone before? What are my options for unlocking the SIM and ensuring the phone is fully functional?


Thank you!

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 17

Posted on Sep 29, 2024 11:45 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 29, 2024 11:48 AM

I would recommend returning the phone to avoid any problems and delays. When purchased at Apple or Authorized Apple Seller, you have 14 days to return the phone.


For a SIM Lock issue, you can only get it unlocked by the Cell Provider that it is locked to. Apple cannot unlock a phone that is SIM locked to a carrier. Getting a phone unlocked by the carrier is not always an easy process.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 29, 2024 11:48 AM in response to walimohsin

I would recommend returning the phone to avoid any problems and delays. When purchased at Apple or Authorized Apple Seller, you have 14 days to return the phone.


For a SIM Lock issue, you can only get it unlocked by the Cell Provider that it is locked to. Apple cannot unlock a phone that is SIM locked to a carrier. Getting a phone unlocked by the carrier is not always an easy process.

Sep 29, 2024 12:02 PM in response to walimohsin

I have no idea what a “JV” phone is supposed to mean.

If your phone is blacklisted, that was done by a cellular carrier. It means it was reported as stolen or the original owner didn’t complete their carrier contract and owes money to them.


Either way the phone is useless as a cellular device and no carrier will ever activate it.


Best advice, return it for a refund.

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New iPhone 15 Pro Blacklisted or JV Phone - How Can I Unlock and Activate the SIM?

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