How to check whether phone is locked on unlocked when buying used phone from eBay

 

iPhones still slam dunk the smart phone market by a staggering margin. Whether you talk about the iPhone 4 or the iPhone 5s, you’ll still find a lot of consumers in love with these models, and a significant number of individuals who are planning to switch from Android to iPhone or buying their first Apple device for the first time. When it comes to buying an iPhone on a budget, a second-hand iPhone offers a great way to save money while taking advantage of all the features. Most of the iPhone models including the iPhone 5s, 5c, 5, 4s, 4, 3GS and 3G are available as used handsets on eBay, one of the largest marketplaces on the web.

Buying an iPhone from eBay

eBay sellers are selling two types of devices: locked and unlocked iPhones. Locked iPhones are the ones that are tied to a specific carrier, and they can receive network signals on that specific carrier. So, for example, if an iPhone 4 is locked to the AT&T network, it will only work on that network and not on Verizon, unless it is unlocked. Some phones may also be barred or blacklisted by the carrier, so they cannot receive network signals and can only play music and other functions that does not rely on the network. An unlocked iPhone on the other hand can work on any carrier in the world. It can be updated to latest firmwares and basebands without malfunctioning, and you can insert any GSM SIM inside it. A warranty may also be offered with an unlocked iPhone.

Checking if a used iPhone is locked or unlocked

There is some controversy surrounding the sale of use unlocked handsets, as some people engage in fraud on eBay. What these sellers do is list a locked iPhone as unlocked and charge the money for the latter. For buyers, it is a headache to get their money back after being scammed, so it’s best just to check whether an iPhone is really unlocked before purchase, or immediately after purchase. To do so:

1. Ask from the IMEI code from the seller, or dial *#06# on your dialpad to see the 15 digit IMEI code. Note this code down and enter it on IMEI.info (web address). It will show the unlock status.
2. Plug your phone into your computer and open iTunes. Go to Summary > click on phone number (the line below data capacity), to see your IMEI code. Or check the back case at the bottom to see the IMEI code in case of iPhone 5 and above, or the SIM card tray in case of iPhone 4s, 4, 3GS or 3G.

Take these measures to ensure your money is not lost.

To unlock phone with AT&T network, click here:

To unlock phone with AT&T and ALL other networks, click here: